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:

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.

  1. 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.

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the processed fish and Fry Krisp Seasoned Cracker Meal. Mix gently to distribute evenly.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Heat the Oil: Preheat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

  6. 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.

  7. Set Up Coating Station: Place Krispy Fry Mix in a shallow bowl for dredging.

  8. Coat the Croquettes: Roll each croquette in Krispy Fry Mix, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Press gently to help coating adhere.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!

Next
Next

Backyard BBQ Lemon Pepper Wings