I think crappie are best fried - and I'll let you boys argue over the perfect batter. It's all good. But I will say if you ever get tired of 'em fried, follow your favorite clam chowder recipe, add clams* galore AND a pound or two of crappie fillets, cubed into 1" or so bites. It's good stuff.
* I use canned clams, bacon and milnot + cream - pretty similar to
this recipe - read the 'corrections' by Joel in comments before you cook it