Get ready to transform ordinary catfish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone begging for seconds! These air fryer catfish nuggets are the ultimate game-day snack, family dinner sensation, and quick-fix meal that combines restaurant-quality crunch with home-cooked comfort. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden nugget that's tender on the inside and packed with flavor – all without the guilt of deep-frying!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb catfish fillets, cut into nuggets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the catfish by patting the fillets dry with paper towels and cutting them into bite-sized nuggets approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly until smooth and uniform in color.
- Dip each catfish nugget first into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coating, then immediately roll in the seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere completely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated catfish nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check that the internal temperature of the nuggets reaches 145°F (63°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove nuggets from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Tips
- Pat the catfish completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and help the breading stick better.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary to maintain that perfect crunch and even cooking.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your breading mixture.
- Use fresh catfish for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, completely thaw and pat dry before preparing.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the nuggets: egg wash, breading, egg wash again, then final breading.
- Serve immediately for the best texture – these nuggets are crispiest right out of the air fryer!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked fish every time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
