Air-Fryer Catfish: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a great way to cook catfish, yielding a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the fillets and the desired level of crispness, but generally, it takes around 20 minutes at 400°F. Soaking the catfish in milk or buttermilk before cooking helps eliminate any fishy or muddy flavours and is recommended even when cooking from frozen. Oil or cooking spray can be used to achieve a golden colour, but it is not necessary as the air fryer will still produce crispy catfish without it.

How long to cook catfish in an air fryer

Air-fried catfish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried catfish, and it's also quicker and easier to prepare. The cooking time will depend on the size of the fillets, the brand of your air fryer, and how crunchy you like your fish.

Preparation

Before cooking, you should pat the catfish fillets dry. You can also soak the fillets in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to remove any fishy flavour. You can then coat the fillets in a variety of seasonings, cornmeal, or flour.

Cooking Instructions

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the fillets with olive oil or cooking spray.

Cook at 385–400°F (196–204°C) for 10 minutes. Then, flip the fillets and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. The total cooking time should be around 20–22 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve air-fried catfish with lemon wedges, parsley, tartar sauce, hot sauce, or malt vinegar. It goes well with sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, potato salad, or French fries.

How to get the perfect golden colour

The perfect golden colour is achievable with a few simple steps. The first step is to ensure that your catfish fillets are evenly coated with a layer of breading or seasoning. This will not only add flavour but also help achieve the desired golden colour. You can use a variety of coatings, such as cornmeal, flour, or a premade fish fry mix. The coating should be well-seasoned to enhance the flavour and colour.

The second step is to generously spray the coated fillets with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial as it will help the fish achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Be sure to use real olive oil and not a pre-made spray, as the latter may not be as effective. You can also drizzle or brush the fillets with olive oil before adding the coating.

The third step is to cook the catfish in the air fryer at the right temperature and for the appropriate duration. Preheat your air fryer to around 385-400°F (196°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 10-22 minutes. Be sure to flip the fillets at least once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Finally, let the cooked catfish rest for a minute before serving. This will allow the fish to cool slightly and ensure that the coating remains intact.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to achieve the perfect golden colour on your catfish fillets, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing dish.

How to prepare the catfish

How to Prepare Catfish in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Catfish fillets
• Buttermilk
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Olive oil
• Seasoning (e.g. Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper)
• Optional: mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, egg

Method

• Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour to remove any fishy flavour. You can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk if you wish.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and your choice of seasoning. You can also add a few grinds of black pepper.
• Remove the catfish from the buttermilk and pat dry.
• Coat the fillets with mustard and/or mayonnaise (or egg) and then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until well coated.
• Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray or spritz with olive oil.
• Air fry for around 20 minutes at 385-400°F, flipping the fillets halfway through. The catfish is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve with lemon wedges, parsley, tartar sauce, hot sauce, or your choice of sides.

Tips

• Don't crowd the basket: Cook the fillets in batches if necessary, to ensure the air can circulate and the fish cooks evenly.
• Flip carefully: Use a fish spatula to turn the fillets, as they are delicate and the coating may stick to the basket.
• Reheating: Place leftover fillets in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes, or until warmed through.

What to serve with air-fried catfish

Air-fried catfish is a delicious meal, but it's even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried catfish:

Classic Sides

• French fries are a classic side dish that goes well with any fried fish. You can either buy frozen fries or cut up some potatoes and make your own.
• Hush puppies are another traditional Southern side dish that pairs well with catfish. These delicious cornmeal fritters are easy to make and can be cooked in the air fryer as well.
• Tartar sauce is a must-have condiment for fried catfish. You can either buy it or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, relish, and lemon juice.
• Malt vinegar is also a popular condiment for fried fish. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the crispy coating of the catfish.
• Lemon wedges are a simple but essential side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the catfish and cuts through the richness of the dish.

Hearty Sides

• Old-fashioned potato salad is a classic side dish that goes well with any fried fish. It's a great option if you're looking for something a little more substantial.
• Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish that's perfect for a hearty meal. It's a great option if you're feeding a crowd.
• Stovetop Southern-style green beans with bacon are a delicious and hearty side dish that will round out your meal. The smoky flavor of the bacon goes especially well with the catfish.

Healthy Sides

• Air fryer green beans are a healthy and delicious option. They're a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and they can be cooked in the air fryer as well.
• A salad is always a good option if you're looking for something light and healthy. You can make a simple green salad or get creative with your favorite ingredients.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables are another healthy and flavorful option. You can choose your favorite veggies and season them with herbs and spices to complement the catfish.

When it comes to serving air-fried catfish, there are endless possibilities. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination of sides to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

How to reheat air-fried catfish

Air-fried catfish is a delicious and healthy meal, and if you have any leftovers, it's easy to reheat and enjoy again. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your catfish is warmed through without drying it out.

Step 2: Place the Leftover Catfish in the Air Fryer

Place the leftover catfish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and reheat the fish properly.

Step 3: Reheat the Catfish

Air fry the catfish for around 4-7 minutes at the set temperature. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook or dry out.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the catfish is warmed through, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your choice of sides and condiments. Enjoy your delicious, crispy catfish!

Tips for the Best Results:

• If you're reheating a large amount of catfish, you may need to increase the reheating time slightly, but keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• You can wrap the catfish in foil before placing it in the air fryer to help retain moisture.
• If your catfish feels dry, try placing a small bowl of water at the bottom of the air fryer to add some moisture during the reheating process.
• If you're concerned about drying out the catfish, you can also reheat it in the oven at a lower temperature until it's warmed through.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover air-fried catfish without sacrificing taste or texture!

Frequently asked questions