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

Description

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets are packed with bold Cajun flavors and make the perfect snack or appetizer. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for seafood lovers looking for a healthier twist on fried fish. Serve with your favorite dips and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Ingredients:

1/3 cup buttermilk
1 large egg

Dry Coating:

1/2 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt to taste (if needed)
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Main:

1 pound catfish, cut into 1″ pieces

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it is hot enough for even cooking and crispy results.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg. Whisk them together until fully blended and set aside.
Prepare the Dry Coating
In another shallow bowl, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, salt (if needed), and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Bread the Catfish Nuggets
Take each piece of catfish and dredge it first in the dry cornmeal mixture, then dip it into the wet egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it again in the dry cornmeal mixture. Set aside the breaded pieces on a clean plate.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded catfish nuggets in the basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil.
Cook in Batches
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. Ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Serve
Once cooked, serve the crispy catfish nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!

Notes

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results. Don’t skip this step!
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the catfish nuggets in batches to prevent steaming and ensure each piece gets crispy.
Use Parchment Paper (Optional): To prevent sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if desired.
Season Adjustments: Test the Cajun seasoning before adding extra salt, as some blends can be naturally salty.
Dipping Suggestions: Pair these nuggets with tartar sauce, ranch, or a zesty spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked nuggets warm in a 170°F or lower oven while finishing the remaining pieces.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 250kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg