Air-Fried Catfish Nuggets: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're looking for a fun, easy meal to cook in your air fryer, then catfish nuggets are a great option. They're perfect for dunking in your favourite sauces and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, gluten-free meal with that signature crispy coating and tender inside that everyone loves. So get ready to make some crispy, golden treats that will bring back childhood memories of fish by the lake!

Choosing the right fish

When making catfish nuggets in an air fryer, choosing the right type of fish is important. You'll want to select a fish that is firm and meaty, with a mild flavour that will complement the other ingredients and seasonings you use.

Neutral-flavoured and lean fish are ideal. Good options include bass, trout, tilapia, Alaskan cod, and halibut. These fish have a mild taste and a firm texture, making them perfect for air frying. They also have a relatively low fat content, which helps to ensure that your nuggets will be crispy and not greasy.

If you're fishing for your own catfish, as I did in Lake Hartwell, it's a good idea to put your catch on ice for a few days to draw out the blood and improve the taste. But if you're buying catfish, or any other type of fish, be sure to select a fresh, high-quality product. Frozen fish is also an option, but be sure to thaw it completely before preparing your nuggets.

When preparing the fish, it's important to cut it into evenly sized nuggets. This will help ensure that they cook evenly in the air fryer. Aim for a nugget size of about 1 to 2 inches, or about the size of a chicken nugget.

In summary, when choosing the right fish for your catfish nuggets, opt for a neutral-flavoured, lean fish with a firm texture. Cut your fish into evenly sized nuggets, and you'll be well on your way to delicious, crispy air-fried catfish nuggets.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, select your catfish fillets. You can either purchase these from the store, or if you're feeling adventurous, catch your own and prepare them yourself. It is recommended to use a neutral-flavoured and lean fish, such as bass, trout, tilapia, Alaskan cod, or halibut.

Once you have your catfish fillets, cut them into bite-sized pieces, around 1-2 inch chunks. The size of chicken nuggets is a good reference point. This step transforms the fillets into nuggets, perfect for popping into your air fryer.

Next, use a paper towel to pat the fish pieces dry, removing any excess moisture. This step is important as it ensures the coating will stick to the fish better. After this, you can set the fish pieces aside while you prepare the coating.

Now, it's time to prepare the coating. You can use a variety of coatings, depending on your preference. Some options include a seasoned fish fry coating, a gluten-free fish fry, or a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings. If you opt for the seasoned fish fry coating, simply place the coating in a gallon-size plastic resealable bag. If you're using the breadcrumb mixture, whisk together the breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings in a shallow bowl. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free cornmeal instead of regular flour.

With your coating ready, it's time to coat the fish. If using the resealable bag method, place the fish pieces inside the bag, seal it, and shake to evenly coat the fish. If using the breadcrumb mixture, dip the fish pieces into the mixture and ensure they are evenly coated.

After coating the fish, it's a good idea to let them sit for a while so that the coating can settle. If you're using a mustard coating, placing the coated fish in the fridge for an hour will help enhance the flavour.

Finally, before placing the fish in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil spray, grapeseed oil spray, or another cooking oil spray of your choice.

Now your fish is prepared and ready for the air fryer!

Making the coating

To make the coating for your catfish nuggets, you'll need to prepare a few ingredients and a couple of bowls. Start by rinsing the catfish fillets under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture from the fish before coating.

Next, cut the fillets into nugget-sized pieces. Aim for a size similar to chicken nuggets, or about 1-2 inch chunks. Place the cut-up catfish in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Now, it's time to prepare the coating mixture. In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg with a few tablespoons of water. This will act as a wet coating that helps the dry ingredients adhere to the fish. In a separate bowl, combine your choice of dry ingredients. You can use a seasoned fish fry coating, or you can make your own mixture with breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings like salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs.

Once you have your coating mixture ready, it's time to start dipping! First, dip each catfish nugget into the wet egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Then, place the egged nugget into the bowl with the dry coating mixture. Gently press the nugget into the mixture and turn it over to coat all sides. You can use a shallow bowl or a resealable plastic bag for this step. If using a bag, simply place the nuggets inside, seal, and shake to coat evenly.

After coating the nuggets, give them a gentle shake to remove any excess coating. This will help prevent any loose bits from falling off and burning in the air fryer. Now you're ready to place the coated nuggets into the air fryer!

Cooking the nuggets

Now that your catfish nuggets are prepared and seasoned, it's time to cook them to perfection in your air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your nuggets turn out crispy and delicious:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Coat the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. You can use olive oil spray, grapeseed oil spray, or avocado oil spray. This step ensures that your nuggets won't stick to the basket and helps them achieve a crispy texture.

Step 2: Place the Nuggets in the Basket

Arrange the seasoned catfish nuggets in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each nugget to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches.

Step 3: Spray the Nuggets

Once the nuggets are in the basket, spray them with a light coat of cooking oil spray. This will help them crisp up and turn golden.

Step 4: Air Fry

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the nuggets for about 8 minutes, then carefully flip them over using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Keep in mind that air fryer models may vary, so it's important to keep a close eye on your nuggets to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your catfish nuggets are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure they are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 145°F. Alternatively, insert a fork into the thickest part of a nugget; it should flake easily when done.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Once your catfish nuggets are cooked, serve them immediately with your choice of dipping sauces. If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Your catfish nuggets are now ready to be devoured! Enjoy the crispy, golden treats with your favorite sauces, and don't be surprised if they become your new go-to snack or meal!

Serving suggestions

These catfish nuggets are perfect for serving as finger food, and they go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can serve them with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or hot sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve them with air fryer hush puppies, onion rings, French fries, or mac and cheese. You can also pair them with a potato salad or coleslaw.

If you're looking for a full seafood feast, try serving these nuggets with some shrimp and grits, honey mustard salmon, or smoked sardine toast with radicchio salad and pickled onions.

For a healthier option, serve the catfish nuggets with a side of grilled vegetables or a green salad. You could also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as tzatziki, hummus, or a yoghurt and mint sauce.

These crispy, golden nuggets are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, so get creative with your sides and sauces to keep things interesting!

Frequently asked questions