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Easy Southern-style fried catfish in the air fryer! You will be amazed at how easy it is to cook delicious air fryer catfish. Crunchy crust with tender flaky fish inside!
Air fryers are perfect 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.
Be sure to review your air fryer owner’s manual for detailed info regarding recommended cooking temps for fish.
How do you choose catfish?
We are using Mississippi farm raised catfish in this recipe for maximum taste and quality. Catfish can be sold fresh in the meat department or frozen in the seafood area. If you do not have access to catfish, try cod, haddock or tilapia.
Why this recipe works:
- Soaking the fish in milk with a few drops of hot sauce helps add flavor.
- A basic cornmeal batter lets the flavor of the fish shine through.
- USA grown catfish from Mississippi gives superior quality.
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Recipe main ingredients:
- Catfish- choose fresh or frozen
- Milk- any type you prefer
- Cornmeal- we are using yellow cornmeal
- Flour- all purpose
How to make this recipe step by step:
- 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 then flip them over at halfway point of cooking.
- Filets will be golden brown with crispy crust when cooking is complete.
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Step 6
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 oil to help form a crispy crust.
RELATED RECIPES:
- Cinnamon & Honey Greek Yogurt Sweet Potatoes
- Small Batch Cornbread
- Tex Mex Roasted Chickpeas
- Cornbread Salad
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 these other favorites:
Did you make this recipe? Please leave your star rating and comment below!
Air Fryer Catfish
Ingredients
- 1 lb Catfish Filets
- ¾ cup Milk
- 4 drops Hot Sauce
- ½ cup Cornmeal, yellow
- 2 tbsp Flour
- ¾ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
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.
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