Air-Fried Catfish Fillets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Catfish is a beloved classic, and frying it is a southern tradition. But deep-fried foods are high in calories and fat, and the smell of frying fish can linger for days. So, what's the alternative? An air fryer! Air-fried catfish is a healthier option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. It's also a quick and easy way to cook, with minimal prep and clean-up required. But can you cook catfish fillets in an air fryer? Absolutely!

Soaking catfish fillets in milk or buttermilk

When preparing the catfish fillets for soaking, it is important to place them in a plastic zipper bag or a large bowl. Then, pour milk or buttermilk over them, ensuring that all the fillets are fully coated and submerged. The fillets should be allowed to soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour to effectively remove any unpleasant flavours. If you have the time, you can even soak them overnight in the refrigerator, turning the fish once to ensure even marination.

Buttermilk is particularly effective in achieving flavourful and tender catfish. It is a key step in the breading process, helping the cornmeal or other coatings adhere to the fish while cooking. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of milk.

After soaking the catfish fillets in milk or buttermilk, remove them from the mixture and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Then, proceed with your chosen breading or seasoning before air frying to perfection!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your catfish fillets cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F, with most recipes recommending a preheat temperature of 385°F (196°C) or 400°F. At this temperature, your air fryer should be preheated for a few minutes before cooking.

When preheating your air fryer, it is also essential to prepare the basket by spraying it with a suitable oil. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola, are recommended to prevent a rancid taste. Olive oil can also be used, but it has a lower smoke point, so it may not be suitable for all air fryers. Spraying the basket with oil helps to ensure that your catfish fillets don't stick and makes it easier to achieve a crispy texture.

The preheating process is a crucial step in achieving the desired flavour and texture of your catfish fillets. By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you create the optimal cooking environment. This ensures that your catfish cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and crispy final product.

It is worth noting that the preheating temperature and duration may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Different air fryer brands may have unique features and heating capabilities, which can affect the preheating process. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range of 375°F to 400°F, typically 385°F or 400°F, for a few minutes is essential for cooking catfish fillets. This step ensures even cooking and helps to create the desired crispy texture. Don't forget to spray the air fryer basket with a suitable high-heat oil, such as avocado or canola, to prevent sticking and enhance the crispiness of your catfish fillets.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for catfish fillets in an air fryer depend on the size of the fillets, the brand of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 385°F (196°C) or 400°F for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

For smaller catfish fillets or nuggets, cooking times can range from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and type. It is important to keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. For larger fillets, the cooking time can be longer, ranging from 10 to 22 minutes. It is generally recommended to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

When cooking at 400°F, the fillets should be cooked for about 10 minutes on each side, for a total of 20-22 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the brand of the air fryer. For a golden-brown and crispy exterior, some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 400°F for the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.

For reheating leftover catfish fillets, set the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for about 4 minutes until warmed through.

Flipping the fillets

When flipping the fillets, it is essential to use a spatula to turn them gently, as catfish can be delicate and may fall apart. You can use a regular spatula, but a fish spatula is even better if you have one. It is also a good idea to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before placing the fillets in it. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking and make flipping easier.

Some recipes recommend flipping the fillets more than once during cooking. For example, one recipe suggests flipping the fillets every 4-5 minutes for a total cooking time of 13-15 minutes. This ensures that the fillets get crispy on both sides. However, another recipe suggests that flipping the fillets just once is enough, as long as you spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil before cooking.

If you are cooking frozen fillets, you may need to adjust the flipping time. It is recommended to soak frozen fillets in room-temperature milk for an hour before cooking. Then, you can follow the same cooking and flipping instructions as for fresh fillets.

Finally, it is worth noting that some people choose not to flip their catfish fillets at all. They find that their fillets still turn out crispy and delicious on both sides without flipping. Ultimately, it is up to you whether you want to try flipping your catfish or not.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer catfish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your crispy, golden catfish fillets:

Classic Southern Sides

Classic Southern-style sides are a perfect pairing for your air fryer catfish. Consider serving it with classic sides such as coleslaw, hushpuppies, and cheesy grits. Hushpuppies are a type of fried cornbread that is a popular side dish in the Southern United States. They are typically made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and deep-fried to a golden brown. Cheesy grits, another Southern staple, are made from ground corn and cooked with cheese, milk, and butter to create a creamy and savoury dish. These sides will add texture and flavour to your meal.

Dipping Sauces and Condiments

Serve your catfish fillets with a variety of dipping sauces and condiments to enhance the flavour. Tartar sauce, a traditional choice for fried fish, is a must-have. You can easily make your own by mixing mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and lemon juice. Hot sauce is another great option to add a spicy kick to your meal. For a fresh and zesty flavour, squeeze some lemon juice over your catfish or serve it with lemon wedges on the side.

Vegetables and Starches

Balance your meal by including some vegetables and starches. French fries are always a popular choice and can be cooked in the air fryer as well. For a healthier option, consider baking or air-frying some potato wedges or sweet potato fries. Gluten-free dinner rolls can also be a great side to complete the meal. If you're looking for something more substantial, spaghetti is a surprising but delicious pairing that is said to be a Midwest favourite.

Other Fish Options

If you're feeling adventurous, you can apply the same breading and cooking technique to other types of fish, such as tilapia or cod. This will allow you to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures while still enjoying the convenience and health benefits of air frying.

Frequently asked questions