If you are looking to bring a burst of Caribbean sunshine to your kitchen, the French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue) Recipe is your perfect go-to. These golden, crispy fritters pack a fabulous medley of flavors: the salty depth of cod, the brightness of fresh herbs, and just the right kick of spice. Light, airy, and utterly addictive, they make a fantastic appetizer or snack that instantly transports you to the festive shores of the French Antilles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views of food preparation on a white marbled surface. On the left, a clear glass bowl holds a smooth pale yellow batter with small black specks, stirred slightly by a metal spoon inside. On the right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a chunky mixture of creamy batter and green herbs, with a spoon resting inside. Next to it is a white plate piled high with white shredded pieces of cooked fish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe has been thoughtfully chosen to balance texture and flavor, creating the ideal crumb and that unmistakable Caribbean zest. These simple, everyday pantry staples come alive when combined, delivering a batter that’s both luscious and flavorful.

10oz salted cod: Provides the signature savory, oceanic flavor and a wonderful flaky texture when shredded.
3 sprigs rosemary: Infuses a subtle piney aroma that complements the fish beautifully.
1 garlic clove, peeled and halved: Adds fragrant depth, laying the savory foundation for the batter.
½ tsp dehydrated garlic/garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the cod.
1 1/4 cup (150g) all-purpose flour: The main structure for your fritters, ensuring a light, tender bite.
¼ tsp salt: Brings out the natural flavors while balancing the seasoning.
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and sharpness for complexity.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Delivers a mild spicy kick that’s essential to authentic Accras.
½ tsp baking powder: Helps the fritters puff up to delightfully airy perfection.
¼ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for an extra light texture.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind everything together while enriching the batter.
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp (100ml) whole milk, at room temperature: Smooths the mixture and balances the batter consistency.
1 medium onion, peeled and diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch for that classic Accras bite.
4 spring onions, finely chopped: Brings freshness and mild pungency to the mix.
3 sprigs fresh parsley, stemmed and chopped: Brightens the fritters with its vibrant herbal notes.
Frying oil (canola or vegetable oil): Ensures your fritters achieve that crisp, golden exterior.

How to Make French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Start by soaking the salted cod to remove excess salt, changing the water a few times over several hours or overnight if possible. Then poach the cod gently with the garlic clove and rosemary sprigs until tender. Let it cool, then flake the fish finely, removing any skin or bones so every bite is smooth and delightful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing the dry elements first ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, creating those irresistibly fluffy fritters we all love.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the whole milk and dehydrated garlic powder. This mixture adds both moisture and a gentle richness that marries perfectly with the dry components.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Flavorings

Pour the wet ingredients gradually into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter. Fold in the diced onion, spring onions, chopped parsley, and the shredded cod, ensuring every morsel is coated in that luscious batter.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your frying oil to around 350°F (180°C). Using a small spoon or scoop, drop portions of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and let your kitchen fill with that inviting Caribbean aroma.

How to Serve French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue) Recipe

A bowl filled with about eight to nine golden brown fried fritters with a rough, crispy texture stacked on top of each other and lined with white paper inside the bowl. One fritter is broken open showcasing a light yellow inside with green herbs sprinkled throughout, held up by a wooden skewer stuck through it. A few lime wedges with bright green skin and pale green insides are placed on the fritters and around the bowl. The bowl sits on a rustic woven placemat with a rough texture and neutral brown colors. Small wooden skewers are spread on the placemat near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Accras are fabulous on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lime can elevate the presentation and brighten the flavors. For a touch of heat, serve with a side of spicy Creole sauce or a drizzle of homemade fermented hot pepper condiment.

Side Dishes

Pair these fritters with cooling sides like a fresh mango salsa, crisp garden salad, or a delicate coconut rice to balance the savory intensity. They also work splendidly alongside a fresh, vibrant slaw with a hint of tangy lime dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual get-together, pile the fritters on a platter lined with banana leaves or tropical greens. Serve skewered on cocktail sticks with dollops of flavored aioli or a creamy avocado dip for an eye-catching, flavor-packed appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra fritters (though unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crunchy, layer parchment paper between fritters and keep the container sealed tightly.

Freezing

French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue) Recipe freezes very well. Flash freeze your cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers or frozen fritters, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until crisp. This keeps the exterior crunchy and the interior warm without becoming soggy like microwave reheating can.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod?

Fresh cod can be used, but it will lack the salty depth characteristic of Accras de Morue. If using fresh cod, season the batter carefully or consider lightly salting the fish beforehand to mimic the traditional flavor.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

To keep the authentic spirit, the main ingredient is salted cod. However, you can substitute with salted smoked tofu or seasoned mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian twist, though the flavor profile will differ.

What can I use if I don’t have baking powder or baking soda?

These leavening agents are crucial for achieving light, airy fritters. If unavailable, you might try self-rising flour, which contains baking powder, or consider omitting baking soda and increasing the baking powder slightly, but the texture may vary.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the batter and fry the Accras shortly after mixing to retain their lightness and avoid the cod flavors becoming too muted.

What type of oil is best for frying these fritters?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for crisp, evenly cooked fritters without imparting unwanted flavors.

Final Thoughts

Diving into this French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue) Recipe is like inviting a little Caribbean sunshine into your kitchen. Crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, they are perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a solo snack session. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll soon find yourself craving these golden bites again and again.