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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Name: Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound catfish filet (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon potato starch (or use cornstarch); 3 large eggs (whisked); 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 cup panko (or Bread Crumbs); 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 28, 2022

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Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meal idea? Try Catfish Nuggets in air fryer! Made with simple ingredients, this catfish nuggets recipe 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 love easy dinner recipes, try my recipe for air fryer sous vide turkey breast tenderloins, air fryer muffaletta sandwich, or air fryer bibigo mandu dumplings. All of these recipes are huge dinner win!

Easy Air-Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Have you ever tried fried catfish nuggets? If not, you are missing out! Air fryer catfish nuggets are easy to make and taste amazing. Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional fried catfish.

These crispy and delicious catfish nuggets are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients – and they cook up in no time at all in your air fryer.

It’s a great way to enjoy catfish in a new and different way, and even your kids will love them. Especially when you pair them with your favorite dipping sauces!

Be sure to try more of my easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes like AIR FRYER SWORDFISH, AIR FRYER BLACKENED FISH TACOS, AIR FRYER CEDAR PLANK SALMON, and AIR FRYER FISH AND CHIPS.

Why We Love This Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Made from scratch
Ready in under 30 minutes
Deep fried taste, without all of the oil!
Great family meals!
Works as a snack or meal
Fun alternative to chicken nuggets, finger food, and favorite dipping sauce!
Gluten-free and Keto-friendly options

What do you need for Easy Air Fryer Catfish?

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for the best catfish nuggets!

Remember the step-by-step directions and full measurements are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

Catfish Fillets: Use fresh catfish or thawed catfish. You can also use any freshwater fish, mild-tasting fish, or white fish with this catfish nuggets recipe.
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, for a gluten free option.
Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Paste, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper
Serving: Fresh lemon slices, homemade tartar sauce, hot sauce, or fresh dill

How do you make Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe?

Here are the simple steps, to make the easiest catfish nuggets recipe.

dredging cubes of catfish in panko breadcrumbs

Step 1: Prepare the catfish nugget

Cut catfish fillet into 1” pieces, then dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the catfish nuggets onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Make a fish breading dredging station

Add flour and potato starch in one shallow 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 bowl.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

If you don’t have a preheat option, simply run the air fryer to 400 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes. Then, spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray.

breaded catfish pieces on foil in air fryer basket

Step 4: Bread the fish

Working in batches of 5-6 catfish pieces at a time, toss the pieces 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 pieces are breaded.

Step 5: Air Fry Catfish Nuggets

Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the basket and spray them with oil. set cook time for 5-10 minutes. flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Cook for another 5 minutes. Serve fried catfish nuggets with a side of tartar sauce or horseradish dip and lemon wedges.

catfish nuggets and lemon slices in wooden container

Pro Tips:

Avoid Crowding: Cook in batches so you don’t overload the basket. If the food is too close together, it will not cook evenly and will come out soggy. Space out the catfish nuggets and flip them halfway so that they crisp evenly on all sides.
Easy Cleanup: If you’d like, you can place a piece of foil in the basket before adding the nuggets. Just be sure to leave space around the sides so the air can still circulate.
Timing: No two air fryers are the same, so make sure that you watch your food as it cooks. It may be ready sooner or it may need more time.
Use a Thermometer: Seafood is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Remove a nugget from the air fryer, then insert the probe into the center for the most accurate reading.
Seasonings and Spices: Adding seasonings and spices to this catfish nuggets recipe is a great way to add flavor and complexity. From Cajun seasoning to Old Bay seasoning, there are lots of different flavors to choose from. Experiment until you find your favorite!

What to Serve with Air Fry Catfish Nuggets

Air fryer catfish nuggets are a great appetizer or party snack, but you can also serve them for a main course. Here are some common side dishes that go well with breaded catfish:

Faqs

How long does it take to cook catfish nuggets in the air fryer? Cooking time for catfish nuggets in the air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the nuggets and the temperature of your air fryer. It’s best to check for doneness by testing the nuggets with a fork. They should easily flake apart when cooked through.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for catfish nuggets? Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for cooking catfish nuggets. This high temperature helps to quickly crisp up the coating while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside.

Can I use frozen catfish nuggets in the air fryer? Yes, you can use frozen catfish nuggets in the air fryer. Simply place the frozen nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook them according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the catfish nuggets from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the catfish nuggets. You can also place a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil in the basket to help prevent sticking.

What are some serving suggestions for air fryer catfish nuggets? Air fryer catfish nuggets pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade. They also go well with sides like coleslaw, French fries, or hush puppies for a complete meal.

How to store leftover catfish nuggets Let the cooked catfish cool to room temperature, and then place into an airtight container. The leftovers will last for 3-5 days. Reheat the catfish nuggets in air fryer for 6-7 minutes at 380 degree F.

How to Cook Frozen Catfish Nuggets in Air Fryer If you find breaded nuggets in the freezer section of your store, you can still use this recipe as a guide! Place the frozen catfish nuggets into the air fryer basket, then set the cooking temperature to 400 degrees F for 12-14 minutes. If you want the breading to crisp up, be sure to spray the pieces with cooking spray.

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Equipment Used

Instant Vortex Air Fryer 4 in 1, Best Fries Ever, Roast, Bake, Reheat, 6 Qt, 1700W

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