@Bootybug Yes. This is set very recently in the 19th century. Frying in oil was already being done in the time of Alexander the Great by people of this region. In fact, the Bactria-Sogdiana kingdoms were major exporters of various types of animal and plant-based oils in the time of the Persian Empire.
@Aleph0 The taste would definitely remain, and sort be ~imbued~ into the fish. The flour would help "lock in" the flavor, and keep the fish from drying up, keeping it nice and juicy.