Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meal idea? Try air fryer catfish nuggets! This dish is made with simple ingredients and provides a good source of protein. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover catfish you might have. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking!

If you’re a catfish lover, then you’ll definitely want to try this air fryer catfish nugget recipe. These crispy and delicious catfish nuggets are easy to make, using just a few simple ingredients – and they cook up in no time at all in your air fryer. Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy catfish in a new and different way. If you’ve never made them before, this is the perfect air fryer catfish nugget recipe for you – so let’s get started!

Can you make catfish in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make catfish in an air fryer, and it’s the best way to make catfish nuggets! This easy and quick cooking method results in a delicious, tender fish that is perfect for any meal.

Today we are giving you one of the easiest recipes for air fryer catfish, traditionally served with air fryer hush puppies, they are amazing!  There is nothing better than great seafood recipes! Air Fry Fish is amazing!

Is Air Fried catfish healthy?

Air-fried catfish is a healthy, low-fat protein source that is ideal for people looking to incorporate more fish into their diets. Because it is air fried rather than deep-fried, this method helps retain the natural nutrients and vitamins in the catfish while minimizing the amount of fat and calories consumed.

Additionally, fried catfish offers a range of flavor options, from lemon and herb seasonings to spicy chipotle rubs. Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a more elaborate entrée option, air-fried catfish is a versatile and healthy choice that is sure to please.

The next time you look for a great recipe for fried catfish filets, look at your local grocery store for farm-raised catfish.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Have you ever tried air fryer catfish nuggets? If not, you are missing out! This dish is easy to make and tastes amazing. Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional fried catfish. To get started, you will need some basic ingredients. Check out the list below and get cooking!

• Catfish: Use fresh catfish or thawed catfish.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour, for a keto-friendly recipe, use almond flour or coconut flour
• Potato Starch
• Eggs: Use large, room temperature eggs
• Panko Breadcrumbs: You can also use pork rinds for a keto-friendly recipe or gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Paste, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper
• Serving: Fresh Lemon Slices, homemade Tartar Sauce, lemon wedge, hot sauce, or fresh Dill

How To Make Catfish Nuggets In Air Fryer

Step One: Cut fish filets into 1” catfish pieces, and dry the catfish fillets with paper towels. Place the catfish pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Step Two: Prepare a dredging station. Add flour and potato starch in one bowl. Combine whisked eggs, garlic paste, and lemon juice in the second bowl. Mix panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper in the third small bowl. 

Step Three: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f, for 5 minutes, spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray, or nonstick cooking spray.

Step Four: Working in batches of 5-6 fish nuggets at a time, place catfish in the flour bowl until evenly coated, then dip them into the egg mixture, and lastly, roll the fish in the bread crumbs. Lightly press the bread crumbs into the fish to help adhere. Repeat until all fish are breaded. 

Step Five: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange fish nuggets in a single layer in the basket and spray them with canola oil. Set the cooking time for 5 minutes, then turn them over and lightly spray them with canola oil, set the cook time for 5 more minutes. 

Step Six: Serve fish nuggets with a side of horseradish dip and lemon wedges.

Tips For The Best Catfish Nuggets

There are many ways to cook catfish, but my favorite is making catfish nuggets. They are easy to make and taste delicious. In this blog post, I will share some tips for making the best catfish nuggets. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will be able to make perfect catfish nuggets every time. Let’s get started!

• Crowding: Cook in batches – This is probably the most obvious solution and the one that I use most often. When using an air fryer to cook food, don’t overload it. If the food is too close together, it will not cook evenly and will be soggy. Space out the food so that all of it cooks evenly.
• Timing: No two air fryers are the same, apparently. I always thought that, once you set the timer, it would cook the food evenly. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. So, for best results, make sure that you watch your food as it cooks.
• Types of Fish: You can use any freshwater fish, mild-tasting fish, or white fish, for this recipe.
• Seasonings and Spices: Adding seasonings and spices to your catfish recipes is a great way to add flavor and complexity. From Cajun seasoning to Onion Powder or Old Bay Seasoning, there are lots of different flavors to choose from. Experiment until you find your favorite.

What to Serve with Catfish Nuggets

Air Fryer Fried catfish nuggets are a great dish to serve as a main course or as an appetizer. They’re easy air fryer recipes to make and can be served with many different side dishes, making them incredibly versatile.

Here are some common side dishes that go well with a baked catfish air fryer: 

• Air Fryer Corn on the cob – This classic summer side dish is a perfect companion to catfish nuggets.
• Air Fryer Steamed veggies – Baked catfish nuggets are tasty on their own, but why not add some extra veggies to the mix?
• Air Fryer Mashed potatoes – Mashed potatoes are another popular option for serving alongside baked catfish nuggets. They help to balance out the flavors in the dish and add a bit of richness to the meal.
• Air Fryer Potato Salad
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Hush Puppies

How To Store Leftover Fried Catfish Nuggets

If you have any leftover air fryer catfish fillets let them cool to room temperature, then place them into an airtight container. The air fry catfish nuggets will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

You can reheat the catfish nuggets in the air fryer basket, for 4-5 minutes, at 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting.

How To Cook Frozen Catfish In Air Fryer

If you love southern fried catfish make sure that you check out your frozen food aisle, where you can have a fish fry in minutes, Place the frozen catfish nuggets into the air fryer basket, and then set the cooking temperature to 400 degrees F, and cook for 12-14 minutes.  If you want the breading to crisp up, be sure to spray the air fryer frozen fish with cooking spray. 

If you’re looking for a tasty and easy weeknight meal, give these air fryer catfish nuggets a try. Our recipe is simple to follow and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. We would love to hear what you think of the dish, so please leave us a comment below. Enjoy Air Frying!