Best 3 Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish Recipes

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For a crispy, golden-brown catfish fry without the mess of traditional frying, look no further than your air fryer. This countertop appliance can whip up perfectly cooked catfish that rivals the taste and texture of deep-fried fish without the added fat and calories. Our selection of air fryer southern fried catfish recipes caters to various preferences, from classic Southern-style coatings to lighter, healthier variations. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a mild and savory flavor, we have a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the secrets to achieving a crispy crust and tender, flaky fish with our expertly curated collection of air fryer southern fried catfish recipes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and convenient dish.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH



Southern Fried Catfish image

Fried catfish is a Southern tradition, along with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Try these traditional foods together.

Provided by Mama Smith

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup buttermilk
½ cup water
salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips
1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
  • In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
  • Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  • Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1427.2 calories, Carbohydrate 131.6 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 78.6 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 799.9 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

SOUTHERN AIR FRYER CATFISH



Southern Air Fryer Catfish image

Our Southern Air Fryer Catfish recipe is a healthier twist on traditional Southern deep fried catfish. The air fryer method fries without using oil.

Provided by Brooke

Categories     Main Course

Time 22m

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 fillets catfish (frozen or fresh)
1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
1 egg (large)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp paprika (traditional or smoked)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lemon (in wedges)

Steps:

  • Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400 degrees.
  • In a dish, measure and mix your cornmeal, flour, cheese, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, paprika, salt and pepper.
  • In a different dish, use a fork or a whisk to scramble up your egg and buttermilk.
  • Pat each catfish fillet dry with a paper towel, then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides letting the excess drip back into the dish. A thin coating is all you need to get the crust to stick.
  • Press the catfish into the cornmeal mixture on both sides of fish, making sure to coat fully and evenly.
  • Using your tongs, carefully set your fillets evenly on the air fryer basket surface. If you wish to give a light spray of olive oil for extra crispiness and to prevent sticking, do this now.
  • Set your timer for 12 minutes, turning with your tongs halfway through the cooking time. At the halfway point, you can also remove from the basket to spray a small amount of lemon juice or oil to prevent it from drying out. Place back in the basket and cook the additional time.
  • Remove from air fryer and check to be sure that your catfish is cooked all the way through.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 g, Calories 328 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 147 mg, Sodium 492 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g

AIR FRYER BLACKENED CATFISH FILLETS



Air Fryer Blackened Catfish Fillets image

Air-fried catfish fillets that have a spicy blackened exterior and a tender and flaky interior.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Time 20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 4

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons blackened seasoning
1 pound catfish fillets

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Whisk melted butter, olive oil, and blackened seasoning together in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Brush paste on both sides of the catfish fillets.
  • Place fillets in the basket of the air fryer and cook until fish is browned and flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 606.3 calories, Carbohydrate 2.6 g, Cholesterol 174.3 mg, Fat 51 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 33.8 g, SaturatedFat 19.6 g, Sodium 1211.5 mg

Tips:

  • Use fresh catfish fillets: Fresh catfish fillets will give you the best results. If you can't find fresh catfish, you can use frozen catfish fillets, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
  • Season the catfish fillets well: Season the catfish fillets with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor of the fish.
  • Use a light coating of flour: Dredge the catfish fillets in a light coating of flour before cooking. This will help to create a crispy crust.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before cooking the catfish fillets. This will help to ensure that the fish cooks evenly.
  • Cook the catfish fillets in batches: Cook the catfish fillets in batches so that they don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will help to ensure that the fish cooks evenly.
  • Cook the catfish fillets until they are golden brown: Cook the catfish fillets until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the fish should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve the catfish fillets immediately: Serve the catfish fillets immediately with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Cooking catfish in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this delicious fish. The catfish fillets are crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. They are also packed with flavor. Serve the catfish fillets with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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