Air Fryer Catfish is made with 4 catfish fillets, buttermilk, yellow cornmeal, flour; air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes to serve 4. 300 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Soak catfish in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- 2
Mix cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Remove catfish from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press into cornmeal mixture, coating all sides.
- 4
Spray generously with cooking spray.
- 5
Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crust is golden and fish flakes. Serve with hot sauce, lemon, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
Tip: The buttermilk soak tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick. Cornmeal gives authentic Southern crunch — don't substitute breadcrumbs. Catfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with Cajun spice and hot sauce.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 12 minutes vs ~18 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 300 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Catfish at 400°F for 12 minutes. The buttermilk soak tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick. Cornmeal gives authentic Southern crunch — don't substitute breadcrumbs. Catfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with Cajun spice and hot sauce.
You need: 4 catfish fillets, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper, Cooking spray, Hot sauce, Lemon wedges, Coleslaw, Hush puppies, Tartar sauce. This recipe serves 4 with 300 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Catfish takes 12 minutes total at 400°F. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crust is golden and fish flakes. Serve with hot sauce, lemon, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 12 minutes at 400°F.
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