Air Fryer Catfish
I love this recipe because it gives you the flavor and texture of fried catfish without all the extra oil. It’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting meal while keeping things a little lighter. The mustard, seasoning, and cornmeal coating help the fillets turn out crispy and full of flavor every time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without all the mess of deep frying. Serve it with your favorite sides for an easy meal the whole family will enjoy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and easy clean up.
- Crispy and flavorful without deep frying. No oil means a healthier version of this family favorite
- Quick cooking time in the air fryer and dinner is served in no time!
- A great way to enjoy Southern-style catfish without using oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Catfish Fillets – Catfish has a mild flavor and tender texture that works perfectly in the air fryer. Make sure the fillets are cleaned and patted dry before seasoning and breading.
- Mustard – The mustard helps the seasoning and breading stick to the fish. It also adds a little tang without overpowering the flavor.
- Cornmeal and All-purpose flour – This combination gives the catfish a classic Southern-style coating. The cornmeal adds texture while the flour helps create an even crust.
- Cajun Seasoning – Cajun seasoning adds a little extra flavor and warmth to the fish. You can use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
- Salt and Pepper – add that familiar flavor that balances the whole dish.
Recipe Variations
You can swap the Cajun seasoning for lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, or your favorite fish seasoning. If you prefer not to use catfish, there are several great fish fillet substitutes. Swap out the catfish for tilapia, swai, cod or halibut.
Tools You Will Need
- Air fryer
- Large bowl/small bowls
- Shallow dish
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Cooking spray
Watch Me Make Air Fryer Catfish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the seasoning mixture
In a small bowl combine the salt, black pepper and Cajun seasoning. Using a whisk or fork, mix until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the catfish
Make sure you have cleaned and dried the catfish. Place them in a large bowl then generously coat each piece with the mustard.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the catfish fillets.
Step 4: Make the breading
In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Whisk until well mixed.
Step 5: Dredge the catfish
Coat each catfish fillet in the cornmeal mixture, making sure each piece is well covered. Place the coated fillets on a wire rack.
Step 6: Air fry
Lightly spray both the breaded catfish and the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the catfish in the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Catfish
This catfish pairs well with many classic Southern sides. Here are a few good options:
- Coleslaw
- Hush puppies
- French fries
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato salad
- Collard Greens with Ham Hock
- Cornbread
- Tartar sauce or hot sauce
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Catfish
For extra crispiness, you can flip the fillets halfway through cooking if your air fryer benefits from it.
Pat the fish dry before adding the mustard so the coating sticks better.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so the fish cooks evenly.
Spray the breading lightly to help it crisp up and brown nicely.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the fish reaches 145°F.
FAQ
Not always, but some air fryers cook more evenly if you flip the fillets halfway through. If your air fryer browns well on both sides, you may not need to flip them.
Catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Air fryer catfish is best served fresh, but you can bread the fish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
Conclusion
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Air Fryer Catfish
Ingredients
- 2 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Cooking spray
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
- Clean and pat dry the catfish fillets, then place them in a large bowl.
- Add the mustard and coat each fillet generously.
- Season the catfish on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal and flour.
- Dredge each catfish fillet in the cornmeal mixture until well coated.
- Place the coated fillets on a wire rack.
- Lightly spray both the catfish and the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the catfish in the preheated air fryer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Make sure the catfish is fully dried before coating so the breading sticks better.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model.
