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    Home » Southern Classics

    Published: Jun 8, 2021 · Modified: Oct 4, 2021 by Pam

    Air Fryer Catfish Fillets: Southern Style

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    Air Fryer Catfish Fillets are a deliciously healthy update to an old southern style favorite. The list of ingredients and the cooking time are short and simple.

    filets of air fryer catfish on basket with lemon

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the The Catfish Institute. All opinions are 100% my own.

    The farm-raised catfish of today are mild and slightly sweet, making them perfect for adapting the fried catfish recipes of yesterday into an amazing and good-for-you main dish.

    Using your air fryer means you’ll have the crispy coating you love without the greasiness of traditional frying. If almond flour is used, this recipe becomes gluten-free.

    For an elegant but simple dish made with catfish be sure to also try Catfish with Lemon Thyme Sauce.

    What is different about today’s catfish?

    cut filet of air fryer catfish with lemon

    We invite you to visit The Catfish Institute’s website and learn more details, but the key points to remember are these:

    • U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish are raised in ponds that are 4-6 feet deep and filled with pure, fresh water which is pumped from underground wells.
    • The farm-raised catfish have learned to eat from the top of the ponds, unlike their wild, bottom-feeding cousins. Their food consists of high protein, vitamin and mineral enriched pellets that produce healthier, mild-tasting fish.
    • U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish are kept alive until immediately before processing, a procedure that takes less than 30 minutes, meaning the fish you eat are extremely fresh.
    • The Catfish Institute’s Certified Processors must pass a strict list of high quality standards including being certified by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

    For a full list of the health benefits of eating fish in general you’ll want to read this article.

    2 filets of catfish cooked in air fryer

    Notes and tips on making the best air fryer catfish ever!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an affiliate link and buy something, we may receive a very small commission.  It does NOT result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Click here for our full privacy and disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1. Be sure to start with U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. That way you are assured of getting the highest quality catfish, raised and processed under the strictest guidelines.
    2. Use a fine mist oil spray that is propellant free and specifically made for spraying foods – not the type made for spraying pans to keep them non-stick. Two of our favorites are Avocado Oil Spray from Chosen Foods and La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil.
    3. Keep an eye on your fish in the air fryer. Just like any other type of cooking appliance, the way they cook will vary from brand to brand and type to type. We’ve linked to ones we have below for your convenience.
    4. Many people want to know: Do you need to soak catfish before cooking? Not if they’re U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish! That practice dates back to when the only catfish available was the bottom-feeding wild ones. Soaking in milk was helpful in getting out that “gamey” taste, but the farm-raised catfish are mild and do not require any soaking.
    5. Serve your air fryer catfish with simple lemon wedges, traditional tartar sauce, or, our favorite Remoulade Sauce.
    filets of air fryer catfish on basket with lemon

    Information on Air Fryers

    Maybe your take on air fryers is like ours was at first… “just another small appliance fad.” Neither of us are the type to buy into the latest craze easily. We’ve seen ’em come, we’ve seen ’em go.

    But the air fryer has stolen our hearts. They’re easy, fun, fairly inexpensive, and can be used to make formerly un-healthy dishes much better for you, and besides all that, they cook fast! Their versatility is truly amazing.

    As quickly as we can we’re adding more air fryer recipes to Biscuits and Burlap, so you’ll want to check back often. Already we’ve got these Air Fryer Greek Chicken Skewers (with that glorious sauce). Air Fryer Okra is another southern fried classic taken to new levels of healthy yumminess by cooking it in our new favorite appliance.

    Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp is our newest updated southern classic. Imagine that you can enjoy the fried shrimp you know and love so well without all the oil!

    Air Fryer Lobster Tails come out succulently delicious each and every time. They make any day a special occasion, and Asparagus Parmesan and Home Fries made in the air fryer are perfect for any meal.

    We each have a different type of air fryer and love them both. Mine is also a small oven, convection oven, broiler and toaster. It’s made by Cuisinart and does take up some counter space, but I think the versatility makes it worthwhile and it has a pretty big capacity air fryer basket.

    Sara’s is a small, air fryer only version. It’s perfect when counter space is at a premium because it can easily be stashed away when not in use. Make no mistake though – it works great!

    air fryer catfish on basket.

    Air Fryer Catfish Fillets

    Pam
    Air Fryer Catfish Fillets are a deliciously healthy update to an old southern style favorite. The ingredients list and the cooking time are short and simple. Gluten free option included.
    4.67 from 21 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 3 people
    Calories 298 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound catfish fillets recommend U.S. Farm-Raised
    • 1 egg slightly beaten
    • 1 Tablespoon milk
    • ½ cup cornmeal
    • 2 Tablespoons almond flour can substitute all purpose flour if desired
    • 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning optional, recommend Tony Chachere's
    • ½ teaspoon salt more if Creole seasoning isn't used
    • fine mist of oil spray

    Instructions
     

    • Blend egg and milk in shallow dish.
    • Blend cornmeal, flour (almond or all purpose), seasoning, salt in another shallow dish.
    • Dip fillets in egg mixture, allowing to drain for a few seconds.
    • Dredge fish fillets in flour mixture, coating both sides.
    • Lay fillets on basket of air fryer that has been sprayed with oil. Spray fish fillets with fine mist of oil.
    • Cook in air fryer that has been preheated to 375° for 5-6 minutes.
    • Flip fillets over and spray again. Cook 4-5 minutes more, and up to additional 1-2 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets.

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 477mgCalcium: 48mgVitamin C: 2mgVitamin A: 440IUSugar: 1gFiber: 3gPotassium: 667mgCholesterol: 143mgCalories: 298kcalTrans Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gFat: 10gProtein: 30gCarbohydrates: 21gIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Dirty Rice
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    Cornbread Dressing

    Categories: Light Main Dishes Tags: entree

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Toni says

      June 08, 2021 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      I loved it! So tasty but easy to make! Thanks for the gluten-free option!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2021 at 10:37 am

        Awww.. thanks Toni!

        Reply
    2. Michelle says

      June 08, 2021 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy and healthy way to prepare fish! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2021 at 11:52 am

        Thank you Michelle!

        Reply
    3. Beth says

      June 08, 2021 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      What a tasty and crispy dinner! These fillets look absolutely delicious and tasty. My hubby and daughter are going to gobble this recipe up. Excited to make this very soon!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2021 at 11:53 am

        They’re going to love it!

        Reply
    4. Lyn says

      June 08, 2021 at 10:56 am

      Wow such a simple recipe to make! The catfish looks so crispy and delicious! I don’t have an air fryer yet, do you think I could make this in the oven?

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2021 at 11:53 am

        We haven’t tried it in the oven, but I would certainly encourage you to jump on board with an air fryer. We love ours!

        Reply
    5. Angela says

      June 08, 2021 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      Love this air fryer recipe! So quick and easy without all of the mess of frying. Love that there is a gluten-free option.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 08, 2021 at 11:53 am

        Thanks, Angela!

        Reply
    6. Mary Meyer says

      June 09, 2021 at 7:13 pm

      Nothing is better than cat fish. This air fryer recipe makes it much healthier than skillet frying in oil. Delishous

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 9:43 am

        We agree! Thanks so much, Mary!

        Reply
    7. Brooke says

      June 14, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Would the recipe work with other fish fillets?

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 9:45 am

        I don’t see why not Brooke. I would just keep an eye on the fish due to fillet thickness. Our catfish fillets were about 1/2 inch at the thickest part.

        Reply
    8. Dannii says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this looks delicious. Perfectly cooked fish too.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:58 pm

        Exactly! Thanks, Dannii!

        Reply
    9. Sharmila Kingsly says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      It is so crispy, juicy and yummy… Can we serve it along with the burger patties?

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:59 pm

        I don’t see why not. Thanks, Sharmila.

        Reply
    10. Shadi+Hasanzadenemati says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      Love all the ingredients, can’t wait to try this! It looks so delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:59 pm

        It really is easy, good and healthy. Thanks!

        Reply
    11. Julie says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      Such a healthier and better way to make catfish. Can’t wait to try this out.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 28, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Yes, it is. Hope you enjoy, Julie!

        Reply
    12. Michelle says

      June 29, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and crispy in an air fryer!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 30, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Yes, it is. Thanks, Michelle!

        Reply
    13. Eliza from BENSA Bacon Lovers Society says

      July 16, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      What a tasty recipe! I love that you can make it in the air fryer. Thanks for sharing another winner.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 16, 2021 at 6:08 pm

        Thank you for stopping by with kind words, Eliza.

        Reply
    14. Patty at Spoonabilities says

      July 16, 2021 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      I’ll be making these catfish fillets over and over and over. Love that they are so healthy not being cooked in oil!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 16, 2021 at 6:08 pm

        Us, too! Thanks.

        Reply
    15. Kait | Slumber & Scones says

      July 16, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      These gorgeous golden brown catfish fillets are just the perfect centerpiece for any southern dinner. I love how cooking them in the air fryer makes it so simple!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 16, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Thank you, Kait!

        Reply
    16. Sharon says

      July 16, 2021 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      This air fryer catfish comes out so crispy and delicious. I love the breading on top of it.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 16, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Thanks so much for letting us know.

        Reply
    17. Mindy Fewless says

      July 16, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Great idea for catfish and so much less fat! It was delicious!

      Reply

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