Captain D’s Copycat Catfish Recipe

This Captain D’s Easy Catfish Copycat Recipe brings the taste of your favorite seafood restaurant right into your kitchen. Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort meal at home without the hassle of takeout.

If you love the crispy, flavorful catfish from Captain D’s, you’re going to love making it at home!

This easy copycat recipe recreates that golden, crunchy coating and tender, flaky fish, all without stepping foot in a restaurant.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this catfish recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy perfection – Golden, crunchy coating just like the restaurant version.
• Tender and flaky – Moist catfish that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to make at home – No deep fryer or fancy equipment needed.
• Family-friendly – A meal everyone will love, from kids to adults.
• Customizable sides – Pair with fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies for a complete comfort meal.

Captain D’s Catfish Recipe Ingredients

• Catfish fillets – fresh, tender fillets perfect for frying crispy.
• Cornmeal – creates a golden, crunchy coating on fish.
• All-purpose flour – helps bind the coating and seasonings evenly.
• Salt – enhances flavor and balances all the seasonings.
• Black pepper – adds mild heat and subtle peppery flavor.
• Paprika – smoky, mild spice for extra depth and color.
• Buttermilk – tenderizes fish and helps coating stick evenly.

How To Make Captain D’s Copycat Catfish Recipe

Prep the fish – Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.

Make the coating – In a shallow bowl, mix cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (optional).

Dip the fish – Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Dip each fillet in the buttermilk, then coat thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture.

Preheat the air fryer – Set to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Air fry the catfish – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place fillets in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Spray tops lightly with cooking oil. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve – Remove fillets carefully and serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite sides.

Captain D’s Copycat Catfish Recipe Tips

• Pat fish dry – helps the coating stick and crisp up.
• Use buttermilk soak – tenderizes the fish and locks in flavor.
• Season well – don’t skip the salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.
• Press on coating – gently press the cornmeal mixture onto fillets so it stays put.
• Preheat oil or air fryer – ensures even cooking and crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd – fry or air fry in batches for best results.
• Serve immediately – catfish is best hot, fresh, and crispy.

Storing, Freezing And Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator storage: Store leftover catfish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crunchy coating.
• Freezing: Wrap uncooked breaded fillets individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Preheat the oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Reheat catfish for 5–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Captain D’s Copycat Catfish Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen catfish fillets? Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before coating to ensure a crispy crust.

Can I bake or air fry instead of frying? Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Why isn’t my coating sticking? Make sure to pat the fish dry and dip it in buttermilk first. Press the cornmeal mixture gently onto each fillet for better adhesion.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free cornmeal and flour to keep the coating crispy and safe for gluten-free diets.

How do I keep the fish crispy after cooking? Serve immediately or reheat in an oven or air fryer. Storing in the fridge without reheating will soften the coating.

What sides go best with this catfish? Classic sides include fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Lemon wedges and tartar sauce complete the meal.

More Copycat Captain D Recipes

• Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Captain D Fish Sticks Recipe
• Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw Recipe
• Captain D’s Hush Puppies Recipe
• Captain D’s Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!