Air-Fried Catfish: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make catfish that's crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, without the mess and guilt of deep-frying. The air fryer method is also healthier, saving almost 400 calories and 45 grams of fat per serving compared to deep-fried catfish.

There are several ways to make catfish in an air fryer, including breaded and non-breaded options. For breaded catfish, you can use a store-bought or homemade seasoned breading mix, while non-breaded recipes often call for a spice rub or a cornmeal mixture.

Regardless of the specific recipe, the basic steps are to coat the catfish fillets, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and healthier way to enjoy catfish, give the air fryer method a try!

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried food without the mess and work of traditional frying methods. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook, reheat, roast, dehydrate, and even bake. When choosing the right air fryer, there are several factors to consider:

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most are around $100, so you can find a high-performing air fryer without breaking the bank.

Capacity

Most air fryers are designed to fit neatly on your countertop and are not meant to cook for a crowd. However, there are larger options available that can accommodate more substantial batches of food, multiple cuts of meat, or even a whole chicken. Consider how much food you will typically be cooking at once to determine the capacity you need.

Advanced Features

Some air fryers have additional settings like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking, combining multiple appliances into one. Others have preset buttons for specific foods or indicators to let you know when to check on your food. Consider which features you will actually use to get the most out of your air fryer.

Warranty

Warranties for air fryers can range from as short as 60 days to up to three years. A longer warranty can provide added peace of mind and confidence in the product.

Type of Air Fryer

There are two primary types of air fryers: those with baskets (or drawers) and those with mesh trays or racks. Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up more counter space. Tray-style air fryers are more similar to countertop toaster ovens and often have clear doors so you can monitor your food while it cooks.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are many options to choose from, including well-known names like Black+Decker, Ninja, Instant, and Cuisinart. Consider your budget, the features you want, and the reputation of the brand to make your decision.

In summary, when choosing the right air fryer, consider your budget, the capacity you need, the features that are important to you, the warranty, the type of air fryer, and the brand. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect air fryer to suit your needs and cooking style.

Preparing the catfish fillets

Step 1: Soaking the Catfish

Before you begin coating and cooking the catfish, it's important to soak the fillets to remove any fishy flavour. Place the fillets in a plastic zipper bag or a large bowl and pour milk or buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial, so don't skip it!

Step 2: Drying the Catfish

Once the fillets have soaked, remove them from the milk and pat them dry with paper towels. It's important to ensure that the fillets are dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Seasoning the Catfish

There are a few different approaches to seasoning your catfish fillets. You can either sprinkle a fish fry coating or a cajun seasoning blend on both sides of the fillets, ensuring they are fully coated. Alternatively, you can slather yellow mustard on both sides of the fillets, which will act as a base for the coating and help it stick. Don't worry, you won't taste the mustard after the fillets are cooked!

Step 4: Coating the Catfish

After seasoning, it's time to coat the fillets. If you're using a fish fry coating, place the fillets in a shallow bowl with the coating and coat them well. If you're using cornmeal, combine it with flour and your preferred seafood seasoning in a zip bag. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients, then add the fillets and shake again to ensure they are nicely coated.

Step 5: Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (around 200°C). It's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer brand and your preferred level of crispness.

Step 6: Cooking the Catfish

Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked or overcrowded. Spray the fillets with cooking spray or olive oil, then close the air fryer and cook. For even cooking, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time will vary, but it typically ranges from 15-22 minutes for crispy and tasty catfish fillets.

Making the coating

Once your fillets are dry and your coating is mixed, it's time to coat the catfish. You can do this by dipping the fillets into the coating mixture, or placing them in a plastic bag with the mixture and shaking to ensure they're fully coated. Make sure the coating is nice and thick, as this is what will give your catfish that delicious crispy texture. After coating, let the catfish sit for a few minutes so that the coating can really stick to the fish.

Now your catfish is ready for the air fryer! Just remember not to stack the fillets in the air fryer basket, and you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cooking the catfish

There are a few different methods for cooking catfish in an air fryer, depending on the specific recipe you are following and the type of breading or seasoning you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking catfish in an air fryer, with some variations included:

Step 1: Prepare the Catfish

If your catfish fillets are frozen, you will need to defrost them before cooking. You can do this by soaking the fillets in room-temperature milk for about an hour. This will also help to remove any "fishy" taste from the catfish. If your catfish is already defrosted, you should still soak the fillets in milk or buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to 15 minutes before cooking. This will help to eliminate any "muddy" flavour that can sometimes be present in freshwater fish like catfish.

Once the fillets have been soaked, pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Catfish

There are a few different options for seasoning your catfish fillets. You can simply drizzle olive oil over the fillets and sprinkle with a spice mix containing blackening seasoning or Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can slather the fillets with yellow mustard, which will help your breading stick to the fish. Don't worry, you won't be able to taste the mustard after the fillets are cooked!

Step 3: Bread the Catfish (Optional)

If you are using a breading, place your seasoned fillets into a plastic resealable bag containing the breading mix. Shake the bag to ensure the fillets are fully coated. You can use a store-bought seasoned fish fry coating, or make your own by combining cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and seafood seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Catfish

Preheat your air fryer to between 390 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fillets into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. Spray the fillets with cooking spray or olive oil spray, then cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the fillets and spray with cooking spray or olive oil again. Cook for an additional 3 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your catfish.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your catfish fillets with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley. You can also serve them with air fryer french fries, air fryer hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.

Tips

• Always cook the fillets in a single layer to ensure the air can properly circulate and the fish cooks evenly.
• Flip the catfish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• If you are using a breading, let the coated fillets sit for about 5 minutes before placing them in the air fryer to allow the breading to stick to the fish.
• If you are using a larger air fryer basket or oven with an air fryer function, you may be able to cook all of your fillets at once. Otherwise, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fillets and your preferred level of crispness, so keep an eye on your catfish while it's cooking to avoid overcooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer catfish is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• For a classic take on this dish, serve your catfish with a side of air fryer french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fillets just before serving for that extra zing!
• If you're looking for a heartier meal, why not make a catfish po' boy? Simply slice your air fryer catfish and serve it on a crusty roll with a generous spread of New Orleans Rémoulade Sauce or Lemon Dill Aioli Sauce. You could even add some Crunchy Fried Pickles on the side.
• For a lighter option, pair your catfish with a fresh and zesty salad. Try a combination of mixed greens, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
• If you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, why not try making catfish tacos? Cut your air fryer catfish into bite-sized pieces and serve them in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
• Alternatively, for a more substantial meal, serve your air fryer catfish with a side of Pressure Cooker Creamy Mashed Potatoes and some steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli.
• Finally, if you're feeding a crowd or simply want to make a more substantial meal, why not try serving your air fryer catfish with some delicious sides such as Air Fryer Crab Cakes, Air Fryer Scallops, or Air Fryer Potato Skins?

Frequently asked questions