Description
Deliciously crispy and golden catfish nuggets made effortlessly in the air fryer. These bite-sized seafood treats are marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, seasoned with a flavorful cornmeal coating, and cooked to perfection for a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Serve with lemon wedges and tangy tartar sauce for a perfect appetizer or main course inspired by Southern American cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Catfish Marinade
- 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized nuggets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Breading
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Catfish: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until combined. Add the catfish nuggets to the mixture, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and the fish to tenderize.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Nuggets: Remove the catfish nuggets from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each nugget in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Nuggets: Arrange the coated catfish nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray to aid browning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the catfish nuggets to a serving platter. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the catfish nuggets by dipping them back into the buttermilk and then re-coating with the cornmeal mixture before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading to suit your preferred spice level.
- These catfish nuggets reheat well in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes, maintaining their crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 nuggets
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
