Air Fryer Catfish
Ready in about 26 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Southern-style cornmeal-crusted catfish with a crisp, seasoned crust and flaky flesh. The air fryer gives you that fried-catfish crunch without a pan of hot oil.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 120 g fine cornmeal
- 40 g plain flour
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 240 ml buttermilk
- Oil spray
Method
- 1Soak the catfish in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
- 2Mix the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and pepper.
- 3Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mix, pressing to coat.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and mist the fillets with oil.
- 5Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and 63°C/145°F inside.
- 6Serve with lemon and a dollop of remoulade.
Tips for the best results
- A cornmeal crust gives the most authentic Southern crunch.
- Do not skip the oil mist; it turns the coating golden.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer catfish steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Catfish is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer catfish?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 10-12 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer catfish is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Catfish should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer catfish serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.