Southern Fried Catfish Recipe

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Barbara

This Southern Fried Catfish Recipe is my go to recipe when deep frying fish because it is so delicious and so easy to make. Fried fish, in particular fried catfish, is a soul food staple. Served with hush puppies, hot sauce and lemon wedges, It’s great for a traditional Friday fish fry or any night of the week when I’m craving seafood.

The key to a the best tasting Southern Fried Catfish is using freshest catfish filets, seasoning your fish to perfection and assuring the oil temperature in your frying pan is ready to yield the crispiest fish. Today I will share with you my step by step recipe for making mouthwatering Southern Catfish.

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Ingredients for Southern Fried Catfish

Ingredients for Catfish Recipe:

• Catfish: Provides a tender, flaky texture that perfectly absorbs the seasoned coating.
• Cornmeal: Adds a crunchy, golden crust, giving catfish its authentic Southern crispness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind seasonings and cornmeal, creating a uniform, crispy coating.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the coating adhere firmly to the fish.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor depth with a subtle, savory richness.
• Onion Powder: Adds mild sweetness and a hint of aromatic onion flavor.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the golden crust.
• Salt: Elevates the natural flavor of the catfish and balances all seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complements the overall flavor profile.
• Canola Oil: Ideal for frying due to its neutral taste and high smoke point, ensuring a crispy, non-greasy result.

Substitutions

This recipe is can used with a number of different types of fish. Feel free to swap out the catfish for fish such as tilapia, whitening or red snapper. If you don’t have canola oil, vegetable oil or peanut oil are great alternative. Don’t be shy about adding seasoning you like. For a little kick, adding cayenne pepper could be just what you need.

What You Will Need

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Cooking Utensils
• Small Bowls

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How to Make Southern Fried Catfish

Step 1: Combine Your Seasonings

In a small bowl whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper until well combined then set your seasoning mixture aside.

Step 2: Season the Fish and Prepare the Batter

Make sure your catfish has been cleaned and dried. Generously season your catfish on both sides with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Making the Seasoned Batter

In a different bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour and the remainder of the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Batter and Fry Your Catfish

Lightly beat your eggs then dredge the fish in the egg wash then the seasoned cornmeal mixture and place them on a wire rack. Using a cast iron skillet, deep fryer or dutch oven, preheat your oil to 350 degrees.

Step 5: Frying the Catfish

Fry the catfish in batches for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the catfish from the pan then place them on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to remove the excess oil from your fish filets.

Here are some tips for making the best Southern fried catfish:

• Use fresh fillets. Frozen fillets can be used, but they will not be as moist or flavorful.
• It’s all in the seasoning. Make sure to use seasoning that are flavorful and go well with fish. You can never go wrong with these: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and salt.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. When frying your fish, it is important to not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the catfish from cooking evenly and will also make the oil splatter.
• Fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through. The fish is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Drain the fish on paper towels. This will help to remove any excess oil and will keep the fish crispy.

What to Eat With Fried Catfish

Fried Catfish is great with so many different side dishes. Some classic soul food sides to pair with your fish include collard greens, mac & cheese, fried cabbage and cornbread. If you want a lighter meal you can opt for potato salad, a garden salad or coleslaw. Top your fish with hot sauce and or tartar sauce and get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Storing Leftover Catfish

To store leftovers, let the fish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator and use within 3 days for the best quality. For longer storage, you can freeze the catfish by placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container—just be sure to label it with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.