Deep Fried Walleye

Fried walleye on a white plate with half a lemon.

5 from 23 votes

Fried Walleye mild is a mild white fish, deep fried to a golden brown. It's crunchy, crispy on the outside, and moist and flaky on the inside.

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Total Time45

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 799kcal

Author: Chef Ryan Littley

Ingredients

12 - 14 ounces walleye
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
frying oil

Instructions

Add the buttermilk and dry seasonings to a small mixing bowl and mix well to combine.
Add the walleye filets to the buttermilk mixture, making sure it is fully submerged.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to a maximum of 2 hours.
*The longer you can let the fish marinate, the better the flavor of the walleye will be. Just don't go over 2 hours or the fish will get mushy.
Remove the fish from the refrigerator 15 minutes before frying to let it come to room temperature.
Add 1 ½ - 2 inches of vegetable oil to a deep skillet (or deep cast iron frying pan) over high heat, and heat the oil to 375 degrees F.
*Cooking at lower temperatures will make the fish greasy.
While the oil is heating add the flour to a shallow bowl (or zip-lock bag); season with salt and pepper and mix to combine.
Remove the walleye from the buttermilk mixture with tongs, letting any excess buttermilk drain off the fish.
Add the filets to the flour mixture; coating the entire filet with the flour mixture.
*press the fish down into the flour after the initial coating to get a good coating on the entire filet.
Add the floured fish to the hot oil and let it cook for 5-6 minutes. Then carefully turn the fish over and let it continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until you get an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. and the fish is golden brown.
Place the fried fish on a draining rack or paper towels to allow the excess grease to drain off.
Serve the walleye with tartar sauce and your favorite sides.

Notes

If needed make a tent from aluminum foil to place over the walleye to keep it warm. you can also lay a paper towel over top of the fried walleye to help it retain its heat while letting moisture out
you do not want to completely cover it as the moisture will cause the crust to become mushy

Nutrition