Looking for a crispy, golden, and flavorful treat? Then you must try these Southern-style catfish nuggets. They are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, game day snack, or fish fry night!

Catfish is a Southern Soul Food classic that is welcomed at any table and these Crispy Catfish Nuggets are no exception. These bite sized pieces of catfish are enough to give you a satisfying meal and a taste of the south. I love the taste of catfish with hot sauce and tartar sauce. There is something about crispy catfish nuggets that will have you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Crunchy – A perfect golden crust with a tender inside
Flavor-Packed – A blend of paprika, cayenne and garlic powder gives these nuggets a bold taste
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve with dipping sauces, with salads or with fries

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links.

Watch Video Tutorial for Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Ingredients for Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Gather your ingredients to make these crispy catfish nuggets. You will need the following:

• Catfish – Catfish is the main ingredient. This recipe is best when using fresh fish, however frozen can be used.
• All-Purpose Flour – The All-purpose flour adds a light and crispy coating.
• Cornmeal – The Cornmeal give the catfish its crunchy, golden texture.
• Eggs – The Eggs are used to help the cornmeal/flour coating to stick.
• Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne Pepper adds a little spicy kick.
• Paprika – Paprika brings a hint of smoky, rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder – The Garlic Powder adds a savory, aromatic depth.
• Onion Powder – Onion Powder give a slightly sweet boost.
• Black Pepper – Black Pepper give that familiar mild spice.
• Salt – The Salt enhances the overall flavor.
• Canola Oil – High-heat frying stability

What You Will Need

• Frying Pan/ Deep Fryer
• Cooking Utensils
• Mixing Bowls

Instructions for Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Step 1: Prepping the Catfish

Thoroughly clean and dry the catfish fillets. Cut them into bite-sized nuggets approximately one inch pieces. After cutting the catfish, season them with the black pepper and salt then place them aside until later.

Step 2: Make the Batter Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine flour and cornmeal. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, remaining salt and black pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed. In an separate shallow dish, beat two eggs until well combined.

Step 3: Dredge the Catfish Nuggets

Dip each piece of catfish first into the egg wash, then coat it in the flour and cornmeal mixture. Place the coated catfish nuggets onto a wire rack to rest before frying.

Step 4: Fry the Catfish Nuggets

Prepare the canola oil for frying by heating it in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the catfish nuggets in small batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. After they are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

These catfish nuggets are so versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, a side or as the main dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to try.

Dipping Sauces: Serve your catfish nuggets with dipping sauce is a must. I love eating these nuggets with remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Garnish: You can add garnish to your catfish nuggets by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of freshness and adding a hint of fresh parsley.
Side Dishes: If your nuggets are the main attraction, you can pair them with coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies, French fries, potato wedges or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.

Substitutions

When making your catfish nuggets feel free to change the seasoning to your taste. You could swap out the cayenne pepper for a hint of smoked paprika to give your nuggets a milder taste. If you don’t have canola oil any high smoke point oil will do such as peanut oil or vegetable oil. And lastly, fresh catfish is preferred for this recipe but if you don’t have it then frozen will substitute just fine.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Catfish Nuggets

• Use fresh or high-quality frozen catfish for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying in batches for even cooking.
• Use a wire rack to rest the coated fish before frying to help the breading stick.
• For extra crunch, double-coat the nuggets by repeating the flour dredging step

Frequently Asked Questions

These Crispy Catfish Nuggets are a must-try for if you love good Southern catfish! Whether you’re making them for a fish fry, family dinner, or a quick snack, this easy recipe will give you delicious flavors and an irresistible crunch.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to Soul Food Cooking on YouTube for more delicious Southern recipes!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends!

Other Great Recipes

• 28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes
• Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
• Oven Baked Chicken Legs
• Southern Fried Catfish

Easy Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound catfish, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces

• all-purpose flour

• cornmeal

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided

• 2 teaspoons salt, divided

• Canola oil (for frying)

Directions

• Ensure the catfish is cleaned, dried, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Season the fish with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour and cornmeal.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Mix well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
• In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth.
• Dip each piece of catfish into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Then dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
• Place the coated nuggets on a wire rack while preparing the rest.
• In a deep skillet or fryer, heat canola oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the catfish nuggets in small batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Serve your crispy Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, hot sauce, or a side of coleslaw!

Recipe Video

Notes