Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets lets you eat a classic southern comfort food the healthy way, with all of the crispiness and classic cornmeal flavor, and none of the messy frying oil!
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are coated in a classic cornmeal breading and perfectly seasoned, then air fried to crispy perfection.
They are the best of both worlds, giving you the delicious comfort food flavor of fried catfish with none of the mess frying oil! They take just 15 minutes to prep and cook, and produce a crispy exterior and tender warm catfish.
Get a delicious, healthy dinner on the table with just a few ingredients and a few minutes!
Should I Soak Catfish Nuggets in Milk Before Air Frying?
It's up to you! While I usually don't as it's an extra step and I don't mind the flavor, if you find the flavor of catfish too pungent or fishy, soaking it in milk before cooking is a good way to neutralize some of that flavor.
Can these be Fried or Baked?
They sure can! I have recipes with specific cooking times and tips for both fried and baked catfish nuggets.
Will This Recipe Work for a Different Fish?
Yes, it should. But depending on the type of fish (such as cod), they may flake or fall apart easier.
How to Keep Cooked Nuggets Warm While Air Frying
Depending on the size of your air fryer and how many catfish nuggets you're preparing, you may need to work in batches, which means that sometimes the first batch can get cold or less crispy by the time you're done with the last batch.
Keep all of your air fryer catfish nuggets crispy using this trick!
Preheat oven to 200°F. Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and place in the heated oven. As you finish air frying each batch, lay them flat on the cooling rack in the oven to keep them warm and prevent them from getting soggy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
The serving suggestions and side dishes that go with air fryer catfish nuggets are endless! Here are some of our favorites:
- Creamy southern coleslaw - pretty much a must when serving catfish.
- Sauce - such as remoulade, tartar, or, if you're like my husband, ketchup.
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies - while you've got the air fryer out, go ahead and whip up a batch of these tasty hush puppies too!
- Potato salad - such as our family favorite Southern Potato Salad.
- Pasta salad - Dill pickle pasta salad will make a nice creamy side, and romesco pasta salad will add a fresh and bright aspect to your meal.
- Corn - on or off the cob! Or better yet, creamed!
- Potatoes - I have these air fryer baby potatoes and air fryer hasselback potatoes that will go great with these nuggets! But any potatoes will also work including fries, chips, or mashed!
- Bread - Whip up some homemade cornbread or biscuits to add some substance!
- Mac and cheese - make it on the stovetop, crockpot, or instant pot!
More Catfish Recipes You'll Love
- Lemon Pepper Baked Catfish - An easy baked catfish recipe that uses just a few ingredients and turns out just as crispy and delicious as fried!
- Beer Battered Catfish - A unique catfish recipe with catfish filets dipped in a flavorful beer batter and deep fried to golden and crispy.
- Southern Pan-Fried Catfish - The classic southern way to cook catfish. Learn how to make catfish the way it was meant to be!
- Baked Catfish Nuggets - Super quick and easy with just a few ingredients and baked until crispy in the oven.
- Fried Catfish Nuggets - Deliciously seasoned and cornmeal-breaded catfish nuggets, deep fried to golden perfection.
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Video
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 pound catfish nuggets (or filets cut into bite size pieces, about 1-inch)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a flat dish (Like a baking dish or cake pan), combine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to combine.
- Place a few catfish nuggets into the cornmeal mixture to fully coat in cornmeal mixture. Remove to a large plate or tray.
- Cooking in batches, cook catfish in the air fryer at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until cooked through and flaky.
Notes
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Reheat: Air fry the bites at 400°F for 3 minutes until heated all the way through. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 5 minutes. Alternately, you can bake them at 350°F for about 5 minutes (or 7 to 10 minutes if frozen), or until heated through.
- Freezer Directions: To freeze, prepare catfish nuggets according to recipe. Allow to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up 3 months.
Nutrition
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