Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe with a Crispy Cornmeal Crust

There’s something truly magical about turning simple ingredients into a dish that brings smiles all around the table, isn’t there? Today, I’m so excited to share my Catfish in air fryer recipe for perfectly crispy fillets, golden brown and seasoned just right. It’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, offering that satisfying crunch on the outside and tender, flaky fish within, all without the fuss and mess of deep frying.

I remember childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every meal was an event, a story unfolding with scents and sizzles. While Grandma mostly baked pies and cakes, she taught me the true joy of cooking with love and making the most of every ingredient. This recipe brings a similar feeling of wholesome goodness and simple pleasure, updated for our modern kitchens.

This catfish in air fryer recipe is wonderfully approachable for any home cook, making it a fantastic weeknight meal that the whole family will adore. Plus, it’s an absolute breeze to clean up! My top tip for any air fryer creation is always to preheat your air fryer properly – it makes all the difference for that perfect crisp.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delicious dish begins with fresh catfish fillets and a vibrant blend of spices, including smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne for warmth, all brought together with a classic cornmeal crust. The simple mixture of milk and hot sauce creates a perfect base for the breading, ensuring every bite of our catfish in air fryer recipe is seasoned to perfection. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe

Making this catfish in air fryer recipe is wonderfully straightforward. First, you’ll prepare your catfish fillets, ensuring they’re patted dry. Then, set up your breading stations: one for the wet mixture of egg, milk, and hot sauce, and another for the seasoned cornmeal and flour blend. Each fillet gets a dip, a dredge, and then a generous spray of olive oil before air frying to golden, crispy perfection. It’s a quick 15-minute prep and 20-minute cook time for a truly satisfying meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Catfish Fillets

Achieve perfectly crispy, moist, and flavorful catfish fillets with minimal oil in your air fryer. This easy recipe makes for a quick and healthy weeknight meal that’s bursting with Southern-inspired taste.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Catfish

• 2 fillets Catfish Fillets about 6-8 oz each, thawed if frozen

For the Egg Wash

• 1 Large Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk any kind
• 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce optional, for extra flavor

For the Breading

• 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal fine or medium ground
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper or to taste, for heat

For Cooking & Serving

• Olive Oil Spray
• 2 wedges Lemon for serving
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Shallow Dishes
• Whisk
• Tongs

Method

 

Prepare the Catfish

1. Pat the catfish fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy crust. If fillets are very large, you can cut them in half for easier handling and air frying.

Set Up Breading Stations

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and hot sauce (if using) until well combined. This is your wet station.
2. In a separate shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure seasonings are evenly distributed. This is your dry station.

Coat the Catfish

1. Dip each catfish fillet into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are fully coated, letting any excess drip off.
2. Immediately transfer the wet fillet to the dry breading mixture. Press gently to ensure the breading adheres well to all sides of the fish. Shake off any excess.

Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded catfish fillets with olive oil spray. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
3. Place the sprayed fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly.
4. Air fry for 9-11 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets using tongs. Continue to air fry for another 9-11 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C). Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness and air fryer model.

Serve

1. Carefully remove the crispy catfish from the air fryer. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or hushpuppies.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents the fish from getting crispy. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the catfish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Pro Tips for Making This Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe

Achieving that perfect, restaurant-quality crispiness for your catfish in air fryer recipe is easier than you might think with a few simple tricks.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to spray my coated catfish fillets with olive oil spray liberally right before placing them in the air fryer. This isn’t just a light mist; it’s a good, even coating that mimics the fat in traditional frying and is absolutely crucial for that beautiful golden crust and crisp texture.

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Cook the fillets in batches if necessary, allowing enough space for the hot air to circulate freely around each piece. This ensures every side gets wonderfully crispy instead of steaming.

For extra flavor, let your catfish fillets marinate in the milk and hot sauce mixture for about 10-15 minutes before breading. This really helps the flavors penetrate the fish and keeps it moist.

Flip the fillets halfway through cooking! This is essential for even browning and crispiness on both sides. I always recommend setting a timer to remind yourself.

Fun Variations for Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe

One of the joys of cooking at home is making a catfish in air fryer recipe your very own, isn’t it? These creative twists can add new dimensions of flavor and cater to everyone’s preferences.

Spice It Up

For those who love a bit more heat, try adding a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite chili powder to the cornmeal mixture. My friend, Mark, always asks me to add a little smoked ghost pepper powder for an extra kick! You could also experiment with a blend of Cajun or Creole seasoning instead of the individual spices for a different regional flavor profile.

Herbaceous Twists

While fresh parsley is lovely as a garnish, you could incorporate dried herbs into your breading. A teaspoon of dried dill or thyme would offer a wonderfully aromatic touch to the crispy coating. Imagine the subtle herby notes dancing with the spiced cornmeal!

Zesty & Tangy

Before breading, consider a quick marinade in buttermilk with a squeeze of lemon juice instead of regular milk. The acidity helps tenderize the fish and adds a bright, tangy layer that complements the rich catfish so beautifully. My sister always loves a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon on her finished crispy catfish in air fryer recipe.

What to Serve With Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe

A perfectly cooked catfish in air fryer recipe deserves companions that enhance its crispy, flavorful goodness. Here are a few ideas that make for a complete and comforting meal.

I love serving this crispy catfish with a vibrant, fresh coleslaw that offers a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm fish. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also works wonders, adding a refreshing element.

For something a bit heartier, a side of creamy grits or fluffy mashed potatoes makes a wonderful accompaniment, soaking up any delicious juices. And for a quick time-saver, a side of steamed green beans or asparagus, seasoned simply with lemon and a pinch of salt, is always a winner.

Don’t forget the condiments! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable for me, bringing out all the bright flavors. Tartar sauce, or even a homemade remoulade, would also be absolutely delightful with this crispy catfish in air fryer recipe.

How to Store Catfish in Air Fryer Recipe

Ensuring your delicious leftovers stay fresh is key to enjoying your home-cooked meals even longer. Here’s how to properly store your catfish in air fryer recipe so it tastes wonderful the next day.

Refrigeration

Allow any leftover catfish fillets to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This prevents them from becoming soggy or absorbing fridge odors.

Reheating for Best Crisp

To bring back that lovely crisp texture, I recommend reheating your catfish in air fryer recipe in the air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also use an oven at the same temperature. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breading soft. A light spray of olive oil before reheating can also help with crispness.

Nutritional Benefits

While we always prioritize flavor and comfort in my kitchen, it’s wonderful to know that this catfish in air fryer recipe also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Catfish is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and satiety. Cooking it in the air fryer significantly reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a lighter option compared to traditional frying, allowing you to enjoy a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen catfish fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your frozen catfish fillets are fully thawed and patted very dry before you begin the breading process. Excess moisture will prevent that coveted crispy crust from forming, so thorough drying is essential to enjoy a delicious catfish in air fryer recipe.

Faq 2

How do I prevent the catfish from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, always preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray before adding the fillets. Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps. For your catfish in air fryer recipe, a little non-stick spray goes a long way.

Faq 3

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! Feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor. Conversely, you can add a bit more for an extra kick. This versatility means you can make this catfish in air fryer recipe perfectly suited to your taste.

Faq 4

What kind of cornmeal is best for a crispy crust?
Fine or medium-ground yellow cornmeal works best for achieving a crispy crust. Avoid coarse-ground cornmeal, which can result in a grittier texture. The finer texture of yellow cornmeal adheres better to the fish, helping to achieve the perfect catfish in air fryer recipe every time.

Conclusion

I truly hope this catfish in air fryer recipe inspires you to create something delicious and comforting in your own kitchen. There’s such joy in gathering loved ones around a table filled with food made with your own hands, and this crispy, flavorful catfish is sure to create wonderful memories. Happy air frying, my sweet friends, and remember: with a little love and patience, every meal can be a magical treat!