Apollo Fish Fry is a Hyderabadi specialty. In this Fish Apollo recipe, fish fillets are dipped in a batter, deep-fried and lightly tossed in a masala seasoning. This is a must-try battered fish recipe, easy to cook and delicious to eat!
Apollo Fish Fry isn’t just a dish — it’s a Hyderabadi cult classic. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a zingy, spicy masala that clings beautifully to every bite. If you’ve ever walked into a Hyderabadi restaurant and wondered why “Apollo Fish” is always trending on the menu — this recipe will tell you why.
Hyderabad style fish fry is a tasty and juicy fish starter that’s always a hit at any party. Deep-fried fish fillets tossed in a spicy masala are an all-time favourite non-vegetarian dish.
✅ What Is Fish Apollo (Apollo Fish Fry)?
- A signature Hyderabadi appetizer made with boneless fish, lightly batter-fried, and tossed in a fiery yet tangy spice mix.
- It’s known for its soft melt-in-your-mouth texture, bright orange color, and zesty Indo-Chinese twist brought by curry leaves, green chilies, and a hint of lemon.
Goodness of Fish:
- Rich in high-quality protein that supports muscle repair.
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
- Low in saturated fat — great for weight management.
- Contains vitamin D & B12 which boost immunity and energy levels.
- Strengthens bones due to calcium and phosphorus.
Apollo Fish Fry Recipe Step By Step:
If you’re craving a crispy fish starter that hits all the right notes — spicy, tangy, flavour-packed — this Apollo Fish Recipe is your next obsession. Popular in Hyderabadi restaurants, Fish Apollo Fry combines batter-fried fish with a sizzling toss of curry leaves, green chillies, and Indo-Chinese flair.
Whether you love Andhra fish fry recipes or want a quick South Indian appetizer, this dish fits right in.
How to make Hyderabadi Fish Fry:
- In this batter fried fish recipe, first wash the fish fillets and cut them into about 1-2 inch pieces. Pat them dry.
- Next, coat the fish fillets with a spiced marinade of lemon juice, salt, a little egg white, pepper, turmeric and ginger-garlic paste. Dust corn flour and all-purpose flour over the spiced fish and toss well. Refrigerate the marinated fish for about 10 mins.
- Next, heat oil for deep frying in a kadai. Fry the fish in batches to a golden brown.
- Drain and remove the crispy, golden-brown fish fry with a slotted spoon and keep aside.
- Now, in another pan, put in curry leaves, ginger and garlic and chopped green chillies. Fry for 1- 2 minutes.
- Next, add the spices, sauces and curd and mix well.
- Finally, put in the fried fish pieces and toss gently.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve Fish Apollo hot as a starter or a snack along with potato chips.
Looking for more seafood dishes? Explore my collection of Fish Recipes for quick and delicious ideas, like this Chepala Kura
✅ Serving Suggestions for Apollo Fish Fry
- Serve hot as a starter with sliced onions and lemon wedges.
- Pair with mint chutney or garlic mayo.
- Works beautifully as a side dish with fried rice or noodles.
- Add to wraps or rolls for a spicy seafood twist.
- Serve over a small salad for a light, protein-packed meal.
✅ Hyderabadi Fish Fry Variations
- Grilled Apollo Fish: Grill marinated fish instead of frying.
- Air Fryer Apollo Fish: 180°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Creamy Apollo Fish: Add 1 tbsp fresh cream while tossing for a silky finish.
- Extra Crunchy: Add crushed cornflakes to the batter.
- Low-Spice Version: Reduce chilli paste and add more pepper for mild heat.
✅ Tips for the Perfect Apollo Fish Fry
- Use boneless, firm fish — basa, tilapia, seer fish, or cod.
- The batter should be thick so it clings well.
- Fry on medium flame for crispness without drying out.
- Add curry leaves generously — they bring authentic Hyderabadi flavour.
- Toss quickly on high heat to coat the masala without softening the fish.
💛 You Might Also Love
- 🍆 Bagara Baingan — Rich, nutty & authentically Hyderabadi!
- 🍗 Chicken Ghee Roast — Fiery, aromatic, and coated in glossy ghee perfection.
- 🥕 Mixed Veg Korma — Creamy, comforting, and bursting with veggie goodness.
Hyderbad Fried Fish Recipe details below:
Hyderabad Fish Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- Fish Fillet– 250 gms
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Egg white - 1
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Lemon Juice – ½ tsp
- Pepper Powder – ¼ tsp
- Corn Flour – 1 tbsp
- All Purpose Flour/Maida – 1 tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Oil – 2 -3 tbsp
For seasoning:
- Grated Ginger – 1 tsp
- Grated Garlic – 1 tsp
- Green Chillies – 2, finely chopped
- Curry leaves - a handful
- Coriander leaves – a handful
- Curd – 2 tbsp, beaten
- Lemon juice – ½ tsp
- Pepper – ¼ tsp
- Chilli Paste/Red Chilli Sauce – 1 tbsp
- Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
- Soya Sauce – 1 tsp
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- To make this truly crisp dish, firstly, wash fish fillets and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Next, take the fish fillets in a bowl. Add salt, lemon juice, egg white (a little), turmeric, ginger-garlic paste and pepper powder and mix well. Sprinkle corn flour and maida and combine well. Refrigerate for 10 mins
- Now, heat oil in a pan and fry the batter-coated fish fillets a little at a time till golden brown. Drain and keep aside.
- Heat oil in another pan. Add chopped garlic, chopped ginger, curry leaves, green chillies and sauté.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, pepper powder and salt. Combine well. Stir in red chilli sauce, soya sauce and curd. Sprinkle a few coriander leaves.
- Add fried fish pieces and toss gently. Remove.
- Lastly, drizzle a little lemon juice on top and garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve Apollo Fish with Greek yogurt or tartar sauce.
Notes
- You can add chopped onions to the seasoning.
- Pat dry the fish fillets with a paper towel before dipping them in the batter or you run the risk of the batter falling off.
- Make sure the oil is pretty hot before frying the batter-coated fish.
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