Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy tender catfish pieces coated in a flavorful Cajun-spiced cornmeal crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy, healthy meal. Perfect as a snack or main dish, these nuggets are golden, crunchy, and delicious without the extra oil of traditional frying.
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″ pieces
Additional
- 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 crispy results.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg. Whisk them together until fully blended and set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, salt (if needed), and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Bread the Catfish Nuggets: Take each piece of catfish and dredge it first in the dry cornmeal mixture, then dip it into the wet egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it again in the dry cornmeal mixture. Set aside the breaded pieces on a clean plate.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded catfish nuggets in the basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil.
- Cook in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. Ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the crispy catfish nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature of the catfish nuggets to ensure they reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning level to suit your spice preference.
- Serve immediately for the best crisp texture.
- Use olive oil spray to reduce added fats while helping achieve a crispy crust.
