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    Home » Main Dish

    Air Fryer Catfish

    Published: Dec 19, 2020 • Modified: Dec 25, 2020 by Charlotte• This post may contain affiliate links •1 Comment

    1.4K shares
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    golden air fryer catfish on plate

    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 fryer catfish on white plate

    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.

    Jump to:
    • How do you choose catfish?
    • Why this recipe works
    • List of Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    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.

    air fryer catfish on plate with lemon half

    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!

    browned catfish in air fryer

    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

    1. Begin by soaking the filets in milk and hot sauce.
    2. Gather ingredients for the breading.
    3. Drain filets.
    4. Coat filets in breading and allow to set as air fryer preheats.
    5. Arrange filets in air fryer basket in a single layer then flip them over at halfway point of cooking.
    6. Filets will be golden brown with crispy crust when cooking is complete.
    catfish filets in milk

    Begin by soaking the catfish filets in hot sauce.

    breading ingredients for catfish in bowl

    Measure ingredients for cornmeal mixture into a shallow bowl or plastic bag.

    catfish draining  in colander

    Remove fish from milk and allow to drain in colander or pat dry with paper towels.

    breaded catfish on a pan ready fro air fryer

    Coat filets in breading and allow to set as air fryer preheats.

    breaded catfish filets in air fryer

    Arrange filets in air fryer basket in a single layer then flip them over at halfway point of cooking.

    browned catfish in air fryer

    Filets will be golden brown with crispy crust when cooking is complete.

    Expert tips

    1. Try to soak the filets in milk at least 30 minutes if possible.
    2. Use a plastic bag to bread the fish for easy cleanup.
    3. Spray the top of fish with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help form a crispy crust.
    4. Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hushpuppies, slaw, etc for a complete meal.
    5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

    air fryer catfish on white plate

    Frequently asked questions

    Does an air fryer make things crispy?

    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.

    Why do you soak catfish in milk?

    Milk with a few drops of hot sauce added will help season the fish. Be sure to let the fish drain well before breading.

    air fryer catfish on plate with lemon half

    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

    air fryer catfish on plate

    Air Fryer Catfish

    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!
    4.55 from 37 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Fat
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 301kcal
    Author: Easyhealth Living

    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
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    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

    Expert Tips
    1. Try to soak the filets in milk at least 30 minutes if possible.
    2. Use a plastic bag to bread the fish for easy cleanup.
    3. Spray the top of fish with oil to help form a crispy crust.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Air Fryer Catfish
    Serving Size
     
    1 filet
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
     
    301
    Calories from Fat 72
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    15
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    95
    mg
    32
    %
    Sodium
     
    512
    mg
    21
    %
    Potassium
     
    730
    mg
    21
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    26
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    12
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    30
    g
    60
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    178
    IU
    4
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    2
    mg
    2
    %
    Calcium
     
    100
    mg
    10
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @EasyHealthllc or tag #EasyHealthllc!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Corey C

      January 05, 2022 at 9:02 am

      Very good recipe. I added a lot more seasoning, but it was the bomb!!

      Reply

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