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Crispy Citrus Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli Dip

crispy citrus butter fish bites - featured image
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These crispy fish bites are coated in a zesty citrus butter batter and served with a creamy garlic aioli dip. Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack or light dinner with a bright, buttery flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Cut the white fish fillets into 1 to 1.5 inch bite-sized chunks and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon and lime zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with smoked paprika and salt, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Dip each fish piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated pieces on a plate.
  5. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Fry fish bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Brush the warm fish bites generously with the citrus butter mixture.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Chill until serving.
  8. Serve the fish bites warm with garlic aioli dip, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Ensure fish pieces are dry before breading to achieve crispiness. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt bites. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady. Brushing citrus butter after frying adds flavor without sogginess. Garlic aioli can be made dairy-free by using a coconut-based mayonnaise alternative. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Baking is a healthier alternative but results in less crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: fish bites, crispy fish, citrus butter, garlic aioli, quick fish recipe, fried fish, easy appetizer, seafood snack

Find it online: https://larameals.com/crispy-citrus-butter-fish-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-garlic-aioli-dip/