Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender catfish with a perfectly crispy coating. The catfish is breaded in a flavorful mixture of cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning, then air fried to golden perfection in just minutes. Ideal for a satisfying snack or a main dish, these nuggets come out crispy on the outside and moist inside without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste (if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound catfish, cut into 1-inch pieces
Additional
- Olive oil spray for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. This ensures it is hot enough to cook the nuggets evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined, then set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, salt if desired, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Bread the Catfish Nuggets: Dredge each catfish piece first in the dry coating mixture, then dip into the wet buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat again in the dry mixture. Place breaded pieces on a clean plate.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray.
- Cook in Batches: If your air fryer is small, cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 5 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F and the nuggets are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the cooked nuggets and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. Enjoy your crispy catfish nuggets!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the catfish is fully cooked (145°F recommended).
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry coating mixture.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
