Conch Fritters

Looking to bring a taste of the Caribbean islands to the table at a beach-themed party or game day? Golden brown conch fritters are tender and packed with ocean-fresh flavor, and taste especially great when served with a delectably tangy dipping sauce.

What are conch fritters?

Conch fritters are fried treats enjoyed in the region around the Caribbean and Florida Keys. They’re made by folding finely chopped conch meat into a seasoned batter of flour, eggs, and aromatic vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a kick. Once deep-fried, they have a perfectly crunchy coating. A twist I love is adding a splash of citrus juice or a bit of thyme to brighten the flavor.

Conch is a large sea snail harvested in warm, tropical waters. (If you’ve ever picked up a large white shell and held it to your ear to “hear” the ocean, that’s likely a conch shell.) The meat is a bit tough and chewy, but it works well chopped up in soups, stews and fritters, among other things.

It may be tricky to source fresh conch outside of Florida, but you can use more common shellfish like clams, shrimp or calamari in fritters. Make sure it’s chopped finely, whatever you use.

Ingredients for Conch Fritters

• Flour: All-purpose flour binds the ingredients together before frying.
• Egg: Eggs ensure a golden brown finish with well-adhered ingredients.
• Seasonings: A classic salt and pepper combo goes a long way in this classic Caribbean dish.
• Conch: This crowd-friendly recipe works with fresh or frozen conch. Make sure your shellfish is completely thawed and finely chopped. Unless you live in South Florida where it’s readily available, you can order frozen conch online.
• Vegetables: Sweet red peppers, green bell peppers and celery combine for a wonderfully savory bite.
• Garlic: Give your fritters a warming, hearty aroma with fresh garlic. Mince the cloves so they’re fully incorporated.
• Milk: Whole milk functions as the liquid base of the batter. Start with 1/4 cup, then add more by the tablespoon if the batter is too dry.
• Oil: The best oils for frying include the neutral-tasting vegetable and canola oils, but you can also use peanut, safflower or avocado oil—anything with a high smoke point.
• Dipping sauce: Ketchup, mayonnaise and hot pepper sauce make up the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Make the fritter base

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, salt and pepper.

Editor’s Tip: Mix these ingredients well until there are no visible flour streaks.

Step 2: Finish the batter

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

Add the conch, peppers, celery and garlic, and stir until they’re well coated.

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

Add 1/4 cup of milk, and stir until the other ingredients are coated. Add more milk if the batter is too dry.

Editor’s Tip: Adding the milk a little at a time ensures the right consistency in the batter. You can always add, but you can’t take away!

Step 3: Fry the conch fritters

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls, a few at a time, into the hot oil. Fry the fritters until they’re golden brown, one to two minutes on each side. Drain them on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the dipping sauce

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise and hot pepper sauce. Serve the dipping sauce with the fried conch fritters.

Dan Roberts for Taste Of Home

Conch Fritter Variations

• Add herbs to the batter: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro or oregano to the conch fritter batter for an even bolder flavor. These aromatic herbs offer a boost to the naturally mellow taste of the shellfish.
• Doll up the dipping sauce: Substitute one minced garlic clove or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the hot sauce to give the dipping sauce a different flavor. Or add more hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Store Conch Fritters

To store leftover conch fritters, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll last up to four days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze conch fritters?

To freeze conch fritters, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and move them to the freezer until they’re solid. Then move them to an airtight container or zip-top bag, where you can store them for up to three months. You don’t need to thaw them before reheating them, but if you want to thaw them, you should do so in the refrigerator.

How do you reheat conch fritters?

Reheat conch fritters in a toaster oven, air fryer, or oven at 375° for best results.

Conch Fritter Tips

Can you make conch fritters in an air fryer?

Conch fritters are best deep-fried. Batter fritters like this won’t cook properly in an air fryer. However, you can reheat already-cooked conch fritters in an air fryer, and they’ll stay nice and crispy.

What else can you serve with conch fritters?

Conch fritters are a Caribbean specialty, so keep the pairings tropical when building your menu. Serve fresh fruit salads, rice and peas or other Caribbean-inspired dishes with your seafood fritters. A cool, refreshing rum drink would also be a good idea.