Do you love catfish but want a healthier way to cook it? Try air frying it! With an air fryer, you can make delicious, crispy catfish without all the oil you'd use in deep frying. It's simple to make, quick to cook, and gives you that crunchy texture you crave.
Great for family dinners or impressing guests, air fryer catfish is a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Read on to find out how to make this easy dish.
Why This Recipe Works
Air fryers use hot air to cook your food, giving it a crispy outside while keeping it juicy inside. That means you get the best of both worlds: crunchy and moist catfish without the extra calories and mess of deep frying. This recipe is also straightforward. You just need some simple ingredients like catfish fillets, spices, and breadcrumbs. Mix them up, pop them in the air fryer, and in no time, you've got a meal that tastes like you slaved over it for hours.
Another reason this recipe rocks is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spices and coatings to match your taste or even what you have in your pantry. Want to go Cajun? Add some paprika and cayenne. Prefer it simple? Just a little salt and pepper will do. No matter how you customize it, air fryer catfish turns out delicious every time, making it a go-to dish you'll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Catfish Fillets- These are the star of the show. Make sure they are thawed if frozen. Substitute: Tilapia or cod
Olive Oil- to coat the fish. This helps the seasoning stick and adds a bit of healthy fat. Substitute: Canola oil or melted butter
Cornmeal-for a crispy coating. Substitute: Breadcrumbs
Cajun Seasoning- to add some spicy flair. Substitute: Paprika + a pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt- for seasoning. Don't skip it; it brings out the flavors. Substitute: Sea salt or kosher salt
Tips
- Make sure the air fryer is preheated for even cooking.
- Pat the catfish dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Check the fish for doneness by flaking it with a fork; it should be opaque and flaky.
How to Serve
This air fry catfish is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it immediately after air frying for the best texture and flavor.
- Classic Southern: Accompany it with coleslaw and hushpuppies.
- Healthy Option: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens with a lemon wedge.
- Sandwich Style: Place it between buns, add lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of tartar sauce.
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AirFry Catfish
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds catfish fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
- Brush olive oil onto both sides of the catfish fillets.
- Coat the oiled fillets in the cornmeal mixture.
- Place the coated fillets in the air fryer, making sure not to overlap.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness. The fish should be opaque and flaky.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure the air fryer is preheated for even cooking.
- Pat the catfish dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Check the fish for doneness by flaking it with a fork; it should be opaque and flaky.