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 in 3 different ways, allowing you to enjoy this delicacy at home.
1. How To Cook Crappie in a Pan
Ingredients
- 4 large crappie fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 1/2 to 1 cup flour
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Tongs or a fork
- Paper towels (for draining)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fillets
Start by rinsing the crappie fillets under cold water to remove any residual blood or debris. Then use paper towels to pat the fillets dry. This step helps the coating adhere better.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the fillets in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure they are fully submerged.
Let the fillets soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Arrange your workstation so you have the buttermilk, the bowl with the cornmeal mixture, and a clean plate for the breaded fillets.
Step 4: Bread the Fillets
Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Next, transfer the breaded fillets to the clean plate. Repeat until all fillets are coated.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or frying pan, add enough vegetable or peanut oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1/2 inch deep).
Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a small pinch of the cornmeal mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
Step 6: Fry the Fillets
Carefully place the breaded fillets in the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fillets are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve your fried crappie fillets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, and enjoy!
2. How To Cook Crappie in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh crappie fillets
- 2 tablespoons salt (for brining)
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Paper towels (for drying)
- Large mixing bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fillets
Rinse the crappie fillets under cold water to remove any debris. In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in enough water to cover the fillets. Soak the fillets in this brine solution for about 15-20 minutes.
After brining, remove the fillets from the solution and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Step 3: Bread the Fillets
Take each fillet and dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess.
Place the breaded fillets on a clean plate and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Step 5: Air Fry the Fillets
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the breaded crappie fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The fillets should be golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Ensure the internal temperature of the fillets reaches 145°F (63°C). They should flake easily with a fork.
Remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, coleslaw, or tartar sauce for dipping.
3. How To Cook Crappie on Grill
Ingredients
- 8 oz Crappie Fillets
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp White Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Olive Oil
Instructions
Combine the spices in a small bowl until well mixed.
Drizzle the fillets lightly with olive oil, ensuring they are just coated on all sides—avoid soaking them.
Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the oiled fish and massage it in. You may have some spice rub left over, depending on the size of the fillets, so don’t feel obligated to use it all.
If you enjoy this spice blend and often cook panfish, consider preparing a larger batch to store in a sealed jar for future use.
Brush a non-stick grilling tray with olive oil, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
Preheat the grill to 400°F and cook the fillets for three minutes. Gently flip them with a fork to avoid breaking, then grill for an additional three minutes.
Serve this healthy dish alongside asparagus or another green vegetable for a nutritious meal that’s hard to resist if you’re aiming to eat healthier.
The sweet and delicate flavor of crappie takes well to frying, baking, or grilling. Follow these simple, foolproof directions to enjoy crappie fillets in your home kitchen.
