This crispy air fryer catfish recipe is a meal you won’t forget! Catfish fillets are soaked in homemade buttermilk before being tossed in a seasoned cornmeal mixture. Once each catfish fillet is completely coated in cornmeal, they’re cooked in the air fryer until perfectly golden. Serve these air fryer catfish fillets with Arugula Avocado Salad with Homemade Lime Vinaigrette or perfectly fluffy Brazilian Rice for a dinner the entire family will love. Looking for an easy air fryer dessert to enjoy after munching on these fried catfish fillets? Try this Air Fryer Dulce de Leche Cheesecake and prepare to be amazed!
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Air fryer catfish is just one of my favorite air fryer recipes. If you don’t own one yet, I think this recipe will make you want to buy one right away! But if you still need more convincing, just take a look at some of these other air fryer recipes like this Air Fryer Pork Belly, Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp or Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas.
Getting That Crispy Texture For Your Fillets
Achieving a crispy texture for your catfish fillets isn’t difficult at all. You just need a few ingredients and you’re on your way to making the best fried catfish ever right in the air fryer.
- Catfish Fillets – If the fillets are too thick, try cutting them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
- Cornmeal – Purchase the right kind of cornmeal. The one good for frying fish and other meats.
- Milk – Add lemon juice to make homemade buttermilk.
- Lemon Juice – Squeeze the lemon juice into the milk to create a homemade buttermilk.
- Old Bay – Season the cornmeal with old bay seasoning.
- Granulated Garlic – Add granulated garlic to the cornmeal according to taste.
- Flour – Just a little bit of flour mixed in with the cornmeal goes a long way.
- Salt – Add salt to taste.
Soak the fillets in a homemade buttermilk mixture which is made by mixing lemon juice and milk.
Mix together the seasoning, flour and cornmeal. This is the crispy coating for the fish.
Toss the catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture. Coat every single side evenly.
Cook the fillets in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
How To Make Air Fryer Catfish
- First, start by placing the catfish fillets inside of a container. Add the milk and lemon juice and close the container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, old bay seasoning, salt, and granulated garlic. Whisk the ingredients together to combine.
- Remove the catfish fillets from the refrigerator and remove them from the container. Discard the marinade.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Place the fillets in the cornmeal mixture and toss to coat on all sides.
- Spray the fillets with non stick cooking spray. This will help form a crispy outer layer and prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer.
- Place the catfish fillets inside the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Thicker fillets may need more time.
- Finally, remove the catfish fillets from the air fryer and serve with lemon wedges and your sauce of choice.
Where Can I Buy Catfish?
Purchase catfish fillets at your local supermarket from the seafood department or by clicking here. Substitute for tilapia or cod if you can’t find any.
Where Can I Buy Old Bay Seasoning?
Buy old bay seasoning from your local grocery store in the spice aisle. If you can’t find it, you can also purchase it here.
Storing Suggestions
Store leftover fillets in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the fish for up to 1 month in an air tight container. Reheat leftovers in the microwave once you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute the catfish for cod or tilapia if you can’t get them at your local grocery store.
- Soak the fillets in the homemade buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- If your fillets are too thick, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
- Catfish is done when it is opaque in color and flakes easily with a fork. Use a kitchen thermometer like this one to check the internal temperature. The temperature will read at 145 degrees F once the fillets are fully cooked.
- Always read your air fryer manual before cooking in it.
Air Fryer Catfish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb catfish fillets
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 tsp old bay seasoning or to taste
- 3 tsp granulated garlic or to taste
- 2 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- First, start by placing the catfish fillets inside of a container. Add the milk and lemon juice and close the container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, old bay seasoning, salt, and granulated garlic. Whisk the ingredients together to combine.
- Remove the catfish fillets from the refrigerator and remove them from the container. Discard the marinade.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Place the catfish fillets inside the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Thicker fillets may need more time.
- Finally, remove the catfish fillets from the air fryer and serve with lemon wedges and your sauce of choice.
Notes
- Substitute the catfish for cod or tilapia if you can’t get them at your local grocery store.
- Soak the fillets in the homemade buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- If your fillets are too thick, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
- Catfish is done when it is opaque in color and flakes easily with a fork. Use a kitchen thermometer like this one to check the internal temperature. The temperature will read at 145 degrees F once the fillets are fully cooked.
- Always read your air fryer manual before cooking in it.