Frying Catfish Perfectly With An Air Fryer

can you fry catfish in air fryer

Catfish is a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in the southern United States. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, you can use an air fryer to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture without the extra calories and fat. Air-fried catfish is also a great option for those who want to avoid the strong smell of fried fish lingering in their homes.

Characteristics Values
Taste Crispy on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside
Health Healthier than deep-fried catfish
Calories Saves almost 400 calories per serving compared to deep-fried catfish
Fat Saves 45 grams of fat per serving compared to deep-fried catfish
Smell No lingering smell after cooking
Oil Less oil is required
Time Quick and easy to make
Cleanliness Easier to clean than deep-fried catfish

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How to get the perfect crispy coating

To get the perfect crispy coating on your catfish, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, it is important to prepare the fish by soaking it in buttermilk or milk. This will help to remove any fishy flavour and is a crucial step, especially when using freshwater fish. Allow the fillets to soak for at least 30 minutes, or for an hour if frozen.

Next, you'll want to prepare your breading or coating. You can use a store-bought fish fry mix, or make your own by combining cornmeal with various seasonings such as cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add an egg to the buttermilk to help the batter stick to the fish.

Once your fillets have soaked, remove them from the milk and pat them dry. Now it's time to coat your catfish! Brush each fillet with a mixture of yellow mustard and mayonnaise, which will help the breading stick and add a tangy flavour. Alternatively, you can coat the fillets in flour before dipping them in the mustard-mayo mixture.

After that, it's time to apply the breading. You can do this by placing the fillets in a bag with your chosen breading and shaking to coat, or by dipping the fillets in a shallow dish filled with the breading. Gently press the coating onto the fillets to ensure it sticks.

Finally, place the coated fillets into your preheated air fryer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the fillets generously with olive oil or another high-heat oil like avocado or canola. Air fry at around 385°F to 400°F for about 10 minutes, then flip the fillets and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy air-fried catfish. Enjoy!

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The best oil to use for frying catfish

The Best Oil to Fry Catfish

When it comes to frying catfish, you'll want to use an oil with a high smoke point that won't mask the delicate flavour of the fish. A neutral oil, such as canola, vegetable, or safflower oil, is ideal. These oils have high smoke points, which means they can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without burning and smoking.

  • Avocado oil: Smoke point 520°F
  • Safflower oil: Smoke point 510°F
  • Peanut oil: Smoke point 450°F
  • Clarified butter (ghee): Smoke point 450°F
  • Vegetable oil: Smoke point 400°F to 450°F
  • Canola oil: Smoke point 400°F
  • Coconut oil: Smoke point 350°F
  • Olive oil: Smoke point 325°F to 375°F

While peanut oil has a high smoke point, it can add a slightly nutty flavour to your fish, which may or may not be desirable. Olive oil, while commonly used, has a lower smoke point and can impart flavour to the fish. It is more suitable for pan-frying small whole fish like smelt, seabream, or branzino.

Other oils that can be used for frying catfish include sunflower seed oil, palm oil, and grape seed oil.

When frying catfish, it is important to maintain a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures that your catfish is cooked evenly and achieves the desired crispiness without burning.

Now that you know the best oils to use, go ahead and fry that catfish to perfection!

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How to store and reheat leftover catfish

How to Store Leftover Catfish

To preserve the coating's crispiness, store the leftover catfish in an airtight container. Allow the catfish to cool to room temperature before placing it in the container to prevent condensation, which could make the coating soggy. The catfish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Leftover Catfish in an Air Fryer

Reheating leftover catfish in an air fryer is a rapid and effective way to ensure a crispy outcome. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and helps to achieve the desired crispiness.
  • Place the leftover catfish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Leave some space between the fillets to ensure proper air circulation.
  • Reheat for 3-5 minutes. Check and flip the pieces halfway through for even cooking.
  • Once the reheating time is up, carefully remove the catfish from the air fryer and let it cool briefly before serving.

Additional Tips

  • If your catfish has a drier coating, you may want to use a light spritz of oil before reheating to enhance its crispy texture.
  • Avoid reheating catfish more than once. Reheating it multiple times can result in a loss of quality and an increased risk of overcooking.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, the thickness of the fillets, and your desired level of crispiness.

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The benefits of cooking with an air fryer

Yes, you can fry catfish in an air fryer! Here are some benefits of cooking with an air fryer:

Health Benefits

Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods as they use less oil. Air-fried foods have a lower fat content than deep-fried foods, reducing the risk of heart disease and higher rates of inflammation. Air frying also reduces the risk of toxic acrylamide formation, a compound that may be linked to certain types of cancer.

Taste and Texture

Air fryers deliver similar taste and texture to deep-fried foods, resulting in crispy and chewy foods without the excess oil. The circulating hot air cooks the outside of the food first, creating a crispy brown coating while keeping the inside soft.

Convenience

Air fryers are convenient as they don't require heating up a large oven, and they produce less cleanup than deep frying. They are also safer than deep fryers as there is no risk of spilling or splashing hot oil. Additionally, air fryers can cook food in smaller batches, which can be useful for households with limited counter space.

Versatility

While air fryers are commonly used for frying, they are versatile and can be used for cooking a variety of dishes, including roasted vegetables, chicken, and even baked goods. Some models also have toast and bake settings, allowing you to bake brownies or roast a chicken.

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How to choose the best catfish fillets

Yes, you can fry catfish in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to choose the best catfish fillets:

When choosing catfish fillets, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best quality. Firstly, check the colour of the fillets. Fresh catfish fillets should have a pinkish-white colour, while older fillets may have a greyish hue. Avoid any fillets with discolouration, as this could indicate spoilage.

Next, take a close look at the texture. Catfish fillets should be firm and elastic, with no signs of drying or cracking. The flesh should spring back when pressed gently. If the fillets feel mushy or slimy, they are not fresh.

Another important factor is smell. Fresh catfish should have a mild, slightly sweet odour. If the fillets have a strong "fishy" smell, they are likely not fresh.

Finally, pay attention to the packaging. Look for fillets that are packaged neatly and securely, with no signs of leakage or damage. Check the "best before" date to ensure the fillets are still within their shelf life.

By following these simple guidelines, you can be sure to choose the best catfish fillets for your air fryer!

Now, here is a simple recipe for air-fried catfish:

Air Fryer Catfish

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs catfish fillets
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 3 tsp seafood seasoning (e.g. Old Bay, Zatarain's)
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or canola)

Instructions:

  • Cut the catfish fillets into small, evenly sized pieces.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Mix well.
  • Coat each piece of catfish with yellow mustard, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess.
  • Place the coated catfish in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
  • Spray the catfish generously with cooking spray.
  • Set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 7 minutes.
  • Open the air fryer, flip the catfish, and spray with cooking spray again. Cook for an additional 7 minutes.
  • Once done, remove the catfish from the air fryer and serve hot with your favourite condiments!

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