Crispy and Healthy Air Fryer Catfish Recipe – Easy Southern

Catfish is a Southern delicacy that’s beloved for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Traditionally deep-fried to crispy perfection, this fish can now be enjoyed with a healthier twist—using your air fryer. This Air Fryer Catfish Recipe brings you the same golden crunch and satisfying bite without the mess and calories of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a nutritious and flavorful meal, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and coated in cornmeal for that iconic Southern-style crunch, air fryer catfish is quick, easy, and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or hush puppies. If you’re a fan of seafood and looking for a healthier way to enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 fillet)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 2.5g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 420mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the size of the catfish fillets and specific ingredients used.

Prep Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 15 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Cuisine: Southern / American

• Course: Main Course

• Servings: 4

• Calories (per serving): 290 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (5-quart or larger recommended)

• Mixing bowls

• Tongs or silicone spatula

• Cooking spray (avocado oil or olive oil preferred)

• Shallow plates or trays for dredging

• Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Catfish:

• 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if preferred)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Hot sauce or tartar sauce (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the catfish cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up two shallow bowls or plates:

• Bowl 1: Pour the buttermilk.

• Bowl 2: Combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Pat Dry and Dredge the Fillets

Use paper towels to pat the catfish fillets dry. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispy finish.

• Dip each fillet into the buttermilk, making sure it’s completely coated.

• Transfer the fillet to the dry mixture and press gently so that the coating sticks evenly on all sides.

Shake off any excess coating and set the fillets aside on a clean tray or plate.

Step 4: Spray and Arrange in Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the coated catfish fillets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.

Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray to help them crisp up during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Catfish

Air fry the fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fillets are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

If your fillets are thick, you may need to add a minute or two.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the catfish rest for 5 minutes. This helps the coating set and preserves moisture inside.

Serve warm with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of parsley, and your favorite dipping sauce or Southern-style sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Catfish

• Don’t skip the buttermilk soak: It helps tenderize the fish and allows the breading to stick well.

• For extra crunch: Add 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the cornmeal mix.

• Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents even cooking and crisping.

• For spicy lovers: Increase cayenne or serve with spicy remoulade or hot sauce.

• Low-carb option: Swap cornmeal with almond flour and use crushed pork rinds for crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Catfish Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Traditional fried catfish is delicious but high in oil and fat. The air fryer achieves the same crispy texture with far less oil, making it a heart-healthier option.

• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and just 10–12 minutes in the air fryer, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

• Flavorful & Customizable: The cornmeal coating is seasoned to perfection, and you can easily tweak it to suit your spice preference.

• Kid-Friendly: The mild taste of catfish and the crispy coating make it a hit with kids too.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few sides and sauces that go well with air fryer catfish:

• Classic Coleslaw

• Southern Cornbread

• Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Air Fried Okra or Zucchini

• Sweet Potato Fries

• Tartar Sauce or Remoulade

• Pickled Onions or Jalapeños

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: To keep the fish crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked fillets. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Catfish Recipe is a deliciously crispy, healthy alternative to traditional fried fish. It captures the essence of Southern cuisine while making use of modern cooking convenience. With just the right mix of spices and a golden cornmeal crust, it delivers on both flavor and crunch—without the guilt.

Whether you’re trying air-fried seafood for the first time or you’re a seasoned home cook looking for new ideas, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for a wholesome, comforting meal.