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Air Fryer Catfish

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: January 14, 2020

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Air Fryer Catfish is a southern staple that results in crispy, salty, flaky fish! Air fried catfish is super easy and great any day of the week! If you have been looking for the perfect way to cook catfish, look no further than your air fryer!

Is there anything better than fried catfish? But who has time to stand over a hot stove frying fish? Not me!

If you love catfish try my recipe they are so good. Perfect for a picky eater, or a quick lunch or dinner! Air fryer fish is amazing!

Cooking Fish Has Never Been Easier!

That’s where the air fryer comes in. With its high-powered fan and intense heat, the air fryer can turn out perfectly crispy catfish without all the mess and hassle of traditional frying. Give this easy catfish in the air fryer recipe a try for your next dinner party!

As you all know by now, I am a huge fan of cooking seafood. It just has this amazing flavor and texture that is hard to beat. I couldn’t wait to try my hand at cooking catfish in the air fryer and let me tell you, this little appliance did not disappoint.

A few more seafood recipes you will adore are my Air Fryer Swai Fish, Air Fryer Snapper, and Air Fryer Grouper. YUM!

Why You’ll Love Air Fried Catfish

Tender and delicious every time
Perfect for dinner parties
Kids love this catfish air fryer recipe
Adults love air fried catfish too
Same great taste without deep frying!
Crispy air fryer catfish

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Fried Catfish

Here are the simple recipe ingredients you will need for air frying catfish.

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.

Raw Catfish: Grab a couple of catfish fillets roughly the same size.
Fish Fry Batter: I used Louisiana Mix Fish Fry Seasoning For a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free fish fry batter.
Cornmeal Mixture: Yellow Cornmeal, all-purpose flour, yellow mustard, and your favorite seafood seasoning, salt, Black pepper, or Old Bay Seasoning.

How To Make Catfish In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making fried catfish in air fryer.

Step 1: Batter catfish

You can soak your catfish filets in regular milk or buttermilk, for added flavor. Pour the batter into a large sealable bag. Place your catfish fillet inside the bag and shake a few times (make sure you seal the bag first.)

If you are using homemade batter in a large bowl add yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, yellow mustard, and seafood seasoning.

Step 2: Place catfish in the air fryer

As you coat your fish, place them on a greased air fryer basket or air fryer tray. Of you are making the breaded catfish ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3: AirFry Catfish

Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and set cook time for 12-15 minutes, carefully flip halfway during the cooking process. The key to golden brown is to coat your batter with olive oil generously; it will crisp up nicely. Remove the cooked catfish, and serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.

Recipe Variations

Catfish in air fryer no Breading: Use your favorite seasoning mix, or blackened seasoning mix. Air Fryer Catfish fillets without breading is a healthy way to cook catfish in an air fryer, perfect for a quick gluten-free, keto-friendly or low-carb recipe.
Catfish in air fryer with breading: Use your favorite breading mix, store-bought or homemade.

Pro Tips For Easy Air Fryer Catfish Recipe

Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the perfect Easy Air Fryer Catfish:

Prep the Catfish: Before cooking, pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents the fish from becoming soggy during cooking.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Catfish has a mild flavor, so season the fillets generously with your favorite herbs and spices. Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon pepper are all great options for adding flavor.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Panko creates a light and airy texture that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the catfish fillets. This helps ensure that the fish cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Arrange in a Single Layer: Arrange the catfish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that each fillet cooks evenly.
Flip Halfway Through: For even cooking and browning, flip the catfish fillets halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs to gently turn them over, being careful not to disturb the coating.
Check for Doneness: Catfish cooks relatively quickly in the air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The fillets are done when they are golden brown and easily flake with a fork. depending on the size of the catfish fillet the cooking time will vary.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the air fryer catfish immediately after cooking. Enjoy it hot and crispy with your favorite sides and dipping sauce.

Faq’s

Why Do Some People Soak Their Catfish in Milk? Milk and fish work well, as soaking fish in milk before cooking reduces the fish flavor. It will provide a more mellow flavor. If you prefer not to eat strong fish, soak in milk or even buttermilk to help pull flavor from the fish. The buttermilk will also help to plump the fish up, giving you an ultra-rich and delicious fish. You can simply air fry catfish as directed below and you are all set for incredible fish!

Can I use frozen catfish fillets in the air fryer? Yes, you can you can cook frozen catfish fillets in the air fryer, but it’s best to thaw them first for more even cooking. Thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and air frying.

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

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

Can I bread catfish fillets before air frying them? Yes, you can bread catfish fillets before air frying them for added flavor and texture. Use a combination of flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs or cornmeal to bread the fillets before placing them in the air fryer basket.

How do I prevent the catfish 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 fillets. 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? Air fryer catfish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including coleslaw, hush puppies, cornbread, and potato salad. Serve it with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade for dipping, along with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.

Is air frying fish good? Yes, air frying fish can be a delicious and healthy cooking method. Air frying allows you to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside.

Can you fry raw fish in an air fryer? Yes, you can fry raw fish in an air fryer. Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a wide range of foods, including raw fish fillets.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used

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

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