Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring sweet, flaky walleye fillets coated in a crunchy cornmeal and spice blend, fried to golden perfection in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds walleye fillets, skinless and boneless
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup fine or medium grind cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the walleye fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs and milk, one with the combined dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, black pepper, salt, and cayenne), and one empty plate for coated fish.
- Dip each fillet into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the dry mixture to coat all sides. Place on a clean plate.
- Heat 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F to 375°F.
- Carefully place fillets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fish from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before breading to prevent splattering and ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature. For extra crunch, double-dip the fish in egg wash and dry mix. Can be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: walleye, fish fry, crispy fish, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, cornmeal crust, white fish, healthy dinner, Minnesota cuisine