Air-Fryer Catfish: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Catfish is a popular ingredient in many dishes, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways. One method that has gained traction in recent years is using an air fryer. Air fryers have become a go-to option for those seeking a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they are particularly useful for cooking catfish, which is renowned for its delicate flavour and texture. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of cooking catfish in an air fryer, exploring the benefits, potential challenges, and the overall experience of preparing this dish using an air fryer.

Air fryer catfish nuggets

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs catfish fillets
• 1/3-3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2-1 cup cornmeal
• 1/3-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray/olive oil spray
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, tartar sauce

Method

• Cut the catfish fillets into 1-inch pieces.
• In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg.
• In a second shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge each catfish nugget in the cornmeal mixture, then the egg mixture, and then again in the cornmeal mixture.
• Place the breaded nuggets on a clean plate.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
• Place the nuggets in the basket in a single layer, spraying the tops with more oil. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The nuggets are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Taste the cajun seasoning before adding salt, as some blends can be salty.
• Try serving with different dips like tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo.
• Keep cooked nuggets warm in an oven set below 170°F while you finish cooking the rest.

Air fryer catfish cooking time and temperature

Air-frying catfish is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it's also quicker and less messy. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer catfish can vary depending on the brand of your air fryer, the size of the fillets, and your preferred level of crispness. Here's a guide to help you get perfectly cooked and crispy catfish every time.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking catfish. Set the temperature to between 385°F and 400°F (196°C and 200°C) and preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for air fryer catfish can vary from 15 to 22 minutes, depending on various factors. Here's a general guide:

• For smaller fillets or nuggets, cook for around 15 minutes.
• For larger fillets, cook for 20 to 22 minutes.

It is important to flip the catfish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. After the initial cooking time, flip the catfish and cook for an additional 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.

The ideal temperature for cooking catfish in the air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the catfish cooks through while achieving a crispy exterior.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Soak the catfish fillets in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove any fishy flavour.
• Pat the catfish dry after soaking and before seasoning.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the catfish in batches if necessary.
• Spray the catfish with olive oil or cooking spray before and after flipping to enhance the colour and crispness.
• For an extra crispy coating, use a blend of mustard and mayonnaise before coating the catfish in a fish fry mix or cornmeal.

Air fryer catfish coating

Air fryer catfish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried catfish, and it's also quicker and easier to prepare. The air fryer's ability to produce crispy and crunchy catfish without the need for oil is impressive.

Preparation

Before coating your catfish fillets, it is important to pat them dry. This will help the coating adhere better to the fish. You can also soak the fillets in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to remove any fishy flavour.

Coating Options

There are several options for coating your catfish fillets before air frying.

Option 1: Cornmeal and Seafood Seasoning

One option is to use cornmeal and seafood seasoning. You can use yellow or white cornmeal, depending on your preference. For the seafood seasoning, you can use a premade blend such as Rosamae Seasonings Seafood Magic, or make your own by combining:

• 1/2 tablespoon salt-free Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (salt-based)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)

Coat the fillets with yellow mustard to help the cornmeal mixture stick to the fish. You won't taste the mustard once the fish is cooked. Combine the cornmeal and seasoning in a zip bag, then shake to mix. Drop the mustard-coated fillets into the bag, shake to coat, and then let them sit for 5 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Option 2: Fish Fry Mix and Mustard-Mayo Blend

Another option is to use a premade fish fry mix, such as the Louisiana Fish Fry Mix, and a blend of mustard and mayonnaise. The mustard-mayo blend adds a tangy kick and helps the fish fry mix adhere to the fillets. You won't taste the mustard or mayonnaise, but if you don't like them, you can use a mixture of beaten egg and hot sauce as a binder instead.

Brush the mustard-mayo blend on both sides of the fillets, then coat them with the fish fry mix, gently pressing the coating onto the fillets to make it stick.

Option 3: Panko Crumbs and Tartar Sauce

A third option is to coat the fillets with tartar sauce and then with seasoned panko crumbs. This method produces absolutely scrumptious results, according to one home cook.

Cooking

Once your fillets are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the fillets with olive oil or cooking spray, then air fry at 360-400°F for 7-10 minutes. Flip the fillets, spray again with oil, and air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Your air-fried catfish is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it with your favourite dipping sauce or classic Southern sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, or cheesy grits.

Air fryer catfish without breading

Air fryer catfish is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook catfish without the mess of deep-frying. The air fryer gives the catfish a lovely blackened crisp on the outside while keeping the meat flaky and tender on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious air fryer catfish without breading:

Ingredients:

• Catfish fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, paprika)
• Optional: milk or buttermilk for soaking the catfish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Soaking the Catfish (Optional but Recommended): Place the catfish fillets in a plastic zipper bag or large bowl. Pour milk or buttermilk over the fillets and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove any fishy flavour. This step is especially important for freshwater fish like catfish to eliminate any "muddy" taste.
• Prepare the Catfish: After soaking, remove the fish from the milk and pat it dry. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and sprinkle your desired spices/seasonings onto both sides of each fillet. Make sure the fillets are fully coated.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to around 385-400°F (196-204°C). The ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and desired level of crispness.
• Place the Catfish in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned catfish fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray or drizzle olive oil on top of the fillets for extra crispness.
• Air Fry the Catfish: Cook the catfish for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets over. Spray or drizzle with more olive oil if desired. Air fry for an additional 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The catfish is ready when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, with flaky and tender flesh on the inside.
• Serve: Remove the catfish from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce or alongside classic sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, or cheesy grits. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Always flip the catfish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the fillets in a single layer to allow proper air circulation, which will help the fish crisp up evenly.
• If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and store them in the refrigerator for a few days. You can reheat the catfish in the air fryer at 360-400°F for about 4-5 minutes.
• If you are using frozen catfish, ideally, soak the fillets in milk before freezing. If this is not possible, soak the frozen fillets in room temperature milk for an hour before cooking to help remove any fishy taste and to thaw them.

Reheating and storing air fryer catfish

To reheat frozen catfish, it is recommended to soak the fillets in milk before cooking. If you haven't done this already, you can soak the frozen fillets in room temperature milk for an hour to help them thaw. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then air fry the fish for 13 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 13-15 minutes, or until fully heated and cooked through.

If you're looking to achieve that golden, crispy colour, you can use cooking spray or olive oil. However, this step is optional, as your catfish will still be crispy without it.

Frequently asked questions