Golden, bite-sized cod fritters mixed with herbs and spices, fried to perfection and served with a tangy homemade lemon aioli. Think Spanish “buñuelos de bacalao” meets coastal comfort food.
Yields 6 Servings Servings Quarter (1.5 Serving) Half (3 Servings) Default (6 Servings) Double (12 Servings) Triple (18 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 35 minsFor the Cod Fritters
10 oz cod fillet, skinless & boneless
1 small potato, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp chives or scallions, chopped
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp lemon zest
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
For the Lemon Aioli
½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely grated or crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Cook & Flake the Cod
1
Lightly poach or steam the cod for 6–8 minutes, until just opaque.
Let cool slightly, then flake into small pieces with a fork.
Prepare the Fritter Mixture
2
Boil the potato until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
In a bowl, combine:
Flaked cod
Mashed potato
Garlic
Herbs
Paprika
Lemon zest
Egg
3 tablespoons flour
Mix until it holds together. Add more flour if too wet.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Optional: Chill the mixture for 15 minutes for firmer shaping.
Shape & Fry
3
Heat 2–3 cm (1 inch) oil in a frying pan to 180°C / 350°F.
Scoop and shape small fritters (using spoons or wet hands).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side , until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and season with sea salt while hot.
Make the Lemon Aioli
4
Mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, and juice in a small bowl.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to serve (can be made ahead).
Serve
5
Plate fritters on a platter with a bowl of aioli.
Garnish with fresh herbs , lemon wedges , or microgreens .
Serve warm for best texture!
Optional Add-Ins
6
Swap cod for salt cod (bacalao) — just soak and desalt first.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Try with a dollop of romesco or garlic yogurt dip .
Pairing Suggestions
7
Wine: Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, or Cava
Cocktail: Classic gin and tonic or a lemony spritz
NA: Sparkling lemon water or chilled herbal tea
Ingredients For the Cod Fritters
10 oz cod fillet, skinless & boneless
1 small potato, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp chives or scallions, chopped
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp lemon zest
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
For the Lemon Aioli
½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely grated or crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions Cook & Flake the Cod
1
Lightly poach or steam the cod for 6–8 minutes, until just opaque.
Let cool slightly, then flake into small pieces with a fork.
Prepare the Fritter Mixture
2
Boil the potato until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
In a bowl, combine:
Flaked cod
Mashed potato
Garlic
Herbs
Paprika
Lemon zest
Egg
3 tablespoons flour
Mix until it holds together. Add more flour if too wet.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Optional: Chill the mixture for 15 minutes for firmer shaping.
Shape & Fry
3
Heat 2–3 cm (1 inch) oil in a frying pan to 180°C / 350°F.
Scoop and shape small fritters (using spoons or wet hands).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side , until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and season with sea salt while hot.
Make the Lemon Aioli
4
Mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, and juice in a small bowl.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to serve (can be made ahead).
Serve
5
Plate fritters on a platter with a bowl of aioli.
Garnish with fresh herbs , lemon wedges , or microgreens .
Serve warm for best texture!
Optional Add-Ins
6
Swap cod for salt cod (bacalao) — just soak and desalt first.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Try with a dollop of romesco or garlic yogurt dip .
Pairing Suggestions
7
Wine: Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, or Cava
Cocktail: Classic gin and tonic or a lemony spritz
NA: Sparkling lemon water or chilled herbal tea
Crispy Cod Fritters with Lemon Aioli
