Frying Catfish: How Long Should You Deep Fry?

Frying catfish in a deep fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this Southern delicacy. The process is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes. The key to achieving the perfect crispy, crunchy, and golden brown catfish is to ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) and to avoid overcrowding the fryer to maintain the oil temperature. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, but on average, it takes about 3-10 minutes to fry catfish in a deep fryer.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your fried catfish, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure your oil is hot enough. The ideal temperature range for frying catfish is between 350°F and 365°F. If the oil is not hot enough, the catfish will absorb more oil and become greasy, and if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Test the oil by sprinkling a little cornmeal into it; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.

Another crucial step is to ensure that the catfish fillets are dry before coating them. This will help the coating adhere better and result in a crispier texture. You can also try a trick used for fried chicken: after coating the fillets, cover them with a damp paper towel and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the cornmeal coating to absorb moisture, improving its adhesion to the fish.

When frying, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy catfish. Fry 1-2 fillets at a time, and let them cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, turning halfway through. The fillets are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Finally, instead of placing the fried catfish on paper towels to drain, use a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This method ensures that excess oil drips off without ruining the crispy underside of the fish, which can become soft from sitting on oil-soaked paper towels.

The best oils to use for frying catfish

Frying catfish is an art, and choosing the right oil is crucial to achieving that perfect, crispy texture and flavour. Here are some of the best oils to use for frying catfish, along with their unique characteristics and benefits:

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a versatile choice for frying catfish. It has a neutral flavour profile, ensuring that it won't overpower the delicate taste of the fish. Canola oil also boasts a high smoke point of 400°F, making it ideal for frying at temperatures between 350°F and 375°F. It is affordable, readily available, and suitable for various other cooking methods such as baking, barbecuing, and sautéing.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is another excellent option for frying catfish. It has a neutral flavour that won't affect the taste of the fish. Peanut oil also has a high smoke point of 450°F, which is perfect for achieving that crispy texture. However, it is important to note that peanut oil contains one of the big eight food allergens, so it may not be suitable for all guests.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a popular choice for deep frying catfish. It has a neutral flavour and a smoke point between 400°F and 450°F, making it ideal for frying at the desired temperature range. Vegetable oil is affordable and readily available, making it a convenient option for frying large batches of catfish.

Cottonseed Oil

Cottonseed oil is a great option if you're frying catfish in bulk. It has a high smoke point of 450°F, making it suitable for high-temperature frying. Cottonseed oil is also affordable, making it a cost-effective choice when using large quantities of oil.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the healthiest option for deep frying catfish. It has a neutral taste and a smoke point of 450°F. However, it is less economical than other options, so it may not be suitable for frying large quantities of catfish.

When choosing the best oil for frying catfish, consider factors such as smoke point, flavour, availability, and cost. Each oil has unique characteristics, so select the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

How to prepare the catfish fillets before frying

How to Prepare Catfish Fillets Before Frying

Preparing catfish fillets before frying involves a few simple steps that will ensure the fish is cooked to perfection. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Soak the Catfish in Buttermilk

Start by seasoning the catfish fillets with kosher salt or any preferred seasoning. Then, cover them with buttermilk and let them soak. The ideal soaking time is at least 10 minutes, but you can leave them for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This step helps remove any "fishy" taste and tenderizes the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, and desired spices. You can use a variety of spices such as seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning. Mix the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of spices.

Step 3: Coat the Catfish in the Breading Mixture

Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Then, place them in the bag or dish with the spiced cornmeal and flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the fillets evenly, or dredge them in the shallow dish. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Oil for Frying

Heat about 1/2 to 1 inch of oil in a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You can use peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other preferred oil for frying. Heat the oil to a temperature between 350°F and 365°F. This temperature range is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the fish.

Step 5: Fry the Catfish

Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature range.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the catfish fillets are cooked, transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drip off while keeping the catfish crispy. Serve your delicious fried catfish with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, hush puppies, or french fries. Enjoy!

The ideal temperature for frying catfish

Frying catfish in a deep fryer is a great way to cook this Southern classic. The ideal temperature for frying catfish is between 350°F and 365°F (177°C and 185°C).

A deep-frying thermometer is essential to monitor the oil temperature, as the oil will heat and cool quickly when frying. A good target temperature for the oil is 350°F, and a high- and low-temperature alarm on your thermometer will help you keep the oil within the desired range.

You can also test the oil temperature by flicking a small amount of water into the oil. If the oil spits and sputters, it is hot enough. If it does nothing, the oil needs more time to heat up.

The ideal temperature for the catfish fillets themselves is 140°F (60°C). This is the perfect temperature for tender, flaky, and crispy catfish. An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to ensure the fillets are cooked just right.

When frying catfish, it is important to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy fish.

What to serve with fried catfish

Sauces and Condiments

Fried catfish is often served with a variety of sauces and condiments, including tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, and Creole mustard.

Salads and Vegetables

A crispy salad is a great healthy alternative to serve alongside fried catfish. Spinach and bacon salad, apple cranberry salad, and cucumber salad are all popular choices. For cooked vegetables, fried okra, sautéed yellow squash, and roasted vegetable medley are all delicious options.

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides such as mashed potatoes, garlic potatoes, and French fries are classic comfort foods that pair well with the crispy fish. Other options include steamed baby potatoes, crispy smashed potatoes, and crispy instant pot potatoes.

Beans

White beans are a must-try side dish with fried catfish. Other options include instant pot white beans, crock pot pinto beans, and southern baked beans.

Rice

Rice is a staple side dish in Louisiana, and it pairs well with fried catfish. Try garlic Parmesan rice, rice roni, or broccoli and cheese rice.

Bread

Bread is always a tempting option, especially a hot, fresh, crusty piece of garlic bread. Texas toast, plain crusty bread rolls, and Italian cheese bread are some choices to consider.

Pasta

Pasta salad, mac and cheese bites, and creamy garlic shells are all delicious pasta sides that complement the fried catfish.

Frequently asked questions