Best 2 Air Fry Catfish Fillet Recipes

**Air Fryer Catfish Fillets: A Crispy, Flaky Delight**

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious catfish fillets, look no further than your air fryer. This versatile kitchen appliance can whip up crispy, flaky catfish fillets in just a fraction of the time it takes to fry them in oil. Plus, air frying is a healthier cooking method, as it uses little to no oil. This collection of air fryer catfish fillet recipes has something for everyone, from simple to seasoned to spicy. Whether you're a catfish connoisseur or just looking for a new way to enjoy this classic Southern dish, you're sure to find a recipe here that you'll love. From the classic Southern-fried catfish to the more exotic Thai-style catfish, these recipes offer a range of flavors and cooking techniques to suit any palate. So grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy some of the best catfish fillets you've ever tasted!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GLUTEN FREE AIR FRYER CATFISH

Gluten Free Air Fryer Catfish image

Everyone will love this crispy delicious gluten free air fryer catfish. I also include stovetop frying directions for those who do not own an air fryer.

Provided by Sandi Gaertner

Categories Gluten Free Dinner Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets (Usually 3-4 fillets)
3/4 cup cornmeal (* see note)
1/4 cup gluten free flour (* see note)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon creole seasoning (* see note)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk (* see note)
1 tablespoon light oil (for spraying)

Steps:

Add buttermilk to a bowl and gently place the catfish fillets (or nuggets) into the milk. If you don't have buttermilk, it is easy to make by adding lemon juice to milk. Soak the fish for 30 minutes. This step is important to remove the fishy flavor from the catfish.
Mix up the cornmeal seasoning mix in a large bag. Place the cornmeal fish breading and seasoning ingredients into a large bag and shake to mix it up. When the catfish is done soaking in buttermilk, hold the catfish over the bowl to allow the extra milk to run off.
Place the catfish in the bag, one fillet at a time. Shake gently so the raw catfish fillet is coated in the catfish breading mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 375º F.
Spray the bottom grill of the air fryer with a high heat oil like avocado or canola. (Do not use olive oil or another heat intolerant oil or your fish will turn out rancid.) Place a breaded catfish fillet in the air fryer. Make sure the fish isn't touching so the air can circulate around each piece of fish.
Spray the top of the gluten free breaded catfish with more oil. This will help the crust get nice and crispy!
Cook your catfish in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. The actual cook time will vary depending on the size of your catfish fillets, and whether you use catfish nuggets or fillets. You will know the catfish is done cooking when it is crispy and the cornmeal breading is a golden color.
Note, many will recommend flipping your catfish over partway through the cooking cycle. I find this difficult without the catfish falling apart in the air fryer. It is up to you if you want to try this. I did not flip it and my catfish was still crispy and delicious on both sides.
Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 250 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Sodium 577 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, UnsaturatedFat 5 g

AIR FRYER BLACKENED CATFISH FILLETS

Air Fryer Blackened Catfish Fillets image

Air-fried catfish fillets that have a spicy blackened exterior and a tender and flaky interior.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Time 20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons blackened seasoning
1 pound catfish fillets

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Whisk melted butter, olive oil, and blackened seasoning together in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Brush paste on both sides of the catfish fillets.
Place fillets in the basket of the air fryer and cook until fish is browned and flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 606.3 calories, Carbohydrate 2.6 g, Cholesterol 174.3 mg, Fat 51 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 33.8 g, SaturatedFat 19.6 g, Sodium 1211.5 mg

Tips:

Choose the Right Catfish Fillets: Select firm and fresh catfish fillets with no signs of discoloration or freezer burn.
Season Well: Don't be shy with the seasonings! A flavorful blend of spices and herbs will enhance the taste of the catfish.
Coat Lightly: Apply a thin and even layer of coating to the catfish fillets. A heavy coating can prevent the fish from cooking evenly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure even cooking.
Cook in Batches: If cooking multiple fillets, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Flip Halfway Through: For evenly cooked catfish, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the catfish. It should reach an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit (63° Celsius).

Conclusion:

Air-frying catfish fillets is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful fish. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, air-fried catfish is a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a more elaborate coating, air-frying is a versatile cooking method that allows you to customize the taste and texture of your catfish fillets to suit your preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give air-fried catfish a try – you won't be disappointed!