How To Pan-Fry A Fish Fillet With Skin Properly

Pan-frying a fish fillet with the skin on is a great way to get crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it right:

 What You’ll Need:

• Fish fillets with skin (salmon, sea bass, trout, snapper, etc.)

• Salt & pepper

• Neutral oil with a high smoke point (canola, grapeseed, vegetable)

• Paper towels

• A nonstick or well-seasoned stainless steel skillet

• Optional: butter, garlic, herbs (for basting)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Fish

• Pat dry the fish thoroughly with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

• Score the skin (optional but useful for thicker fillets): Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes through the skin to prevent curling.

• Season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking.

2. Preheat the Pan

• Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

• Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan (about 1–2 tablespoons).

3. Cook Skin-Side Down First

• Place the fish skin-side down in the pan away from you to avoid splatters.

• Use a spatula to gently press down for the first 30 seconds to keep the skin flat and in full contact with the pan.

4. Let It Crisp

• Don’t move the fish whatsoever as this ruins the crisping process! It is possibly the most important part for the pan-frying process. Let it cook skin-side down for 70–90% of the total cooking time.

• Depending on thickness, this usually takes 3–5 minutes.

• You’ll see the flesh turning opaque from the bottom up.

5. Flip and Finish

• Carefully flip the fish and cook for another 30–90 seconds on the flesh side.

• If you want extra flavour, add a knob of butter, crushed garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary and baste the fish in the last minute.

6. Rest and Serve

• Transfer to a plate, rest for a minute or two, and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce.

 Tips for Success:

• The fish is ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

• If the skin curls, press it gently with your spatula to keep it flat.