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I can’t tell you enough how much I LOVE these Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets! They are crispy, delicious, and super easy to make.
We love catfish nuggets any old time of the week. Especially on those busy weeknights, though, when we need a quick and tasty meal.
This is one of those foods that we hardly ever have left overs with. Lily especially gobbles them down. I have to try and keep her away from the wire rack when I pull them out, haha!
Fried catfish is perfect for a fun dinner, a party appetizer, or even a snack. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer means they’re a bit healthier than deep-frying, but still super crispy!
Crispy breaded catfish nuggets are a fantastic way to enjoy fish in a fun, bite-sized form. The combination of cornmeal and Cajun seasoning gives them a wonderful crunch and a bit of spice.
Growing up, I can’t count the number of times we had catfish in the deep fryer. It’s just one of those southern things.
If you’ve never cooked with catfish before, don’t worry! It’s a mild fish that takes on flavors really well, making it great for recipes like this.
Let’s dive into these easy and delicious Catfish Nuggets and see why it’s one of our favorites!
Some of our other favorite FISH RECIPES we have on our site include: Classic Southern Fried Catfish (Best Recipe), Cod Fish Piccata, AND Easy Fresh Salmon Burgers Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Crispy and Flavorful: The cornmeal mixture creates a perfect crispy coating, and the Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice.
- Easy and Quick: Using an air fryer makes this recipe quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: These nuggets can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or snack and pair well with various dips and sides.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Catfish
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
HOW TO MAKE CATFISH NUGGETS:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
- Cut the catfish into 1″ pieces and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg.
- In a second shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until completely mixed.
- Dredge each catfish nugget in the cornmeal mixture, then the egg mixture (allow the excess egg to drip off), then again in the cornmeal mixture.
- Set the breaded catfish nuggets aside on a clean plate.
- Once all catfish nuggets are breaded, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place some of the nuggets into the basket and spray the top with more olive oil; you will have to cook in batches. (The batches will depend on the size of your air fryer.)
- Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the nuggets at the halfway point. They are done when an internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN THESE BE FRIED OR BAKED?
Yes, you can fry these nuggets in 350°F hot oil for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT FISH?
Absolutely! You can use other mild fish like tilapia or cod if you don’t have catfish.
Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same steps.
ANY ADDITIONS?
This recipe isn’t the only way to go.
Try out a few of these ideas to change things up as you please.
- Garlic Powder: Add garlic powder to the cornmeal mixture for extra flavor.
- Onion Powder: Sprinkle in some onion powder for a savory kick.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Mix grated Parmesan into the cornmeal for a cheesy twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the breading for a fresh, citrusy note.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Mix panko breadcrumbs with cornmeal for extra crunch.
- Chopped Herbs: Add fresh chopped parsley or dill to the breading.
- Tartar Sauce: Serve with homemade tartar sauce for dipping.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
I’ve always got some subs for you!
I know that sometimes there are dietary needs or just flavor preferences.
Let me know how these turn out!
- Yellow Corn Flour: Substitute yellow cornmeal with yellow corn flour for a finer texture.
- Sour Cream: Use sour cream mixed with a bit of milk instead of buttermilk.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Italian Seasoning: Use Italian seasonings instead of Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a different taste.
- Egg Whites: Use egg whites instead of a whole egg for a lighter option.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store any leftover catfish nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: You can freeze the breaded, uncooked catfish nuggets. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 390°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can also freeze them cooked for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure your air fryer is preheated to ensure the nuggets cook evenly and get crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which helps them cook evenly.
- Use Parchment Paper: Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking if desired.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Cajun seasoning before adding salt, as some blends can be quite salty.
- Try Different Dips: Serve the nuggets with different dips like tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for variety.
- Keep Warm: If making large batches, keep cooked nuggets warm in a 170°F or lower oven while you finish cooking the rest.
Catfish Nuggets are a delicious and easy way to enjoy fish.
They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or a tasty snack.
My family loves them, and I’m sure yours will, too.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe
Equipment
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
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg.1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg
- In a second shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until completely mixed.1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning, Salt to taste, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Dredge each catfish nugget in the cornmeal mixture, then the egg mixture (allow the excess egg to drip off), then again in the cornmeal mixture.1 pound catfish
- Set the breaded catfish nuggets aside on a clean plate.
- Once all catfish nuggets are breaded, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place some of the nuggets into the basket and spray the top with more olive oil; you will have to cook in batches. (The batches will depend on the size of your air fryer.)
- Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the nuggets at the halfway point. They are done when an internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
Notes
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure your air fryer is preheated to ensure the nuggets cook evenly and get crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which helps them cook evenly.
- Use Parchment Paper: Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking if desired.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Cajun seasoning before adding salt, as some blends can be quite salty.
- Try Different Dips: Serve the nuggets with different dips like tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for variety.
- Keep Warm: If making large batches, keep cooked nuggets warm in a 170°F or lower oven while you finish cooking the rest.
Nutrition
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It was an easy recipe, and the catfish turned out perfectly: crispy on the outside, juicy and tender within. I live in mexico, where its impossible to find buttermilk, so I appreciate the sour cream tip. I just wish you had included quantities for other spices to use. Cajun seasoning is also impossible to find here. But I truly loved the result, and will make again.