Crappie is a popular freshwater fish that provides a tasty, white and flaky meat. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook crappie fish both fillets and whole, allowing you to enjoy this delicacy at home.
1. How To Cook Crappie Fillets
1.1. How To Fry Crappie Fillets
Ingredients
- 4 large crappie fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1⁄2 cups cornmeal
- 1⁄2 to 1 cup flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional)
- Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Instructions
Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl.
In another shallow bowl, mix cornmeal, flour and seasoning if desired.
Dip each fillet in buttermilk then coat evenly in cornmeal mix, pressing gently to adhere.
In deep skillet or fryer, heat at least 1 inch of oil to 350°F.
Fry fillets 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy hot.
1.2. How To Cook Crappie Fillets in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 crappie fillets, skins removed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Lemon pepper and salt
Instructions
In a shallow bowl, beat 2 eggs. In another, add breadcrumbs and seasonings.
Dip fillets in egg, letting excess drip off then coat in breadcrumb mix.
Arrange fillets in a single layer in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Set temperature to 370°F and air fry 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily.
1.3. How To Cook Crappie Fillets on Grill
Ingredients
- 4 crappie fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
Combine olive oil and lemon juice. Stir in lemon pepper. Place crappie fillets in a gallon bag.
Pour lemon marinade over fillets, seal and refrigerate 1 hour.
Grill fillets over direct high heat 2 minutes on each side until easily flaking.
2. How To Cook Whole Crappie
2.1. How To Cook Whole Crappie in Oven
Ingredients
- 3 small or 2 large crappies, scaled and gutted
- 2 tbsp butter
- Favorite seasonings (lemon pepper, Cajun spice blend, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a glass baking dish slightly larger than the crappies.
Pat fish dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 shallow diagonal cuts on each side.
Spread butter evenly over fish and season to taste with spices.
Bake 13-16 minutes until meat is opaque throughout.
Carefully remove meat from bones and enjoy this tasty fish!
2.2. How To Fry Whole Crappie
Ingredients
- 2 small crappies, scaled, gutted and de-headed
- 1⁄2 cup flour
- 1 tsp each Cajun seasoning and paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- Peanut oil for frying
Instructions
Pat crappies very dry inside and out with paper towels. Make several shallow cuts in sides.
Season the flour with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Beat egg in shallow bowl.
Dredge fish in flour, dip in egg then back into flour, pressing gently to adhere coating evenly.
Add 1⁄4 inch peanut oil to large skillet and heat on medium-high. Fry fish 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towel and enjoy.
The sweet and delicate flavor of crappie takes well to frying, baking, grilling or pan cooking. Follow these simple, foolproof directions to enjoy crappie fillets or whole fish in your home kitchen.
