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!