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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipes

Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe

These Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipes are crispy, golden, and full of flavor, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried catfish. Perfect for family dinners, appetizers, or game-day snacks. Author: Use Default (Don’t show) Servings: 4 people Estimated Cost: $5 Times Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Resting Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 32 minutes Categories Courses: Main Dish, Appetizer Cuisines: Southern, American Keywords: Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipes, Catfish Nuggets, Healthy Fried Catfish
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb catfish fillets cut into nugget-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • Optional: lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Whisk or fork
  • Plate or tray

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip each catfish piece into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour-cornmeal mixture.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
  6. Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
  7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let nuggets rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce if desired.
  9. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
  10. Calories: 280 kcal
  11. Protein: 30 g
  12. Carbohydrates: 12 g
  13. Fat: 12 g
  14. Fiber: 1 g
  15. Sodium: 450 mg

Notes

Pat fish dry to help the coating stick.
Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Adjust spices to your taste for mild or spicy nuggets.