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–+ servings

Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish

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This air fryer catfish delivers that crispy Southern-style crunch without the deep frying. It's a quick, golden, and satisfying way to enjoy a classic.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 321 kcal
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 Catfish Fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce
  • 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal
  • 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • Cooking Spray
  • Lemon Wedges, for serving
  • Tartar Sauce, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a shallow dish. Add the catfish fillets and soak for 15 minutes.
  • In another shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and press firmly into the cornmeal mixture to coat both sides evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket generously with cooking spray.
  • Place the breaded catfish in the air fryer in a single layer. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily.
  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 29gFat: 9g
Keyword air fryer, cajun fish, crispy catfish, southern fried catfish
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