Fried Fish Croquettes
Transform simple fish fillets into elegant, golden croquettes that rival anything you'd find in a coastal bistro!
Using Fry Krisp Seasoned Cracker Meal as the binder and Krispy Fry Mix for that perfect crispy exterior, you'll create sophisticated bites with tender, flaky fish inside and a shatteringly crisp coating outside.
These aren't just fish cakes – they're refined comfort food that transforms leftover fish into something extraordinary, perfect for appetizers, light dinners, or impressing guests with your culinary creativity.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6 (makes about 12 croquettes)
Featured Product
Ingredients
Fry Krisp Products:
For the Fish Croquettes:
1 lb cod fillets (or any white fish), coarsely chopped
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Fry Krisp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1 cup Krispy Fry Mix (for coating)
Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
Lemon wedges
Tartar sauce or aioli
Fresh herbs for garnish
Mixed greens salad
Instructions
Cook the Fish (10 minutes): Cook fish fillets using your preferred method (poach, bake, or pan-sear) until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let cool completely – this is crucial for proper texture.
Process the Fish (5 minutes): Once cooled, roughly chop fish into small pieces. Place in a food processor and pulse until crumbly. Be careful not to over-process – you want a flaky texture, not a paste.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the processed fish and Fry Krisp Seasoned Cracker Meal. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
Prepare Wet Mixture (3 minutes): In a separate small bowl, mix together finely chopped onion, cilantro, mayonnaise, egg, and Fry Krisp Lemon Pepper Seasoning until well combined.
Form the Mixture: Add the wet mixture to the fish mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be too wet.
Heat the Oil: Preheat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Shape the Croquettes (7 minutes): While oil heats, shape mixture into patties (about 3 inches wide) or balls (about 2 inches diameter). Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Set Up Coating Station: Place Krispy Fry Mix in a shallow bowl for dredging.
Coat the Croquettes: Roll each croquette in Krispy Fry Mix, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Press gently to help coating adhere.
Fry to Golden Perfection (8-10 minutes): Carefully place croquettes into hot oil, working in batches of 3-4 to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Drain and Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 30 seconds before serving.
Culinary Artist's Techniques
Cool Completely: Warm fish will make the mixture too wet and difficult to shape
Pulse, Don't Puree: The food processor should create flakes, not mush
Binding Balance: The cracker meal and egg create structure while keeping croquettes tender
Shape Consistency: Uniform size ensures even cooking
Oil Temperature: 350°F creates crispy exterior without overcooking the delicate fish
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these golden croquettes on a platter with lemon wedges and small bowls of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping. They make an elegant appetizer, a light lunch over mixed greens, or a sophisticated dinner alongside roasted vegetables. The combination of flaky fish, crispy coating, and bright lemon pepper flavor creates a refined dish that's both comforting and impressive.
Elegant Presentation:
Serve on a bed of arugula or mixed greens with lemon wedges and a drizzle of aioli. Garnish with fresh herbs and a light dusting of lemon pepper for restaurant-quality presentation.
Make-Ahead Magic:
Shape croquettes up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to coat and fry. They can also be frozen after shaping – fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
Leftover Love:
These are perfect for using up leftover cooked fish from last night's dinner. Any firm white fish works beautifully.
Storage Tip:
Store cooked croquettes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
This recipe elevates simple fish into sophisticated croquettes that showcase your culinary skills while delivering the comfort and satisfaction of perfectly fried seafood!