Easy Southern catfish recipe in the air fryer! You will be amazed at how easy it is to cook delicious air fryer catfish. Just a few simple ingredients add the perfect flavor. Crunchy crust with tender flaky fish inside!
Air fryers are the perfect healthy alternative for cooking fish! You will get a delicious crispy crust that seals in the moist tender fish. Whether breaded or simply a seasoned filet, you will love cooking fish in the air fryer. No deep frying and no extra fat calories!
Be sure to review your air fryer brand owner's manual for detailed info regarding recommended cooking temps for fish.
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How do you choose catfish?
We are using USA farm raised fresh catfish in this recipe for maximum taste and quality. Catfish can be sold fresh in the meat department or frozen in the seafood area of your local grocery store. If you do not have access to catfish, try cod, haddock, tilapia or other type white fish.
Why this recipe works
- Soaking the fish in milk with a few drops of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning helps minimize fishy flavor.
- A basic cornmeal batter lets the flavor of the fish shine through.
- USA grown catfish gives superior quality.
This easy air fryer catfish recipe can be used to make air fryer catfish nuggets too! Simply cut the catfish into pieces and proceed with recipe.
Looking for more seafood recipes? Be sure to try our Easy Low Carb Baked Fish, Cajun Baked Catfish, Low Carb Pecan Baked Catfish and our Old Bay Recipe for Shrimp!
List of Ingredients
- Catfish- choose fresh or frozen
- Milk- any type you prefer
- Cornmeal- we are using yellow cornmeal, feel free to use Louisiana fish fry or your favorite breading mix.
- Flour- all purpose
- Seasonings- we are using salt and black pepper but feel free to use others including garlic powder, onion powder and/or old bay seasoning.
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the filets in milk and hot sauce.
- Gather ingredients for the breading.
- Drain filets.
- Coat filets in breading and allow to set as air fryer preheats.
- Arrange filets in air fryer basket in a single layer then flip them over at halfway point of cooking.
- Filets will be golden brown with crispy crust when cooking is complete.
Begin by soaking the catfish filets in hot sauce.
Measure ingredients for cornmeal mixture into a shallow bowl or plastic bag.
Remove fish from milk and allow to drain in colander or pat dry with paper towels.
Coat filets in breading and allow to set as air fryer preheats.
Arrange filets in air fryer basket in a single layer then flip them over at halfway point of cooking.
Filets will be golden brown with crispy crust when cooking is complete.
Expert tips
- Try to soak the filets in milk at least 30 minutes if possible.
- Use a plastic bag to bread the fish for easy cleanup.
- Spray the top of fish with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help form a crispy crust.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hushpuppies, slaw, etc for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! This catfish cooks up crispy and delicious. Be sure to spray or brush with a small amount of oil while cooking for best results.
Milk with a few drops of hot sauce added will help season the fish. Be sure to let the fish drain well before breading.
Hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Catfish Recipe! Be sure to check out our other delicious dinner recipes including Low Carb Peel & Eat Shrimp, Low Carb Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl and Crunchy Fish Tacos with Caribbean Slaw.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave your star rating and comment below!
Recipe
Crispy Southern Air Fryer Catfish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Catfish Filets or 3 medium filets
- ¾ cup Milk
- 4 drops Hot Sauce
- ½ cup Cornmeal, yellow
- 2 tablespoon Flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- olive oil for misting
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 370° for 4 minutes. (Refer to the owners manual of your air fryer for specific details regarding cooking fish.)
- Combine fish, milk and hot sauce in a medium bowl and allow to soak at least 30 minutes.
- Remove fish from marinade and place in colander to drain. Discard remaining marinade.
- Combine remaining ingredients in a large ziplock bag. One at a time, shake filets in bag to coat fish completely.
- Place filets in air fryer (avoid crowding) and mist with oil. Cook at 370° for 10 minutes. Flip fish and mist with oil. Continue cooking another 10 minutes. Fish should be golden brown and fully cooked.
Notes
- Try to soak the filets in milk at least 30 minutes if possible.
- Use a plastic bag to bread the fish for easy cleanup.
- Spray the top of fish with oil to help form a crispy crust.
Corey C says
Very good recipe. I added a lot more seasoning, but it was the bomb!!