Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy catfish pieces coated in a flavorful Cajun-seasoned cornmeal crust. Quick and easy to make, the nuggets are cooked to perfection in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying without compromising on taste and texture. Ideal as a snack or main dish, these catfish nuggets are delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Mixture
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Dry Coating
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste (if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Fish
- 1 pound catfish, cut into 1-inch pieces
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it is hot enough for even cooking and to achieve the crispiest texture on the catfish nuggets.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully blended. Set this mixture aside for dipping the nuggets.
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, salt (if using), and pepper until evenly combined to create a flavorful breading.
- Bread the Catfish Nuggets: Take each piece of catfish and coat it first in the dry cornmeal mixture. Then dip it into the wet buttermilk and egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it once again in the dry cornmeal mixture. Arrange the breaded nuggets on a clean plate.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded catfish nuggets in the basket, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking. Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with olive oil spray as well.
- Cook in Batches: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the nuggets for 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F and are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the crispy catfish nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the air fryer is fully preheated to 390°F for the crispiest nuggets.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Flipping the nuggets halfway helps achieve an even golden crust on all sides.
- Adjust salt based on the saltiness of your Cajun seasoning to avoid overly salty nuggets.
- The internal temperature of cooked catfish should be at least 145°F for safety.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dry coating mix.
