Buffalo Monkfish Bites

We made this on Sunday, 10/31 for the Bills vs. Dolphins game. We very much wanted to make these nuggets with Mahi Mahi (a fish also known as “Dolphin,” but different from the mammal) so that we could say we were eating Buffalo Dolphin as a show of gridiron intimidation. Alas, we were thwarted by our grocery stores…they said they were out of Mahi, but I suspect they are part of an anti-Buffalo conspiracy…probably the same one that the refs are in on. But I digress…

In the past, we’ve generally given Monkfish the pan fry/roast treatment and kept the meat in large chunks to approximate lobster tails. For this one, we sliced into cross sections, breaded, and air fried! Then, we put our bites atop a bed of spinach with some other veggies and topped it with some crumbled blue cheese and yogurt blue cheese dressing. Go Bills!

Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • Monkfish Loin
  • An Egg
  • Bread Crumbs
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Buffalo Sauce of your Choice

Method:

  • Set three bowls on your counter. Add about a tablespoon of flour into one, crack and beat an egg in the second, and pour bread crumbs into the third.
  • Slice your monkfish loin into cross-sections about 1/2-3/4 of an inch thick.
  • Work in batches. Drop your first set of fish into your flour, and toss lightly to coat. Then, move it to your egg, and woosh everything around to fully egg wash your floured fish. Lastly, transfer to your bread crumb station, and toss to coat. Then set aside while you bread the rest of your fish.
  • When all your fish are breaded, it’s time to cook! There are a few methods from which to choose. We picked the air fry/convection oven method.
    • Air Fryer/Convection Oven: Arrange your fish on your air fryer basket, and give everything a good oil spray. Then, turn the air fryer on to 400 degrees F, and cook for 15 minutes.
    • Deep Fry: Heat some oil in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven, and when it gets to 350 degrees F, place your fish in. Cook until crispy and golden brown.
    • Conventional Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F, cover your baking sheet with foil, and give it a quick oil spray. Arrange your fish on your baking sheet, and give the fish a quick oil spray on top. Bake for 17-20 minutes.
  • When your fish is cooked, work again in batches to coat with your sauce. Place a few nuggets in a bowl, drizzle your sauce atop, and toss to coat.
  • Plate, devour, and enjoy!

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