Air-Fryer Catfish: Crispy, Quick, And Delicious

If you're a fan of catfish, you'll love this crispy, delicious, and healthy air fryer recipe. This cooking method gives you all the crispiness with less fat and less cleanup! It's also a great way to introduce fish to kids, as catfish has a mild flavour and can be made even milder by soaking it in buttermilk or milk to remove any fishiness.

This recipe is also extremely versatile. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Cajun, Creole, paprika, or lemon pepper, and pair it with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, or cheesy grits. You can even cut the catfish into nuggets for a fun twist!

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and tasty weeknight meal, this air fryer catfish recipe is definitely one to try!

Choosing the best catfish

• Freshness: Opt for fresh farm-raised fillets whenever possible. Fresh catfish should have a mild flavour and a firm texture. Avoid any fish with a strong fishy odour, as this indicates old or ill-tasting fish.
• Colour and Texture: Look for fillets with a nice white colour and a firm texture. White-fleshed fish, such as catfish, are ideal for frying because they cook evenly and get crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Oil Content: Catfish is a good choice because it is a white-fleshed, neutral-flavoured fish. Avoid oil-rich fish like tuna or salmon, as they may become too tough in the air fryer.
• Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the fillets, especially if you plan to cook them in batches. Longer fillets may require a longer cooking time, and you might need to cook them one at a time to ensure even cooking.
• Storage: If you can't find fresh catfish, frozen fillets can be used. However, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Freezing can add moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the final dish.

Preparing the catfish

Once the fillets have soaked, it's time to prepare the coating. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornmeal with gluten-free flour, garlic powder, salt, paprika, Creole seasoning, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can use a premade fish fry mix, or make your own by mixing cornmeal with Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional MSG. You can also add in some mustard and mayonnaise to help the coating stick and keep the fish moist.

After mixing your chosen coating, take each fillet and brush it with the mustard-mayo mixture or buttermilk, then coat it evenly with the seasoning mix. Ensure the fish is fully coated by gently shaking the fillet in a bag with the mix or pressing the coating onto the fillet.

Finally, spritz or spray the coated fillets with olive oil. This step will help ensure a crispy finish.

Cooking the catfish

First, preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F.

Rinse the catfish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. They should still be slightly damp. Place the fillets in a plastic zipper bag or large bowl and pour in milk or buttermilk. Allow the fillets to soak for 30 minutes to remove any fishy flavour.

Next, prepare the coating. You can use a premade fish fry mix, or make your own by mixing cornmeal, flour, and seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. If making your own, place the mixture in a large bag and shake to combine.

Take the catfish fillets out of the milk and hold them over the bowl to let the excess milk drip off. Place the fillets in the bag with the coating and shake gently until they are fully coated.

Spray the bottom grill of the air fryer with a high-heat oil like avocado or canola. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the fillets with more oil to help the crust get crispy.

Cook the catfish for 12–15 minutes at 375–400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fillets, so keep an eye on them. You'll know they're done when the crust is golden and the catfish is flaky and tender on the inside.

Once the catfish is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before serving. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, or your favourite sides. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer catfish is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious and crispy fish:

• Classic Southern Sides: Air fryer catfish goes well with classic Southern sides such as coleslaw, hushpuppies, cheesy grits, and potato salad. These sides complement the fish's flavour and texture, making for a satisfying meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the catfish with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick. You can also provide lemon wedges for an extra tangy touch.
• Veggie Sides: For a well-rounded meal, pair the catfish with potato and veggie sides. Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Air Fryer French Fries, or Air Fryer Green Beans would make excellent accompaniments.
• Rice Dishes: Try serving the catfish with sides like cheesy grits or brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavours and sauces.
• Salads: A light and refreshing salad can also be a great pairing. Try a Southern-style potato salad or a classic garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Other Seafood: If you're feeling extra indulgent, serve the catfish with other seafood dishes like crab cakes, shrimp, or salmon cooked in the air fryer.
• Drinks: Don't forget to offer some refreshing drinks to go with your meal! Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine would all be excellent choices.

Storing and reheating the catfish

Storing the Catfish:

• Allow the catfish to cool completely before storing. Storing warm catfish can create condensation, dampening its crispy coating.
• Remove any remaining sauces or moisture from the fish. This will help maintain its crispiness.
• Place the catfish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and prevent any odours from affecting the fish.
• Consume the leftover catfish within three days for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating the Catfish in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the fish get crispy.
• Lightly spray the catfish with cooking oil. This helps the fish crisp up and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Place the catfish in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Ensure proper air circulation by leaving space between the fillets. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Reheat for a short duration, typically around 3-6 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the fillets. Keep an eye on the fish to prevent overcooking.
• If your air fryer doesn't have an automatic rotation feature, consider flipping the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• After the allotted time, check the texture of the catfish. It should be golden-brown and crispy on the outside, and flaky and tender on the inside. If needed, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Serve the catfish immediately. Reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking to savour the crispy texture.

Tips for Successful Reheating:

• Choose thicker and flakier fish varieties, such as catfish, as they tend to hold up better during reheating.
• Avoid delicate fish like sole or flounder, as they are more prone to overcooking and becoming dry.
• If you're reheating frozen catfish, thaw it and pat it dry before reheating. Frozen fish can release moisture during reheating, affecting the crispiness.
• Reheating in an air fryer is a great way to maintain the crispiness of the catfish while also heating it evenly.

Frequently asked questions