Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook catfish that will leave your taste buds craving more? Look no further! In this article, we’re excited to share with you 20 mouth-watering crispy catfish recipes that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. From classic Southern-style breaded catfish to spicy Cajun bites and Asian-inspired dishes with ginger glaze, there’s something for everyone.
In recent years, the air fryer has become a popular cooking tool for its ability to produce crispy, fried-like results without all the extra oil. And when it comes to catfish, the air fryer is the perfect way to achieve that perfect crunch without sacrificing flavor. In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of air fryer catfish recipes, from classic dishes like po’ boys and tacos to innovative creations with remoulade sauce and honey mustard dip.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these 20 crispy catfish recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. So go ahead, get creative, and let the air fryer do the rest!
Air Fryer Southern-Style Breaded Catfish
Get ready for a crispy and flavorful Southern-style catfish dish with minimal effort and maximum taste! This recipe uses the power of an air fryer to produce a golden-brown, crunchy coating on tender catfish fillets.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each catfish fillet in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place coated catfish fillets in the basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Catfish Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Catfish Bites. Perfect for a quick appetizer or party favorite, this recipe combines the tender taste of catfish with the bold heat of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each catfish piece into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated catfish pieces on a plate or tray.
5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Catfish Fillets
Brighten up your dinner routine with this easy and delicious recipe for lemon garlic air fryer catfish fillets. This dish combines the tender flavor of catfish with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic, all in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place catfish fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each fillet.
4. Brush the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the catfish.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the catfish.
6. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Elevate your taco Tuesday game with this flavorful and healthier twist on traditional catfish tacos. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist, paired perfectly with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Salsa (recipe below)
– Taco shells, cilantro, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. Dredge catfish fillets in breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Place catfish in the air fryer basket; drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare Mango Salsa (see below).
5. Assemble tacos by placing cooked catfish on a shell, topping with mango salsa, cilantro, and any desired toppings.
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl; stir well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Crispy Panko Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Elevate your catfish game with this simple and delicious recipe! By using panko breadcrumbs and an air fryer, you’ll achieve a crispy exterior without deep-frying.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into nugget-sized pieces
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each catfish piece into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated catfish nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
6. Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Blackened Catfish with Remoulade
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of the Bayou with this easy-to-make Air Fryer blackened catfish recipe, served with a tangy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together blackening seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the catfish fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mixture.
4. Place the catfish in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with remoulade sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish
Elevate your catfish game with this flavorful and crispy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a seafood-packed meal. This herb-crusted air fryer catfish is a game-changer, and you’ll love the combination of fresh herbs and spices on top of succulent fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the catfish fillets in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
5. Brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish Po’ Boy Sandwich
This Air Fryer Catfish Po’ Boy Sandwich is a crispy and flavorful twist on the classic Louisiana favorite, with tender catfish, crunchy slaw, and creamy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp buttermilk
– 2 tbsp remoulade sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each catfish fillet in buttermilk, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
4. Cook catfish in Air Fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing cooked catfish on hamburger buns, topping with coleslaw, remoulade sauce, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Catfish
This recipe combines the crispy texture of air-fried catfish with a sweet and spicy kick, perfect for those who love a little heat. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this flavorful dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Place catfish fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
4. Brush the sweet and spicy mixture evenly over both sides of the catfish.
5. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top of each fillet.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish with Parmesan Crust
Transform your catfish into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece using the power of an air fryer! This recipe yields a flavorful and tender fish dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Pat dry catfish fillets with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each fillet into olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated catfish in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cornmeal-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish
Experience the perfect blend of crispy and tender with this Cornmeal-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish recipe. This quick and easy dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp buttermilk
– Vegetable oil, for spraying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, then coat in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
6. Place coated catfish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish and Chips
Get ready to experience the perfect combination of crispy catfish and crunchy chips, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 bag of frozen french fries
– 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup of lemon juice
– 1 tsp of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place the coated catfish in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook the frozen french fries according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve the catfish with crispy chips and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Asian-Style Air Fryer Catfish with Ginger Glaze
Experience the bold flavors of Asia with this easy and healthy air fryer catfish recipe, topped with a sweet and savory ginger glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 2 tsp honey
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil spray, for air fryer
– Fresh scallions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the cornstarch mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray. Place the coated catfish fillets in the basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the catfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Meanwhile, mix together grated ginger and honey to create the glaze.
7. Remove the catfish from the air fryer and brush with the ginger glaze.
8. Garnish with fresh scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish with Zesty Tartar Sauce
Experience the crispy, golden goodness of air-fried catfish paired with a tangy and creamy tartar sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Zesty Tartar Sauce ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
+ 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
+ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
+ 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated catfish in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the Zesty Tartar Sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (air fryer), plus prep time
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Catfish
Moist and flavorful catfish is elevated to new heights with the addition of savory garlic butter and a crispy air fryer finish. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional fried fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and paprika.
3. Place catfish fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the catfish.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish with Creole Seasoning
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional catfish with this easy recipe that combines the spicy kick of Creole seasoning with the crunch of air frying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp Creole seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together Creole seasoning and garlic powder.
4. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the catfish fillets.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
6. Place the catfish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as hushpuppies, coleslaw, or crispy fried okra.
Crunchy Almond-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish
Crunchy Almond-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Favorite!
Get ready to impress with this easy-to-make and flavorful catfish recipe, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together almond flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the almond-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated catfish in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish with Honey Mustard Dip
Elevate your seafood game with this crispy and flavorful air-fried catfish recipe, paired with a tangy honey mustard dip that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Honey Mustard Dip ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 1/4 cup honey
+ 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each catfish fillet in the spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated catfish fillets in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix together honey, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard for the Honey Mustard Dip.
7. Serve the air-fried catfish with the Honey Mustard Dip.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Catfish Strips
Elevate your catfish game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of smoky paprika with the crispiness of air frying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound catfish strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Add catfish strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Load the catfish strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Catfish with Lemon Dill Sauce
Air Fryer Catfish with Lemon Dill Sauce: A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional catfish recipes!
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup lemon dill sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Lemon Dill Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse catfish fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Brush both sides of the catfish with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Place catfish in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
6. Serve hot with Lemon Dill Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to sink your teeth into crispy, flavorful catfish recipes made easy with an air fryer! In this article, we’re sharing 20 mouth-watering dishes that will elevate your catfish game. From Southern-style breaded bites to spicy Cajun-inspired creations, and from lemony garlic fillets to Asian-style ginger glaze, there’s something for every taste bud. Try Air Fryer Southern-Style Breaded Catfish, Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Catfish Bites, or Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Catfish Fillets, among many others. Whether you’re a catfish lover or just looking for some new inspiration, these recipes are sure to delight!