Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy baked fritters featuring salted cod infused with fiery scotch bonnet and fresh cilantro, a flavorful twist on a Caribbean classic. This caribbean-inspired snacks ready in about 40 minutes turns salted codfish, soaked and flaked, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup soaked and flaked salted codfish, 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, 1 tsp finely minced scotch bonnet pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well.
  3. Step 3: Slowly add 3/4 cup water and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the bowl, stirring until you form a thick batter. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fritters are puffed, golden on the edges, and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving as a savory snack or appetizer.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Saltfish Accra Fritters with Scotch Bonnet and Cilantro?

Caribbean snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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