Enjoy the delicious taste and perfect crisp of Air Fryer Catfish, an easy and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried catfish. This recipe captures all the Southern charm and flavor in a simple, less oily preparation.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Catfish Recipe
This Air Fryer Catfish utilizes seasoned breading for a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside. It's a quick meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner.
This recipe combines mild white fish with flavorful breading, giving you a crispy crust and delicious flavor.
You'll love this easy meal because it only requires simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. In addition, this recipe is an easy way to cook fish that doesn't require much skill, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks.
Lastly, this delicious Air Fryer Catfish pairs well with many side dishes, making it a versatile weeknight meal you can experiment with. So, grab your Air Fryer, and let's dive into how to make this easy dinner recipe.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Catfish
- Catfish Fillets: Known for their mild, sweet flavor, making them perfect for breading and air frying.
- Fish Fry Breading: I prefer using the Louisiana brand for its perfect blend of spices that complements the catfish.
- Lemon: Adds a zesty, fresh flavor that enhances the fish when squeezed over just before serving.
- Olive Oil: Used to spray the fillets to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer
How to Cook Catfish in the Air Fryer
STEP 1 - Begin by preheating your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it's hot and ready for cooking.
STEP 2 - Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well.
STEP 3 - Place the seasoned fish fry breading into a shallow bowl. Coat each fillet evenly in the breading, then spray all sides of the fillets with olive oil to help achieve that desired crispy finish.
STEP 4 - Arrange the breaded catfish in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets over and cook for another 10 minutes.
STEP 5 - For extra crispiness, flip the catfish once more and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Catfish
- Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Proper Drying: Make sure the catfish is completely dry before breading to help the coating adhere better.
- Preheating: Always preheat the air fryer as this mimics the immediate hot environment of deep frying.
Air Fryer Catfish Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper to the breading mix if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Herbal Touch: Mix some dried herbs like dill or parsley into the breading for an aromatic flavor.
Air Fryer Catfish FAQs
What are the best sides to serve with air fryer catfish?
Classic Southern sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies complement air fryer catfish perfectly. Tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon are also must-haves for serving.
Can I use this recipe with other types of fish?
Yes, this breading and cooking technique can also be applied to other fish like tilapia or cod. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.
How do I know when the catfish is fully cooked?
The catfish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a crispy, golden exterior.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Catfish as a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, perfect for any day of the week.
It's sure to satisfy your cravings with its crunchy coating and tender, flaky interior.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Catfish
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound catfish fillets
- 1 cup fish fry breading I prefer Louisiana brand
- 1 small lemon cut into wedges
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse and dry the catfish with a paper towel before coating.
- Add the seasoned breading to a shallow bowl and then dip each piece of fish until coated completely. Spray the sides of each fillet with olive oil spray.
- Place fillets in the prepared Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the catfish filets and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Flip once more and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to get them extra crispy if desired.
- Serve with coleslaw and tartar sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the filets just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2024
James
I have a recipe for fish ,also use on chicken. 1 1/2cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1tsp paprika
1tsp tony cackery Cajun powder
Mix ingredients together
Spread mayonnaise on both sides and dip in mixture
Cook at 400 degrees about 25 min till internanl temp reaches 160 degrees
Inside is soft an moist outside is crisp.
That sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing.