Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are the perfect bite-sized treat! These seasoned nuggets are easy to make and packed with that classic Southern taste. Perfect for game day, dinner, or a quick snack everyone will love!
Why Make Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
- Packed with Flavor: Classic Southern seasoning ensures every bite is bursting with that irresistible, authentic taste.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of fried catfish with less oil and fewer calories.
- Easy and Convenient: The air fryer makes these nuggets quick to cook and hassle-free, perfect for busy days.
Catfish Nuggets Ingredients
- Catfish Fillets: Tender and flaky fish, perfect for creating crispy air fryer catfish nuggets.
- Flour: Helps create a light and crispy coating for the air fryer catfish nuggets.
- Fine Cornmeal: Adds texture and a subtle crunch to the breading.
- Seafood Seasoning: Enhances the flavor of the fish with a savory, aromatic blend.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a robust, garlicky depth to the coating.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the fish and helps the coating adhere evenly.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the coating in place.
Garlic Bay Aioli Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the flavorful aioli.
- Minced Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Seafood Seasoning: Brings a savory, spiced touch to complement the air fryer catfish nuggets.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy brightness to balance the aioli’s richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
Variations
- Panko-Crusted Catfish Nuggets: Replace half the cornmeal with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Swap Buttermilk: Substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Spicy Cajun Catfish Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper and paprika to the cornmeal mixture for a bold, spicy flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Step One: Let the fillets dry to touch, and then chop into 1” - 2” nugget pieces. In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk with the whisked egg. Add the nuggets to the milk wash and make sure the fish is fully coated. Combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning in a large gallon storage bag, and shake it well.
Step Two: Add the nuggets to the flour cornmeal mixture, and shake the nuggets until they are fully coated. Fully spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the nuggets. Coat the nuggets in oil and cook in the air fryer at 370ºf for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Mix the ingredients for the aioli and serve with your favorite fried potato.
Tips And Tricks
- Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Ensuring the catfish is dry before coating helps the breading adhere better.
- Cut Uniform Nugget Sizes: Similar-sized pieces cook evenly in the air fryer, avoiding undercooked or overcooked spots.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between nuggets for even air circulation and crispiness.
How To Store Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
- Refrigeration: Allow the nuggets to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating (Refrigerated): Warm the nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Reheating (Frozen): Reheat frozen nuggets directly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
- Coleslaw: A creamy and tangy side that balances the crispy, savory air fryer catfish nuggets.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Adds a sweet and crispy complement to the savory fish.
- Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread offers a hearty, comforting addition.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickles cuts through the richness of the air fryer catfish nuggets.
- Oven Baked Mac and Cheese: A cheesy, gooey side dish that complements the crunch of the catfish nuggets.
- Tartar Sauce: A classic seafood dip that enhances the flavor of the air fryer catfish nuggets.
FAQ'S
What Is The Best Type Of Catfish For Nuggets?
Farm-raised catfish fillets are tender, mild, and ideal for making nuggets.
Can I Use Frozen Catfish For This Recipe?
Yes, thaw the catfish fillets completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe.
How Do I Keep The Nuggets Crispy After Air Frying?
Place them on a wire rack to cool instead of a plate to prevent them from steaming.
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Crispy, golden Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are a quick and easy seafood delight! Perfectly seasoned bites with a zesty homemade aioli—your family will love them!
Ingredients
Catfish Nuggets Ingredients
- 1 lb. Catfish Fillets
- ½ Cup Flour
- ½ Cup Fine Cornmeal
- 2 tsp. Seafood Seasoning Old Bay or The Like
- 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 1 Egg
Garlic Bay Aioli Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp. Seafood Seasoning Old Bay or The Like
- 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ¼ tsp. Pepper
Instructions
- Let the fillets dry to touch, and then chop into 1” - 2” nugget pieces. In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk with the whisked egg. Add the nuggets to the milk wash and make sure the fish is fully coated. Combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning in a large gallon storage bag, and shake it well.
- Add the nuggets to the flour cornmeal mixture, and shake the nuggets until they are fully coated. Fully spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the nuggets. Coat the nuggets in oil and cook in the air fryer at 370ºf for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Mix the ingredients for the aioli and serve with your favorite fried potato.
Notes
Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Ensuring the catfish is dry before coating helps the breading adhere better.
Cut Uniform Nugget Sizes: Similar-sized pieces cook evenly in the air fryer, avoiding undercooked or overcooked spots.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between nuggets for even air circulation and crispiness.
Nutrition
Calories: 688kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 27gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 27gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 631mgPotassium: 633mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg
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This is a simple and fast way to cook catfish. It tastes so good and is a family favorite in my home.