Description
Enjoy these crispy air fryer catfish nuggets that are tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. A Southern-inspired favorite that’s quick and easy to make, these nuggets are perfect for a delicious appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Catfish Nuggets:
- 1 pound catfish fillets cut into 1 1/2-inch nuggets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Cornmeal Coating:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Catfish: Place catfish nuggets in a bowl, cover with buttermilk and hot sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the Catfish: Remove catfish from buttermilk, coat each nugget in the cornmeal mixture.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer, spray with oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the nuggets for a second coating.
- Pair with tartar sauce, remoulade, or spicy ranch.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
