Description
If you’re wondering How do you air fry catfish or How to cook catfish in air fryer here’s a rundown.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk (for soaking, optional but recommended)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (or a 50/50 mix of cornmeal and flour for extra crispness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray)
Optional garnish: Fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or homemade tartar sauce.
Choose your coating: Cornmeal, panko, flour, or a seasoning mix like Louisiana fish fry. Or keep it bare if you’re going no-breading
Instructions
Soak the Fillets (Optional but Recommended)
- Place catfish fillets in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk or milk.
- Let soak for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to neutralize any fishy odor and tenderize the meat.
- Remove and pat dry with paper towels. Real dry. That’s how the coating sticks.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Let it preheat for 3–5 minutes while you prepare the coating.
Season the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together:
- Cornmeal
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne (if using)
Pro tip: You can also season the fillets before coating them for an extra layer of flavor.
Bread the Catfish
- Press each dried fillet into the seasoned cornmeal mixture.
- Pat the coating firmly on both sides to help it stick.
- Shake off any excess and let the coated fish rest for 5 minutes (this helps the crust adhere better).
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
- Spray the basket lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each. (Work in batches if needed.)
Cook the Catfish
- Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with oil spray to help with crisping.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Thin fillets: 8–10 minutes
- Thick fillets: 12–14 minutes
Fish is done when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Serve
- Remove from air fryer and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh lemon or parsley and serve with tartar sauce or your favorite side dishes.