This crispy air fryer catfish delivers the perfect golden crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this heart-healthier twist on Southern comfort food packs an impressive 45g of protein while keeping the fat content to only 11g per serving.
The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible exterior while maintaining the fish’s natural tenderness inside. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want that deep-fried satisfaction with a fraction of the guilt!
Ingredient List for Crispy Air Fryer Catfish
- Catfish filets (2 pounds): Fresh filets work best for optimal taste and texture
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Creates a tender, moist interior
- Hot sauce (5-6 drops): Adds a subtle kick to the marinade
- Yellow cornmeal (1 cup): Essential for the signature crispy coating
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Helps create a well-balanced crust
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons): Provides authentic Southern flavor
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinade preparation: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, then place fish in a ziplock bag with mixture for 20 minutes in refrigerator
- Coating mixture: Mix cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, and pepper in a shallow bowl until well combined
- Fish preparation: Drain marinated fish in a colander thoroughly
- Coating process: Coat each filet evenly in the cornmeal mixture, then rest for 10 minutes on a baking sheet
- Air fryer setup: Place filets in a single layer, lightly spray with oil on top
- First cooking phase: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes
- Final cooking: Flip filets, spray again, and cook for additional 7-10 minutes until golden brown
- Serving: Present hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a delightful finish
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Catfish
Want super crispy catfish? Let the coated fish rest those full 10 minutes before cooking – this helps the coating stick better! Also, don’t skip spraying with oil – it’s what gives you that beautiful golden-brown crust. Keep your filets in a single layer while cooking, and you’ll get that amazing crunch on all sides.
Easy Substitutions
No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. You can swap the yellow cornmeal with white cornmeal, or use all flour if that’s what you have. Not a fan of spicy food? Replace the Cajun seasoning with Old Bay or your favorite fish seasoning mix.
Serving Ideas
This crispy catfish loves classic Southern sides! Serve it up with coleslaw, hush puppies, or mac and cheese. Don’t forget those lemon wedges – a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice makes the flavors pop! For a lighter meal, add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. And that tartar sauce? It’s not just for dipping – try it as a spread for a fantastic fish sandwich!
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover catfish in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days. To get that crispy coating back, pop it in your air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The coating might not be quite as crunchy as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!
Crispy Air Fryer Catfish
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Shallow Bowl
- Colander
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds catfish filets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 5-6 drops hot sauce
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together. Cover the catfish filets completely and marinate in gallon ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, and pepper while the fish marinates.
- After marinating, let fish drain in colander.
- Dredge the filets through the cornmeal mixture, coating each side evenly. Let the filets rest on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Put a single layer of filets in the air fryer basket and spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook in batches as needed.
- Air fry the catfish filets at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes, then flip, spray again, and cook another 7 to 10 more minutes. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
