Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading. Frozen catfish works great and is often more affordable, making this recipe even more budget-friendly.

My air fryer is different than yours. Will the cooking time be the same?

Air fryer cooking times can vary by model. Start checking your nuggets at the 4-minute mark. The key is looking for a golden-brown color and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Some air fryers cook hotter or faster than others.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don't have any?

Yes! Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create your own buttermilk substitute. In a pinch, regular milk will work too, though you'll miss some of that tangy flavor.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Definitely! Bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also pan-fry them in about 1/4 inch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer just makes them healthier and less messy.

Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1/3 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; Salt to taste (if needed); 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound catfish, cut into 1″ pieces

These Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets are a game-changer for fish lovers! Tender chunks of catfish coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust, then air-fried to golden perfection in just 5 minutes. This healthier alternative to deep-fried fish delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave without the excess oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, appetizer for guests, or a fun weekend lunch that both kids and adults will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish, these nuggets take just 15 minutes! That’s faster than preheating a conventional oven or heating up a pot of oil.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means you get that incredible crispy texture with just a light spray of oil instead of deep frying.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these nuggets! The mild catfish paired with a crispy, flavorful coating is irresistible.
Budget-Friendly: Catfish is one of the more affordable fish options, making this a wallet-friendly protein choice.
Restaurant-Quality Results: These nuggets have that perfect crunch on the outside while staying moist and flaky inside – just like your favorite seafood restaurant!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Catfish: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized pieces. Catfish has a mild flavor that takes on seasonings beautifully and stays moist when cooked.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the fish and creates a tangy base for your coating to adhere to.
Egg: Works with the buttermilk to create the wet dip that helps the breading stick perfectly to the fish.
Cornmeal: Provides that classic Southern-style crunch that makes these nuggets irresistible.
All-purpose flour: Works with the cornmeal to create the perfect breading texture – not too heavy, not too light.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a delicious kick of flavor with its blend of spices. Check the salt content before adding additional salt.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but add to taste since the Cajun seasoning already contains some.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the breading mixture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on this recipe:

Spicy Version: Double the cajun seasoning or add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
Italian Style: Replace the cajun seasoning with Italian seasoning and add a bit of grated parmesan to the breading.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or more cornmeal.
Different Fish: Try this method with tilapia, cod, or even small shrimp for variety.
Extra Crispy: Add a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs to the dry mixture for additional crunch.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare Your Dredging Stations

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. While that’s heating up, combine buttermilk and egg in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, cajun seasoning, salt (if needed), and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Bread the Catfish

Take each piece of catfish and follow this order: first coat in the dry cornmeal mixture, then dip in the egg mixture (letting excess drip off), and finally coat again in the cornmeal mixture. This double-coating technique creates that incredible crunch!

Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying

Arrange your breaded nuggets on a clean plate. Don’t stack them on top of each other – you want that breading to stay intact.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place a single layer of nuggets in the basket without overcrowding, then give the tops a light spray of oil too. Cook for 5 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The nuggets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Cook Remaining Batches

Continue cooking in batches until all your catfish nuggets are perfectly crispy. Remember not to overcrowd the basket – that’s the secret to even cooking!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat the fish dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well and doesn’t get soggy.
Let the breaded fish rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
Shake the basket gently halfway through cooking instead of flipping with tongs to avoid losing any breading.
Don’t skip the oil spray – it’s minimal but crucial for achieving that golden color and crispiness.
Check doneness early if your air fryer runs hot, as cooking times can vary between models.
Season immediately after cooking if you find they need a touch more salt.

How to Serve

These crispy nuggets are versatile and pair well with so many sides:

Dipping Sauces:

Serve with homemade tartar sauce, remoulade, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Side Dishes:

These nuggets shine alongside coleslaw, hush puppies, air-fried french fries, or a fresh green salad.

Make It a Meal:

Create fish tacos by wrapping the nuggets in warm tortillas with slaw and sauce, or serve on slider buns with pickle chips for mini sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The breading won’t stay quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste great!

Freezing

For meal prep, you can freeze these nuggets after cooking. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for the best texture. Microwaving will work in a pinch but won’t restore the crispiness. The oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes is another good option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading. Frozen catfish works great and is often more affordable, making this recipe even more budget-friendly.
My air fryer is different than yours. Will the cooking time be the same?

Air fryer cooking times can vary by model. Start checking your nuggets at the 4-minute mark. The key is looking for a golden-brown color and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Some air fryers cook hotter or faster than others.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

Yes! Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create your own buttermilk substitute. In a pinch, regular milk will work too, though you’ll miss some of that tangy flavor.
Can I make these without an air fryer?

Definitely! Bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also pan-fry them in about 1/4 inch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer just makes them healthier and less messy.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets are proof that fast food can be homemade, healthier, and even more delicious than takeout! With their perfect crunch, tender interior, and bold seasoning, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give these nuggets a try tonight – I guarantee empty plates and happy faces around your table!