Crispy air fryer catfish is tender inside with a light breading outside. A healthy low carb and delicious dinner idea your family will love. If you want to know how to cook frozen fish or fresh using this machine we have great instructions to get it fork tender.
Cooking fish this way is amazing. Any type is great but air fryer catfish is inexpensive, healthy and gives it the perfect texture inside and out. Jut one of many easy air fryer recipes here on The Typical Mom blog. (affiliate links present)
How Long to Air Fry Catfish
I have made A LOT of different air fryer fish recipes, this is one of the last to try. Once again it was a huge win at dinnertime. It is a dinner that is prepped and done in about 20 minutes which is way faster than baking in the oven and healthy compared to deep frying it in oil.
If you grew up in the South this is going to be a favorite out of the sea. I lived in Arkansas for several years and this was served most often. Many times it would be spicy with red pepper flakes but you can adjust the heat yourself when making it at home.
Tips: My Favorite models are the Cosori or making Ninja Foodi recipes with the lid that is attached.
It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. This is how to preheat air fryer first before adding your food so it becomes as crispy as possible. For best results, here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
Air Fryer Catfish Frozen
You can of course cook frozen fish in air fryer this same way but without the breading at all. It won’t stick and that is fine really, it will still be delicious. Instead just spray with olive oil and add seasonings of your choice. Use the same timing as listed below. The only way to get it both ways is to cook air fryer fish sticks right out of the package, this is homemade
Really most white fish can be cooked this same way. I made air fryer tilapia similarly. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking but there are simple suggestions below too.
How do you cook catfish in an air fryer?
We are going to explain it all for you right here. You just need 2 shallow bowls for your egg and breadcrumbs mixture. Then cook in a preheated air fryer for just a few minutes and enjoy immediately with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredient Notes
You are going to want to start out with 2-3 defrosted catfish fillets usually fit at one time. Take into account the size of your basket when choosing these. They should lay flat ideally and not overlap. In a single layer is ideal for the best texture. It’s easier to use filets like you see here without bones, the head or tails. They cook more evenly and are easier to eat when done.
Adding your large Egg is best at room temperature. I highly suggest organic free range for the richness and flavor.
We are going to use seasoned Breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs for a light coating that will become crispy and add lots of flavor. No cornmeal this time, I think that is grainier and recommend Italian style instead.
You will want to also add some All purpose flour for a crisp coating. I haven’t tested this with other flours but think it wouldn’t matter which you used.
Parmesan cheese is optional but great to add a lot of flavor to the outside.
For seasonings you can just use salt and pepper or if you wanted to go easy peasy you could buy and use this ready made Southern style fish fry mix
At the end a squeeze of lemon and/or tartar sauce are usually served with it. We love serving this with some air fryer hush puppies
How long does it take a whole fish to fry in the air fryer?
This is for fillets without bones but if you kept it whole and it was on the smaller side it would take about 16 minutes. You’d put it in at 390 F and flip halfway through. After the total cook time, slice open and check. Quickest is to make air fryer fish nuggets. Bite sized goodness.
What is the best oil to cook catfish in?
Well in this case you aren’t cooking the fish IN anything. You actually don’t need any at all unless you want the outside really crispy. If so just spray some vegetable oil on the top 1 minute before the end of the cook cycle.
How to Cook Air Fryer Catfish No Cornmeal
Rinse your fish and lay on a few paper towels, fold over to remove any moisture from outside of fillets. Whisk your egg, in another add breadcrumbs. Dip each piece into the egg, then breadcrumbs mixture.
Spray basket and lay coated fillets inside in a single layer without overlapping them.
Cook, flipping halfway thru for the ideal golden brown result and crispy crunchy texture. Remove when fork tender in thickest part of fillet and internal temp is 145 F. Plate and squeeze lemon on top and serve with tartar sauce.
There is just a light coating on this creation. I don’t think either need a lot, just enough to give it crunch and more flavor. Let us know if you add a different coating you love. Serve with air fryer vegetables or beets and enjoy.
Of course you can add any additional seasonings you like. Garlic salt and/or onion powder is a great add in as well.
How do you know when catfish is done?
For me this is big! Do not overcook your fish, no matter what kind it is. I would rather have mine right at 145 F than turning grey and dry. Start at the shortest time first. 10 minutes flipping halfway works well for thin pcs.
If you have really thick pieces than it may take closer to 15-20 minutes. Typically you can tell on the outside if it’s getting there. Then use a fork to cut in half and if it is no longer opaque and flakes with your fork you’re set.
Air Fryer Catfish Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 2 bowls
Ingredients
- 3 large catfish, fillets thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 small lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Rinse fish and lay on paper towels, fold over to remove moisture from outside of fillets.
- In a shallow bowl whisk egg, in another add breadcrumbs, flour, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. Mix together.
- Dredge each piece in egg, then breadcrumbs mixture. Allow excess to fall off.
- Preheat air fryer basket to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Spray inside of basket with olive oil spray.
- Lay coated fillets inside in a single layer without overlapping them.
- Cook for 15 minutes total (give or take depending on how thick your pieces are, check after 10 with 5 minutes on each side) flipping over half way through cook time.
- Remove when fork tender in thickest part of fillet and internal temp is 145 F.
- Plate and squeeze lemon on top and serve with tartar sauce.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Other easy fish recipes you’ll love
Just 1-2 minutes before the end of the cook time spray some vegetable or olive oil spray on the top of your fish fillets. Then it will give them more of a deep frying crust you’re looking for. Serve it as is with side dishes or inside air fryer fish tacos!!
Looking for other air fryer fish recipes? We have a bunch of different ways to make air fryer fried shrimp, air fryer mahi mahi and even air fryer scallops you’ll love.
Yes! From air fryer salmon, to grouper, cod and more each one comes out flaky and delicious. Lightly breaded or plain it will keep it moist while giving the outside a bit of crispiness.
