Potato Chip Crusted Fish with Garlic Aioli

Why Use the Kamado Joe Classic II

The Kamado Joe Classic II is an ideal choice for making potato chip crusted fish due to its ability to maintain consistent, even heat and retain moisture. Its ceramic construction allows for superior heat distribution, ensuring your fish cooks perfectly with a crispy crust on the outside and a tender, juicy interior. The Kamado Joe's versatility means you can bake or grill your fish, both methods enhancing the smoky flavor while preventing the fish from drying out. This grill's advanced temperature control allows you to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without the risk of burning, making it the perfect tool for creating a deliciously crispy, smoky fish dish.

Close-up of crispy potato chip crusted fish fillets on a Kamado Joe grill, with golden-brown crust and smoky flavor.Fresh fish fillets coated in homemade garlic aioli and potato chip crumbs, ready for grilling on the Kamado Joe Classic II.Golden, crispy potato chip crusted fish fillets served with a side of garlic aioli for dipping, showcasing the perfect crunch.

Best Types of Whitefish

When it comes to making a delicious potato chip crusted fish, choosing the right type of white fish is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here are four great options for your next recipe:

  • Snapper – Firm and flaky, snapper holds up well to the crunchy coating and adds a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Cod – Known for its tender, flaky texture, cod works perfectly with a crispy coating, offering a subtle, slightly sweet taste.
  • Tilapia – With a delicate texture and mild flavor, tilapia crisps up nicely and is easy to work with.
  • Halibut – A thick, firm fish with a mild taste, halibut provides a hearty base for the crunchy potato chip crust.

How to Achieve the Perfect Potato Chip Crust on Fish

Achieving the perfect potato chip crust on fish requires more than just a crunchy topping—it’s about creating the right balance of texture, flavor, and moisture. The key to a successful crust is using fresh, high-quality potato chips that crush evenly and cling well to the fish. Coating the fillets in a layer of flavorful garlic aioli helps the chips adhere while adding richness and depth. Additionally, it’s important to choose the right type of fish with a firm texture, like cod or snapper, that won’t break apart during cooking. Once coated, the fish should be cooked at the right temperature to ensure the crust becomes golden and crisp without overcooking the fish inside. With the right technique and attention to detail, you’ll end up with a perfectly crunchy, flavorful crust that enhances the natural flavors of the fish.

Potato Chip Crusted Fish with Garlic Aioli

Serves: 5 people
Cook Time: 0 - 30 min
Skill:
Beginner:
Method:
Baked
Food:
Seafood
Potato Chip Crusted Fish with Garlic Aioli

Ingredients

  • Main

  • Garlic Aioli

This potato chip-crusted fish recipe adds a delightful twist to a classic dish with the flaky texture of fish and the crunch of potato chips. Jennifer used fresh-caught mangrove snapper from her latest trip to the Florida Keys, coating the fillets in homemade garlic aioli and potato chip crumbs. Bake on your Classic Joe® Grill - Series II and serve with the leftover aioli for dipping!

Instructions

  1. 01

    Fill the Kamado Joe firebox with lump charcoal. Add a few wood chunks if you want a smoky flavor.

  2. 02

    Light the charcoal using a fire starter and let it burn until the grill reaches a temperature of about 400°F (medium-high heat). Leave the dome open for 5-10 minutes to get the fire going strong.

  3. 03

    While the grill is preheating, combine the ingredients for the garlic aioli in a small bowl. Mix until well combined then place half into a shallow dish to use for dredging. Cover the other half and place it in the fridge.

  4. 04

    Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

  5. 05

    Set up to dredging stations. The first will be the garlic aioli. The second will be the crushed potato chips. Dredge the fish fillets into the garlic aioli then into chips one at a time. Add the fish to a greased baking sheet or fish basket.

  6. 06

    Add the fish to the grill and cook until white flaky and cooked through, flipping halfway. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but will approximately take 10-15 minutes.

  7. 07

    Enjoy with the reserved garlic aioli and lemon wedges if desired.