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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe
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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are a flavorful and healthier twist on a Southern classic. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they make the perfect bite-sized appetizer or easy weeknight dinner with your favorite dipping sauce.
Course 30 minute meals, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 373kcal
Author Bon Appeteach

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Catfish
  • 1 cup Buttermilk

Breading Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cornmeal fine
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1.5 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt (if the lemon pepper seasoning doesn't have salt, add an additional 1/2 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Dill
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley

Optional Garnishes

Instructions

  • Remove the catfish from the packaging, clean it if needed, and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Cut the catfish into 1 inch pieces. Try to create equal size pieces for even cooking.
  • Place the catfish nuggets into the buttermilk and let it soak for 30 minutes to tenderize the fish and remove any "fishiness".
  • In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, cornstarch and all the dried spices and seasonings.
  • Remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each nugget in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, ensuring a good, even coating by lightly pressing down.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated catfish nuggets in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with oil for extra crispiness.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145 F. for safe eating.
  • Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve with lemon wedges, fresh parsley and my creole remoulade sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the nuggets by dipping them back into the buttermilk and cornmeal mixture before air frying if desired. 

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz. | Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg