10 Best Walleye Recipes for Summer

These quick and easy walleye recipes are delicious, versatile, and super family-friendly.

From pan-fried to grilled, walleye should be your new summer go-to.

This freshwater fish is mainly found in Canada and the United States. It’s delicious with a nice firm texture and mild flavor.

And like most white fish, it’s ideal for pairing with bold flavors, such as tomatoes and pesto.

Plus, it grills beautifully and holds its shape well after cooking.

That means you don’t need to worry about it falling apart before it reaches your plate!

If you’ve never tried walleye before, now’s your chance! These walleye recipes are super easy and crazy-delicious.

Easy Grilled Walleye and More!

1. Pan Fried Walleye

Pan-fried walleye is a simple dish that’s both easy to make and delicious.

The recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare, and the fish practically cooks itself. 

The key to making this dish is to use fresh walleye. That usually means a trip to your local fish market, but you can also find it at most grocery stores these days.

You only need a little oil, some seasoning, and a hot pan. Bread the fish in the spice and flour mixture and fry it. 

Pretty easy, huh?

Make sure the pan is hot enough, so the fish skin gets nice and crispy. Then, enjoy it with a simple side salad or a mountain of roasted veggies.

2. Pan-Seared Wall-Eye (Lemon Pepper)

This tasty fish recipe is a real winner, and it’s the perfect way to jazz up a boring old fish dish!

The lemon pepper seasoning provides a subtly zesty flavor that complements the fish’s natural taste, while the pan-searing gives it a nice crispy texture.

I love this recipe because it’s simple and clean. With only three ingredients, you can make an impressive dish in a matter of minutes.

For a complete meal, char some veggies and serve with brown rice. Yum!

3. Grilled Walleye With Citrus Butter

This recipe is perfect for showing off your grilling skills this summer. 

As mentioned, walleye is a versatile fish that can be cooked in various ways. But grilling is by far the best way to enjoy its delicate flavor. 

The citrus butter helps to keep the fish moist and adds a beautiful pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the grill.

This yummy fish dish can be served as an appetizer or main course, and it is sure to impress your family. 

So fire up the grill and get cooking!

4. Honey Walleye

Honey walleye is ideal for those of us who love sweet and savory dishes. 

The sweetness of the honey complements the delicate flavor of the walleye, and the spiced breading adds a pleasant and soothing depth of flavor. 

Simply brush the walleye fillets with a mixture of honey and lemon juice, then fry them in a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet. 

Serve with grilled vegetables and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and enjoy!

5. Parmesan-Crusted Walleye

If you know me at all, you’ll know that I love anything and everything parmesan-crusted.

There’s something special about the slightly bitter yet milky taste of the cheese combined with crunchy, lightly seasoned breadcrumbs.

In this case, the crust helps seal in the fish’s natural flavors, while the lemon juice gives it a light and refreshing taste. 

Of course, it would be insane to make this dish without some tartar sauce on the side.

Breaded fish and tartar always go so well together, after all.

And while you’re at it, why not make some chunky chips to go on the side.

Fish and chips for dinner in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!

6. Walleye Over Tomato-Olive Angel Hair Pasta

Most of these recipes are just for fish. So, you’ll need to find the perfect pairing to go along with it, from salads and rice to potatoes and pasta.

But this pasta dish is an all-in-one, homerun dinner your family will go nuts for.

The walleye is lean and flaky and pairs perfectly with the fragrant tomato and olive sauce.

Angel hair pasta adds a touch of elegance to the dish as well as substance. Finally, you’ll use a little olive oil to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. 

Feel free to add some parmesan cheese on top. Or, if you want a touch of zing, add some lemon zest.

Bon appetit!

7. Air Fryer Walleye

This recipe is healthy, low-calorie, and full of flavor. You’ll love how it’s crunchy and crispy on the outside and yet so tender and juicy on the inside.

Simply coat the walleye fillets in a light batter, and then Air Fry them until they’re golden brown and flakey.

Again, the dish wouldn’t be complete without some lemon wedges and tartar sauce. 

That said, a nice avocado crema would also work wonders. In fact, this Air Fried fish would be incredible in fish tacos.

8. Grilled Montana Walleye with Fresh Herbs (GAPS, Paleo, Whole30)

This healthy and delicious fish recipe is perfect for anyone on a GAPS, Paleo, or Whole30 diet. 

The fish is rich in nutrients and healthy fats, and the fresh herbs add flavor and color to the dish.

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and can be served in under 30 minutes.

Before grilling, you’ll need to marinate the walleye in olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

But don’t worry, fish doesn’t need long to soak up all that flavor.

9. Grilled Walleye Sandwich

Is there anything better than a big, juicy sandwich? I mean, really. 

This particular sandwich is the perfect combination of juicy fish, crispy bread, and zesty toppings, all of which come together to create one delicious dish.

And trust me, this recipe is the real deal.

First things first, get your grill nice and hot. You want those fillets nice and crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender on the inside.

Then, slather on some mayo, top with lettuce and tomato, and eat away!

10. Pecan-Crusted Fish Fillets

This recipe is a foolproof way to make a deliciously crispy fish dinner. 

The key to success is the breading: a mixture of crushed pecans and panko bread crumbs. 

This combination creates a crunchy exterior that seals in the fish’s moisture, resulting in crisp and succulent fillets. 

The pecans also add a touch of sweetness that complements the delicate flavor of the fish. Yum!