Accras de Morue (Cod Fritters) 2 Ways
April 7, 2023
Accras de Morue or Cod fritters are popular appetizers in the French Caribbean made with onion, chives, thyme and a touch of hot pepper. Usually Deep-fried, but here is a double recipe for the Air fryer for a healthier bite!
Accras de Morue is the name of the most popular appetizer of the French Caribean Islands; it translates to salted cod fritters or cakes. These little fried crunchy clouds are unforgettable! Unlike the European version, these Tropical Accras don’t contain any eggs or milk. They naturally puff up into those fluffy balls with just some baking powder! However, the air-fried version didn’t puff as much and was less crunchy; the result was still satisfying, especially for the younger one of the family!
Deep-Frying vs. Air Fryer
I love my air fryer, but sometimes it doesn’t give the same satisfying result as in this recipe. I would still eat the air fried version; it’s just that knowing the actual crunchy and fatty version makes it hard to reach up to. I love these crunchy bits from the patties in the deep-frying version, but my heart and my family’s well-being need the air-fried version. I’ve used the same batter for both versions, and my kids like them equally, so it’s up to you! In this case, there is no winner: I probably would always do half-half.
The Caribbean Version vs. European
I’ve seen many recipes, but a true Carribean Accras doesn’t use eggs or milk. They often load it with eggs or make a thick bechamel for the European batter. In the Antilles, simply the baking powder will make them magically pop up! Also another small yet significant difference is the hot pepper. I know for kids, it’s better to omit or go softly on the hot pepper; that’s why I’ve used mild chipotle powder, which brought in this ‘Je ne sais quoi’ to the fritters. Usually, they use Piment Antillais they call, which is a Habanero pepper, but you can use whatever you fancy, and if your little ones are too fragile, omit or use mild paprika.
Recommendations for Air Fryer
If you intend to make this with the air fryer, I suggest, like in the video, using parchment paper with holes in it. This way, they won’t stick and won’t damage your non-stick coating by adding oil spray to the machine. If you are like me and have plain parchment paper without holes, make some to ensure the air can circulate under and over your accras. They do sell perforated parchment paper for Air fryers online. I highly recommend them; they are thicker than standard ones for the oven and won’t fly up and burn in your machine.
Storage
If you want to keep some accras for later, you can freeze the batter directly. I do not recommend freezing an already made accras… texture wise, it will not be the same. The batter can last months in the freezer if adequately covered in an air-tight container. Take it out ahead of time before using it, and voila!
Other Air Fryer Bites
Ingredients
- 300 g salt cod unsalted
- 250 g flour
- 250 ml water approx.
- 2 cups fresh flat leave parsley
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp of dry
- ½ tsp hot pepper (habanero) or 1/3 tsp chipotle or cayenne powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- If the cod is still salted, unsalted it in water twice overnight.
- In a blender add the onion, parsley, thyme, garlic and hot pepper and blend in small pieces, reserve.
- Debone the fish and blend a little until chopped.
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
- Add the aromatics and fish and mix with the water until right consistency (check video).
- Let it rest, covered, for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
Deep-frying
- Bring the frying oil at 180°C (375F°), and with the help of a spoon, drop balls of the batter in. Fry until light brown, turning mid-way, for about 5 minutes.
- Take out with a slotted spoon, and let rest on a paper towel.
Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400F°), add a non-stick bottom with holes (I've made my own holes), spray with oil and cook for 8 minutes or until light brown.
Video
Nutrition
Pin it!
19 Comments
-
-
-
nancy
these air fried / fried fish bites are so tasty! I even got my DD to get some fish. Saving this recipe to make agian! -
-
KEVIN FOODIE
This recipe took me back to Jamaica. Saltfish or codfish fritters are an all-time favorite. They are perfect as a snack or a breakfast item. Love the herbs you use in your recipe. I know the fritters will be packed with flavor. Thanks for sharing your recipe.-
Marie Breton
They are popular all over the Caribbean; I’m a big fan too! Especially with a touch of heat to it!
-
-
Lily
OMG these are so good! I made mine in the air fryer and everyone loved them. -
-
Bernice
Now this is a fritter! I have been looking for a fritter recipe like this for a while. Most result in a flat fried patty and to me that isn’t a fritter. This is how my grandma made them and your recipe is perfect! I’m so excited… I’ll be using this recipe with corn during corn season this summer. -
-
-
Asha
Made this with my air fryer and they turned out great! And loved that little hint of spice. Super enjoyable. -
-
Sangeetha
I love trying new appetizers and these French Caribbean cod fritters seem like they would be packed with flavor. I appreciate that you provided two methods of preparation – deep-fried and air fryer – to give us a healthier option.
-
-
Celoone
My acras in the air fryer were too dry. I am an acras lover so I was looking for the same crispy then fried.
I will try again.-
Marie Breton
Yes, an Air Fryer is more a ‘convection oven’ then a deep-fryer, nothing gives more of a crunch then deep-frying in oil but healthy-wise, it’s not good. So AF are kind of the compromise…
-
-
Jones Doxo
I never know about Air fryer before. Great and easy Caribbean recipe. I Definity consider your recommendation about Air fryer before purchasing one and trying Carribean Acras. Thanks for sharing valuable information!
-
Omgee this looks so yummy 😋. I can’t wait to try them. Thank you for sharing!