Gluten-Free Battered Fish with Dill Pickle Slaw

There is something so satisfying about crispy battered fish. It feels like the kind of meal you would normally order when eating out, but making it at home can actually be surprisingly simple.

My Gluten-Free Battered Fish with Dill Pickle Slaw is one of those recipes that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavour. The fish gets a crispy golden coating from almond flour and arrowroot starch, while the dill pickle slaw adds a crunchy, creamy, tangy contrast that takes the whole meal to the next level.

This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free, and it only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time and 7 minutes to cook. I love recipes like this for busy weeknights because you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. And if you are a pickle lover like me, the dill pickle slaw might just become your favourite part. It’s a mix between tartar sauce and coleslaw. 

Gluten-Free Battered Fish with Dill Pickle Slaw Recipe

Gluten-free & Dairy-free

Serves: 4 | Hands-On Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup almond flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup arrowroot starch
• 4 haddock filets, or any white fish
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 bag slaw mix 340 g or 5 cups shredded cabbage
• 1.5 cups thinly sliced dill pickles
• ⅓ cup mayo
• 3 tbsp dill pickle brine
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Directions

1. Place almond flour in a shallow dish and mix with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Scramble 2 eggs in another shallow dish. Place arrowroot starch in a third dish. Coat the haddock first with the arrowroot starch, then dip it in the egg, then cover it in almond meal.
2. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish for 7 minutes, turning every 2 minutes so all of the sides get crispy.
3. While the fish cooks, toss the slaw mix with dill pickles, mayo, dill pickle brine, honey and dill. 

Why You Will Love This Gluten-Free Battered Fish

If you have ever thought that making crispy fish at home would be complicated, this recipe is here to prove otherwise. The coating is simple, the fish cooks quickly, and the whole meal comes together in just 17 minutes.

The combination of arrowroot starch, egg, and almond flour is what gives the fish its crispy coating. The arrowroot starch helps create that light, crisp coating, while the almond flour adds a little more texture and nutrients. I also love using haddock for this recipe, but you do not have to stick with one particular type of fish. You can use your favourite white fish instead. Cod, halibut, or another mild white fish can all work well depending on what you have available.

The dill pickle slaw is what really makes this recipe special. You get the crunch from the cabbage, the tangy bite from the pickles and pickle brine, a little sweetness from the honey, and freshness from the dill. It is creamy, crunchy, and fresh all at the same time.

And because the fish cooks in just 7 minutes, this is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for those evenings when you want something homemade but do not have a lot of time. 

What Makes This Fish Gluten-Free?

Traditional battered fish is often coated in wheat flour or breadcrumbs, which means it is not gluten-free. In this recipe, I use almond flour and arrowroot starch instead. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds and gives the fish a slightly nutty flavour while creating a delicious coating. Arrowroot starch is a naturally gluten-free starch that helps give the fish that crispy texture we are looking for. You also do not need a deep fryer to get crispy fish. This recipe uses just 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a frying pan, making it a simple option for cooking at home. I’m sure it would be great in an air fryer, but I don’t have one, so I can’t test the cooking time.

Health Benefits of White Fish

White fish like haddock and cod are a great source of protein and can be an easy way to add more seafood into your meals. Fish provides high-quality protein, which is important for maintaining and repairing muscles and supporting many functions throughout the body. White fish is also a source of important nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and iodine. Iodine is especially important because it is needed to make thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism and support many processes throughout the body. If you are trying to eat more seafood, recipes like this can make it feel a lot more exciting than simply throwing a piece of fish in the oven.

Health Benefits of Almond Flour

Almond flour is one of my favourite gluten-free alternatives for creating a crispy coating. It also brings some nutrition to the recipe along with its delicious nutty flavour. Almonds contain healthy fats, plant-based protein, fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, while magnesium plays a role in hundreds of processes throughout the body. Because almond flour is made from the whole almond, it also contains more fibre and healthy fats than many traditional refined flour options.

Why I Love the Dill Pickle Slaw

Can we talk about the slaw for a minute? If you love dill pickles, do not skip this part of the recipe. The dill pickle slaw takes a basic fish dinner and makes it feel completely different. The cabbage gives you plenty of crunch, while the sliced pickles add that salty, tangy flavour that pairs so well with crispy fish.

The pickle brine is one of my favourite ingredients in this recipe because it adds even more pickle flavour to the dressing. Combined with mayonnaise, honey, and fresh dill, it creates a creamy dressing that has the perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet. 

And if you happen to have leftover dill pickle slaw, it makes a great side dish for another meal. Try it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even tucked into a wrap.

A Quick Weeknight Dinner Everyone Can Enjoy

I think the best recipes are the ones that make healthy eating feel easy rather than complicated. You do not need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make a satisfying dinner. This Gluten-Free Battered Fish with Dill Pickle Slaw takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, but it still feels like a meal you put some thought into.

I especially love the contrast of textures in this recipe. You have crispy fish, crunchy cabbage, juicy pickles, and creamy dressing all in the same bite. It is the kind of combination that makes a simple weeknight dinner feel a little more exciting.

So next time you are tempted to order fish and chips, grab some white fish and try making your own version at home. You might be surprised by how quickly you can get that crispy, satisfying texture right in your own kitchen. And do not forget the dill pickle slaw. It really is the perfect finishing touch.

Similar Recipes

If you enjoy this Gluten-Free Battered Fish with Dill Pickle Slaw, here are a few more fish recipes to try.

Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Fish Sticks

These Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Fish Sticks use the same crispy almond flour and arrowroot coating, making them a fun option for the whole family. They are a great way to make white fish a little more exciting, especially for kids.

Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

These Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa combine crispy gluten-free fish with sweet pineapple salsa and creamy guacamole. They are a fun dinner option when you are craving something fresh and flavourful.

Salmon Cakes with Creamy Dill Sauce

If you are looking for another crispy fish recipe, try these Salmon Cakes with Creamy Dill Sauce. They are made with fresh salmon and paired with a creamy, dairy-free dill sauce for plenty of flavour.