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A close-up of perfectly cooked air fryer fish fillets, seasoned and golden brown, on a white plate.

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.