Air Fryer 3 Ingredients Fried Catfish

If you’re a fan of fried fish but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, then this Air Fryer Fried Catfish recipe is sure to be a hit! The Air Fryer allows you to cook your fish to crispy perfection with far less oil than traditional frying, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite fish dish. Over Labor Day weekend, I decided to test this out, and it became an instant favorite. Not only does it deliver that perfect crunch, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or just craving a delicious seafood treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The best part about Air Fryer Fried Catfish is that it’s simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is quick to cook. There’s something about the crispy coating paired with the tender, flaky fish inside that makes every bite irresistible. I’ve been wanting to experiment with frying catfish in the Air Fryer for a while now, and I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have perfectly fried catfish in no time.

This dish is perfect for those looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for a group of friends or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Air Fryer Fried Catfish is the ideal choice. I had the chance to try this out when a close friend visited for Labor Day weekend, and it was an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for the Perfect Air Fried Catfish

• 4 fresh catfish fillets (ensure they are thawed if previously frozen)
• 1/4 cup of Louisiana Fish Fry Coating (for an extra flavor kick)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for that crispy finish)
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients keep the recipe simple yet flavorful. The Louisiana Fish Fry Coating adds a unique, bold flavor, and the olive oil ensures a crispy texture. While parsley is optional, it adds a touch of freshness to the final dish, balancing out the richness of the fried fish.

How to Make

1. Prep the Catfish Fillets: Begin by patting your catfish fillets dry using paper towels. This step is crucial because it removes any excess moisture, ensuring that the coating sticks properly and the fish crisps up in the Air Fryer. A dry fillet helps achieve that perfectly golden and crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
2. Coat the Fillets: Next, sprinkle the Louisiana Fish Fry Coating generously on both sides of the fillets. Make sure that the fillets are completely covered with the seasoning. The key here is to coat the fish thoroughly but not excessively. This seasoning is what gives the catfish its deliciously crispy exterior.
3. Apply Olive Oil: Lightly spritz or drizzle the olive oil over the top of the coated fillets. The oil helps the fish fry evenly and enhances the crispiness. It’s a small but important step that contributes to the overall texture of the finished dish.
4. Air Fry the Catfish: Now it’s time to cook! Place the fillets in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Be mindful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the fish from cooking evenly. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, it’s best to do this in batches. Set your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fillets for 10 minutes.
5. Flip and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, open the Air Fryer and flip the catfish fillets over. This ensures that both sides get evenly crispy and golden brown. Cook the fillets for another 10 minutes. If your fillets are thicker or thinner than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
6. Check for Crispiness: Once the second cooking phase is complete, check your catfish for crispiness. If you prefer an extra-crunchy coating, flip the fillets again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. This step is entirely based on personal preference—some like it extra crispy, while others prefer it just lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once your Air Fryer Fried Catfish is done, transfer the fillets to a plate. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for added color and flavor. The parsley is optional but adds a touch of freshness to balance out the fried texture.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fried Catfish

• If you’re cooking multiple fillets, work in batches. Overcrowding the Air Fryer basket can result in uneven cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred level of crispiness. A thicker fillet may require a couple more minutes of cooking time.
• Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends. While Louisiana Fish Fry Coating is a great choice, you can also use your favorite fish fry seasoning or a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Make sure to dry the fish thoroughly before coating it, as moisture can cause the coating to slide off during cooking.

Flavor Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize this Air Fryer Fried Catfish recipe. For a more zesty version, try adding lemon zest to the seasoning mix or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fillets once they’re done cooking. You can also swap out the parsley for other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to give it a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Fried Catfish

This Air Fryer Fried Catfish recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make a healthier, crispier version of fried fish without sacrificing flavor. The Air Fryer works wonders, creating a perfectly crispy crust that doesn’t require a lot of oil. Whether you’re serving it as part of a seafood feast or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this catfish recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of crispy coating and tender, flaky fish is absolutely irresistible.

Air Fryer 3 Ingredients Fried Catfish

Air Fryer Fried Catfish is a quick, simple, and low-calorie way to enjoy crispy fried fish without the need for deep frying. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 208 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/4 cup Louisiana Fish Fry Coating
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Coat each fillet with Louisiana Fish Fry Coating on both sides.
3. Lightly spritz olive oil on the top of each fillet.
4. Place the fillets in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. If desired, flip again and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.

Notes
Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on your Air Fryer model and personal preference for crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.