Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Catfish nuggets are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer gives the nuggets a crispy exterior while keeping the catfish tender and warm inside. The nuggets are coated in a cornmeal and Cajun seasoning breading, which gives them a crunchy texture and a spicy kick. They're a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. They're also great for dipping in your favourite sauces!

How to bread catfish nuggets

To bread catfish nuggets, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, dredge the catfish pieces in flour, ensuring an even coat. You can season the flour with spices like garlic powder, spicy brown mustard, thyme, or seasoning salt to add extra flavour. Then, dip the floured catfish into an egg mixture, which can also be enhanced with hot sauce or milk. Next, press the catfish into a breadcrumb mixture, using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Shake off any excess flour, egg, or breadcrumbs to ensure an even coat. You can also double-coat the catfish by repeating the process for an extra crispy finish. Once breaded, place the catfish nuggets in the air fryer in a single layer, spray with cooking oil, and cook until golden brown and crispy.

The best cooking oil sprays to use

Yes, you can cook catfish nuggets in an air fryer! To do so, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F and prepare your catfish pieces by coating them in a seasoned breading mix. Then, place the nuggets in a single layer in the fryer basket, spray them lightly with cooking oil spray, and air fry for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Now, onto the best cooking oil sprays to use in your air fryer. While some sources suggest that cooking sprays should be avoided in air fryers, as they can cause sticky spots that degrade the non-stick coating, others assert that air fryers are meant to be disposable and are impossible to clean anyway due to their design. However, if you want to prolong the life of your air fryer, it's recommended to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as refined avocado oil, canola oil, or olive oil. You can purchase these oils in spray cans or put them in oil pump spray bottles.

One popular option for air fryer cooking oil is the Mantova Air Fryer Spray, which has a smoke point of 450°F and is made with pure oil, free of additives and artificial flavors. It's suitable for a variety of cooking methods, including air frying, roasting, grilling, and baking. Customers appreciate its ease of use and the crispness it gives to their food. However, some have reported issues with the spray function not working properly.

Another option is to make your own cooking spray by purchasing a food hygiene spray bottle and filling it with extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil. This way, you can control the amount and application of oil on your food.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your catfish nuggets, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure you pat the nuggets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure that the coating adheres well to the fish and becomes crispy during cooking.

The next step is to create a crispy coating. You can do this by coating the nuggets with a mixture of cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a seasoned breading mix or panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture. Make sure to press the nuggets into the coating and shake off any excess.

Once the nuggets are coated, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each nugget to allow for even cooking. Spray the nuggets with olive oil or cooking oil spray to help them crisp up.

Cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For the crispiest results, some recipes suggest cooking the nuggets for 10 minutes on each side, spraying with oil after flipping. However, be careful when flipping so that the nuggets don't break apart. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking and the best results. By following these steps, you'll achieve the perfect crispy texture for your catfish nuggets!

How to reheat catfish nuggets

Yes, you can cook catfish nuggets in an air fryer. They are a great, healthy option as they are cooked without the need for messy frying oil. You can also reheat catfish nuggets in an air fryer.

To reheat catfish nuggets, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat. Place the catfish nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is not big enough, you may need to reheat in batches. Air fry the bites for 3 minutes until heated all the way through. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 5 minutes.

You can also reheat catfish nuggets in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the catfish nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 7 to 10 minutes.

To keep your catfish nuggets crispy when reheating, you can use a trick where you preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and place a cooling rack on a baking sheet. As you finish reheating each batch, lay them flat on the cooling rack in the oven to keep them warm and prevent them from getting soggy.

What to serve with catfish nuggets

Catfish nuggets are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

For a classic pairing, serve the catfish nuggets with a side of crispy French fries. The golden, crunchy exterior and fluffy interior of the fries provide a delightful contrast to the soft and flaky catfish. Jazz up your fries with some garlic powder, rosemary, or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

If you're looking for a colourful and flavourful option, try yellow rice. Infused with saffron or turmeric, and sometimes adorned with peas or bell peppers, this dish is more than just an aesthetically pleasing base for your catfish. It offers a burst of flavour that will complement the mild taste of the catfish.

Collard greens are a must-have when it comes to soul food. Slow-cooked with smoky bacon, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, these greens bring an earthy depth to your meal. The tangy, chewy collards offer a nice contrast to the catfish, evoking a true Southern comfort food experience.

Potato rosti, the Swiss cousin of the classic hash brown, is another delicious option. With a crunchy exterior and tender interior, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The rich, buttery potato pairs beautifully with the lean and flaky catfish.

For a refreshing break from the deep-fried goodness, serve some crunchy coleslaw on the side. Whether you prefer it creamy or tangy with a good amount of vinegar, coleslaw provides a crisp texture and a clean palate reset between bites of the fish.

Lastly, don't forget about the ever-popular hush puppies! These golden, crispy cornmeal balls are a Southern staple and pack a flavourful punch. With a crusty exterior and soft interior, they make the perfect bite-sized complement to your catfish nuggets.

Frequently asked questions