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Mild Fried Crawfish with Apple Slaw | Cajun 911 Cuisine

cajun & creole classics crawfish fruit seafood
Mild fried crawfish with crisp apple slaw on a plate.

This mild-spiced version of Cajun 911’s fried crawfish is perfect for anyone who prefers a gentler Cajun flavor. The lightly seasoned cornmeal crust allows the natural sweetness of the crawfish to shine, while the crisp apple slaw adds brightness and balance. It’s classic Louisiana comfort with a fresh, family-friendly finish.

 
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes 
Rising Time: hours
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Cajun
Servings: 20 servings
 
 

INGREDIENTS 

 

FOR THE FRIED CRAWFISH

1 lb crawfish tails, drained and patted dry

1 cup buttermilk

2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 tsp hot sauce, reduced

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika, optional

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Oil for frying

 

FOR THE APPLE SLAW

1 green apple, thinly sliced or cut into matchsticks

1 red apple, thinly sliced or cut into matchsticks

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/4 cup shredded carrot

2 Tbsp green onion, sliced

1 Tbsp parsley, chopped

 

APPLE SLAW DRESSING

2 Tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1–2 tsp honey or cane syrup

1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning

Pinch salt and black pepper

 

  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Crawfish

Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add crawfish tails and let soak for 10 minutes.

2. Make the Apple Slaw

In a bowl, combine apples, cabbage, carrot, green onion, and parsley. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and toss with the slaw. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Mix the Dry Coating

In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika if using, salt, and black pepper.

4. Bread the Crawfish

Remove crawfish from the buttermilk and coat evenly in the dry mixture. Shake off any excess.

5. Fry

Heat oil to 350°F. Fry crawfish for 1–2 minutes until crisp and golden. Drain and lightly season with salt.

6. Serve

Plate the apple slaw and top with hot fried crawfish. Finish with lemon wedges or a light drizzle of honey-Cajun sauce if desired.

 
 
SERVING IDEAS 
  • Serve in po’boys with apple slaw

  • Use as a taco filling with comeback sauce

  • Add to seafood platters or family-style spreads

     

NOTES
  • This mild version is ideal for kids or spice-sensitive guests

  • Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for more heat

  • Crawfish cook quickly, so avoid over-frying

     

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