Air-Fried Catfish: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Catfish is a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in the Southern United States. It is often served at Mardi Gras celebrations and during summer holiday cookouts. One of the most common ways to cook catfish is by frying it, and this can be done in an air fryer. Air-fried catfish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried catfish, as it requires less oil and still results in a crispy texture. It is also a quick and easy low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb recipe.

Soaking catfish in milk or buttermilk to remove fishy flavour

Catfish has a mild flavour and is a good fish to introduce to kids, as long as you soak it to remove the fishiness. The best way to remove the fishy flavour from catfish is to soak it in milk or buttermilk. This process works for all types of fish, not just catfish. The fat in the fish binds to the protein in the milk to sweeten the flavour. Buttermilk works even better than milk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can also sour your milk with a little white vinegar first.

If you are using fresh catfish, it is ideal to soak it in milk or buttermilk before freezing. If this is not possible, you can still do it while frozen, but you will need to soak it for an hour in room-temperature milk, which will also help to thaw it. If you are using fresh catfish, you should soak it in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also soak it for a few hours or even overnight.

If you are using frozen catfish, you should thaw it and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen fish cooked directly in the air fryer does not turn out well because of the moisture from being frozen.

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. For fried catfish, you should preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F.

Different air fryer models may have varying preheating functions, so it is always good to consult your air fryer's manual. However, most air fryers will have a preheat setting, which you can set to the desired temperature. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply set it to the temperature you want, in this case, 375-400°F, and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

Preheating your air fryer to 375-400°F is a great temperature range for cooking fried catfish. This temperature range will give your catfish a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of your catfish fillets and your desired level of crispness.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe instructions, such as coating your catfish fillets with olive oil or breading, and placing them in the air fryer basket.

Cooking time of 20-22 minutes

Yes, you can cook fried catfish in an air fryer in about 20-22 minutes. This cooking time assumes that you are frying at 400°F (200°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer brand, the crunchiness you prefer, and the thickness of the fish.

Before frying, you should prepare the catfish fillets. It is recommended to soak the fillets in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to remove any fishy or "muddy" flavors. You can also add a few shakes of hot sauce to the milk. After soaking, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel.

Once the fillets are dry, you can season them. In a small bowl, mix your preferred spices. Common spices used include blackening or cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also use a pre-made fish fry seasoning. Drizzle the spice mixture and olive oil on the fillets, ensuring they are fully coated.

When ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch and do not overcrowd the basket. Spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Air fry the catfish for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets. Fry for another 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the catfish reaches your desired doneness and has a golden brown and crispy texture. The total cooking time should be around 20-22 minutes.

You can serve the fried catfish with lemon wedges, parsley, and homemade tartar sauce, hot sauce, or malt vinegar on the side.

Flipping the fillets halfway through

When cooking, it's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will help the hot air circulate, allowing the fish to crisp up and achieve that perfect blackened exterior. It is recommended to cook the fillets in a single layer, and if your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, you can cut large fillets into a couple of pieces to fit better.

The flipping process is made easier if you spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray first. This will prevent the fish from sticking and ensure a smooth flip. A fish spatula is a handy tool to have for turning the delicate fish, and it's not a problem if a little of the breading sticks when you flip—it won't affect the final result.

Depending on the size of your fillets and your desired level of crispness, you may need to adjust the cooking time after flipping. For a golden brown and crispy exterior, an additional 4-5 minutes at 400°F should do the trick. For well-done fillets, you may need to cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.

Remember, flipping your catfish fillets halfway through is a crucial step in achieving that perfect balance of flavours and textures, so don't skip it!

Serving suggestions: lemon wedges, parsley, tartar sauce, hot sauce, malt vinegar

Lemon wedges are a classic side to fried catfish, adding a burst of freshness to the dish. You can also squeeze the lemon juice over the fish to enhance the flavour. Parsley is another popular garnish, adding a bright, herbal touch to the dish.

Tartar sauce is a common condiment to serve with fried catfish. This creamy, tangy sauce is made with mayonnaise, dill pickle, lemon juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. You can also add fresh or dried dill, or substitute the dill with parsley for a slightly different flavour profile. It is best to make the tartar sauce ahead of time and let the flavours meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Hot sauce can add a spicy kick to your fried catfish. You can use your favourite store-bought hot sauce, or make your own by blending chillies with vinegar and other spices.

Malt vinegar is another traditional condiment to serve with fried fish. It adds a tangy, sour note to the dish and can be drizzled over the catfish or used as a dip.

Frequently asked questions