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Whitebait fritters
Tip the whitebait onto kitchen paper and pat dry. Any water in the bowl will stop the fritter setting.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Whitebait fritters take?
15 min all in — 5 min prep, 10 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 2 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Eggs, Milk, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian.
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What does it cost to cook?
Treat yourself — about $28+ USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
What can I use instead?
New Zealand whitebait → Any very small whole fish sold as whitebait, or thawed frozen. European whitebait are usually young sprats or herring: bigger, oilier, and still good fried this way.
What should I watch for?
They are done fast. Have the bread ready before you start frying.
Any tips from this recipe?
Frozen whitebait works. Thaw in the fridge and drain very thoroughly. Some cooks separate the egg and fold in the stiff white for a puffier fritter. It is a style, not a rule. A fritter with mint and a little lemon zest in the egg is a fine modern variation, not heresy.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.