Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before breading. Frozen catfish often releases more moisture during cooking, which can make the coating less crispy. I recommend fresh catfish for the best results, but properly thawed fish will work in a pinch.

Why didn't my coating stick to the fish?

This usually happens when the fish is too wet or the air fryer isn't preheated. Make sure to pat the catfish completely dry before starting the breading process, and don't skip the egg mixture step, which acts as the "glue" for your coating. Also, letting the breaded nuggets rest for 5 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Absolutely! Make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/3 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk, or even just regular milk with a splash of lemon juice added directly to it.

Can I make these nuggets without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them in a 400°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also shallow fry them in about 1/4 inch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer method uses less oil and creates less mess, but these alternatives work well too.

Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning; Salt to taste (optional); 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound catfish, cut into 1″ pieces

These Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets are a game-changer for fish lovers who want that perfect crunch without the guilt of deep frying. In just 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have golden, crispy nuggets that are tender and flaky inside. The cornmeal coating creates an irresistible texture while the Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously crispy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in 15 minutes – these nuggets cook up faster than you can set the table!
Healthier Option: Get all the crunch and flavor of fried catfish with significantly less oil using the air fryer method.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these bite-sized nuggets – they’re the perfect gateway to enjoying seafood.
Budget-Friendly: Catfish is one of the more economical seafood options, making this a wallet-friendly dinner choice.
Foolproof: The double-dredging technique guarantees a crispy coating that actually stays on the fish – no more coating falling off during cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Catfish: The star of the show, providing a mild, slightly sweet flavor that takes on seasonings beautifully. Make sure to cut into even 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and helps the coating adhere perfectly to the fish. The slight tanginess adds depth of flavor.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent that ensures your coating stays put during cooking.
Cornmeal: The secret to that authentic Southern crunch! Provides a coarser texture than flour alone for maximum crispiness.
All-purpose flour: Works with the cornmeal to create the perfect coating texture – not too heavy, not too light.
Cajun seasoning: Brings the heat and flavor with its blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices. The backbone of the dish’s flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors – add to taste depending on how salty your Cajun seasoning already is.
Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Dial the heat up by adding hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or cayenne pepper to the coating. For milder nuggets, reduce the Cajun seasoning or substitute with Old Bay for a different flavor profile.

Coating Alternatives

Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of (or mixed with) cornmeal for an extra crispy texture. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Flavor Twists

Add lemon zest or dried herbs like dill or parsley to the coating mixture. For a cheesy version, mix in some grated parmesan with the dry ingredients.

Different Fish

This recipe works beautifully with other firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or pollock if catfish isn’t available.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare Your Stations

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Set up your dredging assembly line: one shallow bowl with the buttermilk and egg whisked together, and a second bowl with cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Bread the Nuggets

Take each catfish piece through a three-step process: first coat in the dry cornmeal mixture, then dip in the egg mixture (allowing excess to drip off), and finally coat again in the cornmeal mixture. The double coating is crucial for developing that perfect crunch!

Step 3: Arrange and Spray

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded nuggets in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Spray the tops lightly with more olive oil for that golden finish.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry for 5 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The nuggets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Work in batches as needed, depending on your air fryer size.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat Fish Dry: Before breading, pat the catfish pieces completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Let the Coating Set: After breading the nuggets, let them sit for 5 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Oil Spray is Essential: Don’t skip spraying both the basket and the tops of the nuggets. This small amount of oil is what transforms the coating from dry to crispy.
Check Early: Air fryer temperatures can vary, so check one nugget at the 4-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Don’t Flip Too Early: Wait until the coating has set before flipping to prevent it from sticking to the basket.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces

These nuggets pair perfectly with homemade tartar sauce, remoulade, spicy mayo, or even a simple lemon aioli. For a Southern twist, try serving with comeback sauce or honey mustard.

Side Dishes

Complete your meal with coleslaw, hush puppies, or a side of air fryer sweet potato fries. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Create a fun fish taco bar with these nuggets as the protein option. Or serve on slider buns with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce for mini fish sandwiches that kids and adults will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating won’t stay quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Freezing

These nuggets freeze beautifully! Arrange cooked, cooled nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat refrigerated or frozen nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before breading. Frozen catfish often releases more moisture during cooking, which can make the coating less crispy. I recommend fresh catfish for the best results, but properly thawed fish will work in a pinch.
Why didn’t my coating stick to the fish?

This usually happens when the fish is too wet or the air fryer isn’t preheated. Make sure to pat the catfish completely dry before starting the breading process, and don’t skip the egg mixture step, which acts as the “glue” for your coating. Also, letting the breaded nuggets rest for 5 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Absolutely! Make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/3 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk, or even just regular milk with a splash of lemon juice added directly to it.
Can I make these nuggets without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them in a 400°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also shallow fry them in about 1/4 inch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer method uses less oil and creates less mess, but these alternatives work well too.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets bring restaurant-quality crunch right to your kitchen table with minimal effort. They prove that healthy cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The best part? You control the ingredients, making them fresher and healthier than any drive-through alternative. Give them a try tonight – your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!