air fry catfish recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best air fry catfish recipe

I’m so excited to share this air fry catfish recipe with you all. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves seafood, but doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of deep-frying. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Easter or Christmas.

My kids love it because it’s easy to make and they can help with the prep work. I love it because it’s healthier than traditional deep-frying and still tastes amazing. The catfish is tender and flaky, and the breading is crispy and flavorful.

I’ve served this recipe at family gatherings and everyone always asks for the recipe. It’s also a great way to get in some protein and omega-3s from the fish. Plus, it’s just so easy to make in the air fryer – no need to mess with a deep fryer or hot oil.

I’ve tried this recipe with both frozen and fresh catfish, and it turns out great either way. My husband loves it because it’s a great way to get his daily dose of seafood without feeling guilty about the calories. I’ve also made this recipe for my friends who are gluten-free, and they love it because it’s easy to make gluten-free breading that still tastes great.

Overall, this air fry catfish recipe is a winner in my book – it’s easy, healthy, and delicious.

Air Fryer Catfish

4.6 from 1682 votes

This air fryer catfish recipe delivers crispy, golden fillets with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating. It is a quick and healthy way to enjoy Southern-style catfish without deep frying.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time22 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Catfish

4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
Cooking spray

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
3In a separate large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper.
4Stir the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
5Dip each catfish fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6Then coat the fillet thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres.
7Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
8Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
9Place the coated catfish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fillet for air circulation.
10Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray.
11Air fry the catfish at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time.
12The fish is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

🔧Equipment

Air fryer
Large bowl
Shallow dish
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, let the coated fillets rest for 5 minutes before air frying. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Watch Video Of How Air Fryer Catfish Works

This air fry catfish recipe is a staple in our household – we love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part? It’s so easy to reheat – just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again.

We also love serving this dish with a side of hush puppies or coleslaw for added flavor and texture. Overall, this air fry catfish recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood – trust me when I say your taste buds will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Catfish

Q1: What type of catfish should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any type of catfish you like best – whether that’s channel catfish, blue catfish, or something else entirely.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! You can prepare the breading mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Q3: Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

Nope! All you need is an air fryer – no special gadgets or gizmos required.

Q4: Can I substitute the catfish with another type of fish?

Absolutely! If you prefer another type of fish, feel free to substitute – just keep in mind that different types of fish will have slightly different cooking times.

Q5: How do I store leftover air fry catfish?

Simply place any leftover catfish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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