Beer Batter Crappie Bites Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown crappie bites, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a fun appetizer! This recipe uses a simple beer batter for extra flavor and satisfying crunch. Made with fresh-caught crappie (but easily adaptable to other fish like bluegill or bass!), these bites are quick to prepare and even quicker to devour. Get ready for a taste of the lake!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Calories 528.2 kcal
Protein 26g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Beer Batter Crappie Bites

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Beer Batter Crappie Bites

  • Crappie Fillets
  • Buttermilk Pancake Mix
  • Yellow Cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup beer
  • Cooking oil for frying (enough to fill skillet/fryer)

How to Make Beer Batter Crappie Bites

  1. Cut crappie fillets into 1-inch pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup pancake mix, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup pancake mix and 3/4 cup beer until smooth.
  4. Dip each crappie piece into the dry ingredient mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
  5. Dip the coated crappie pieces into the beer batter, allowing excess batter to drip off.
  6. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Carefully add crappie bites to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the cooked crappie bites from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served hot and crispy.
  10. This recipe easily adapts to bluegill, bass, or other freshwater fish!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

91 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

6g

Carbs

31g