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–+ servings
5 from 1 vote
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Air Fryer Catfish

Make the crispiest fried catfish with a cornmeal crust in the air fryer! Skip the hot oil and make this Southern fish dish with buttermilk, hot sauce, and a little Cajun seasoning.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
4

Equipment

  • Ziplock bag
  • Small bowl
  • Colander
  • Baking sheet
  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds catfish filets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 5 to 6 drops hot sauce
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together. Cover the catfish filets completely and marinate in gallon ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, and pepper while the fish marinates.
  • After marinating, let fish drain in colander.
  • Dredge the filets through the cornmeal mixture, coating each side evenly. Let the filets rest on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
  • Put a single layer of filets in the air fryer basket and spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook in batches as needed.
  • Air fry the catfish filets at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes, then flip, spray again, and cook another 7 to 10 more minutes. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

Pro Tip: This recipe can be made in the air fryer unit with a basket or the air fryer oven. If you are using the air fryer oven, use the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function.
Pro Tip: This was made in a NINJA air fryer. Historically, Ninja air fryers run HOT. If you are NOT using a Ninja to air fry this recipe, you may need to ADD additional cook time to the recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories 454kcal | Carbohydrates 42g | Protein 45g | Fat 11g | Saturated Fat 3g | Cholesterol 138mg | Sodium 198mg | Potassium 1117mg | Fiber 5g | Sugar 4g | Vitamin A 1940IU | Vitamin C 3mg | Calcium 114mg | Iron 3mg
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