Long John Silver’s Batter is a well-loved recipe known for its light and crispy texture. This batter is perfect for coating seafood or chicken before frying. Many people remember the delicious crunch from their childhood visits to Long John Silver’s, and now you can replicate that flavor at home. It’s an easy-to-make batter that will elevate your fried dishes, making them even more enjoyable.

Why Make This Recipe
Making Long John Silver’s Batter at home is a great way to bring the flavors of your favorite fried foods into your kitchen. It’s simple and requires only a few ingredients. Instead of purchasing pre-made mixes, you can customize the batter to your taste. Plus, it’s a fun cooking activity that you can do with family or friends. You’ll impress everyone with how easy it is to make crispy, delightful fried seafood or chicken.
How to Make Long John Silver’s Batter
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup iced water or club soda
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and add the iced water or club soda.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Use the batter immediately to coat seafood or chicken before frying in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
How to Serve Long John Silver’s Batter
Serve your fried seafood or chicken hot, straight out of the fryer. You can place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Pair your dish with some lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor. It makes a great meal for family dinners, gatherings, or even a casual snack.
How to Store Long John Silver’s Batter
It is best to use Long John Silver’s Batter right after you make it. However, if you have leftover batter, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Remember to cover the bowl tightly. When you are ready to use it again, you may need to add a little water to achieve the right consistency.
Tips to Make Long John Silver’s Batter
- Use cold water or club soda for a lighter batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; leaving some lumps will help it stay crispy.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this ensures a crispy texture.
- Experiment with adding your favorite spices to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
Variation
You can add different spices or herbs to the batter, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also try using sparkling water instead of iced water for even more lightness.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Long John Silver’s Batter?
It’s not recommended to freeze the batter because it may not retain its texture. It’s best to make it fresh when needed.
2. What can I coat with this batter besides seafood?
You can use this batter to coat chicken, vegetables, or even cheese before frying.
3. How can I make the batter gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Long John Silver’s Batter
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup iced water or club soda Use cold for a lighter batter.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and add the iced water or club soda.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Use the batter immediately to coat seafood or chicken before frying in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.







