Crispy Fried Alligator Bites

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

These Fried Alligator bites are deliciously crispy on the outside, and moist and tender on the outside - perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce (ahem...Cajun remoulade)!

I have been obsessed with Cajun and Creole cuisines for as long as I can remember. I have been intrigued with ingredients like alligator, crawfish, frog legs and oysters that are regularly used in this cuisine.

The first time I had alligator was actually in Dallas, TX, but I went on to eat it in New Orleans and even have managed to find a couple places in my hometown of San Diego that serve it (like my favorite Cajun restaurant).

These alligator bites are soaked in buttermilk and hot sauce, dipped in a Cajun seasoning spiked flour and deep fried until crisp. I just LOVE them with this Cajun remoulade, but they're also pretty dang good dipped in ranch dressing 🙂

Don't forget to check out the fried alligator story!

Ingredients

Alligator meat isn't something you can typically find in your local grocery store, but you can definitely order it online.

If you've never had alligator meat, it tastes slightly similar to frog legs. And if you've never had frog legs, I'm not sure what to tell you LOL.

Some people say it tastes like chicken, but I say it tastes like chicken that's been living in the sea. Either way, I find the flavor wonderful and love eating alligator!

We use buttermilk to soak the alligator in, both to tenderize it and to soften the flavor a bit.

The Cajun seasoning is used to season the flour when we fry so our gator bites get a nice Cajun flavor to them! I highly recommend making your own Cajun seasoning as I think it's just so much better than store bought. Learn how to make Cajun seasoning.

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step By Step Instructions

Combine the buttermilk with the hot sauce, then add the alligator. Let it soak for 2-4 hours in the fridge.

Mix the Cajun seasoning and flour together.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or other deep pot to 350F degrees. Oil should be about 3 inches deep.

Dip the alligator pieces in the flour mixture then gently place them in the oil. Cook for 5-8 minutes, until golden brown on the outside.

**Cook in 3 batches to ensure each batch fries up crisp and non-greasy.

Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with Cajun remoulade sauce or dip in ranch dressing.

How to Serve Alligator Bites

These are great served as an appetizer along with these Cajun wings, crawfish egg rolls or jalapeno hushpuppies. Also serve with some of these favorite main dishes:

• Chicken Etouffee
• Smothered Okra
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo or Instant Pot Gumbo
• Dirty Rice and Southern Green Beans
• Blackened Catfish
• Jambalaya Risotto

Expert Tips

1. If you use a store bought Cajun seasoning, taste it for salt content and reduce the amount used in the flour if needed.
2. Cook the alligator in 3 batches to make sure you don't crowd the pan. If you crowd the pan, the temperature of the oil drops and your bites will be greasy and soggy.
3. It's best to serve these gator bites right away while they're hot and crisp. Keep batches warm in a 200F degree oven while finishing.

Reheating Instructions

This fried alligator is not great leftover - the bites tend to get soggy. However, if you have an air fryer, you can crisp them up using the reheat function.

You can also reheat them in the toaster oven or a regular oven on 350F degrees until warmed through.

Did you make this recipe? Rate it and leave a comment below to let me know how you liked it!