Accras de Morue (Cod Fritters) 2 Ways • Little Nomads Recipes (2024)

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

• Cheeseburger Dumplings
• Air fryer chicken bites
• Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

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