Air Fryer Catfish Fillets

What if I said that you could make fried catfish fillets using only about two teaspoons of oil? What if I said the catfish will be crispy outside and flaky and flavorful inside? You probably think I’m kidding but I’m not. You can make delicious fried catfish fillets in your Air Fryer.

When I first tried making this Air Fryer Catfish, I was skeptical about how well it would turn out.

After my first bite, I was hooked and have been making it regularly ever since.

This recipe has earned its spot in my weekly rotation alongside other favorites like Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings and Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice.

If you’re a fan of these dishes, you’ll absolutely love this catfish recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare, yet it delivers such impressive flavors and textures.

The air fryer ensures the catfish is crispy without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option.

Plus, the seasoning possibilities are endless, allowing me to tailor the dish to my mood or the preferences of my family and friends.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this recipe has a special role to play:

• Catfish fillets: The star of the dish, providing a mild, tender base that pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating.
• Cornmeal: Adds the perfect crunch and helps the seasoning adhere to the fish.
• Slap Ya Mama seasoning blend or salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the catfish; feel free to experiment with other Cajun or seafood seasonings!
• Olive oil: Keeps the fish moist and helps achieve that beautiful golden crispness.

🔑 Key to Success #1 – Choose the Right Air Fryer

I have a Cozyna XL 5.8 qt Air Fryer.

With its larger size, I can fit two or three catfish fillets in the air fryer at once, depending on size.

You’ll want the catfish in a single layer so that it can brown evenly.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you might want to cut the catfish fillets into smaller pieces so that they’ll fit better.

Don’t forget to check out the 5 best non-toxic air fryers that don’t cause cancer.

🔑 Key to Success #2 – Choose the Right Catfish Fillets

You can get fresh catfish fillets or you can use frozen fillets from your local grocer.

If using frozen catfish fillets, you can place the frozen fillets into a plastic zip-top bag and submerge them in a pan of cold water for a few hours to thaw them.

Safety first! Do not use hot or warm water to thaw frozen meat. It may seem counter-intuitive to use cold water but using warm water will not keep the meat at a safe temperature.

🔑 Key to Success #3 – Spice Things Up, If You Dare

I used a little Cajun seasoning in place of salt in my catfish coating this time.

I used a teaspoon of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning but I could have used more.

Next time I’ll probably add more. We like things spicy.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Air Fryer Catfish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Serve it with coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

It also goes wonderfully with a zesty tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

If you’re looking for a way to make this meal more hearty, you can make some Air Fryer French Fries and air fry some hush puppies.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous?

Try these variations:

• Spicy Catfish: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture for an extra kick.
• Herbed Catfish: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill for a fragrant twist.
• Panko Catfish: For an even crispier texture, substitute half the cornmeal with panko bread crumbs.

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Frequently Asked Questions