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Air Fried Southern Catfish Recipe

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Crispy and flavorful Air Fried Southern Catfish fillets coated in a zesty seasoned cornmeal, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier take on a classic Southern favorite. Served best with fries, tartar sauce, and coleslaw for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Fish

  • 2 pounds (4 or 745 grams) catfish fillets, rinsed and dried thoroughly

Milk-Egg Bath

  • 1/3 cup (78 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested

Seasoned Cornmeal Coating

  • 1 cup (170 grams) cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) seafood seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Additional

  • Canola spray oil for greasing and spraying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Milk-Egg Bath: In a shallow dish, whisk together the whole milk, egg, and juice of the lemon until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Seasoned Cornmeal: In another wide, shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, seafood seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Grate the reserved lemon zest into the cornmeal mixture using a microplane or zester. Toss thoroughly to break up the zest evenly.
  3. Preheat and Grease Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer on the 'Air Fry' setting to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket tray with an even coating of canola spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Bread the Catfish: Set up a breading station with the catfish fillets, milk-egg bath, seasoned cornmeal, and greased tray. Dip each fillet on both sides into the milk-egg bath, allowing excess to drip off. Then press both sides into the seasoned cornmeal mixture ensuring the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess cornmeal.
  5. Arrange for Air Frying: Place two breaded fillets at a time on the greased air fryer tray to allow proper air circulation. Lightly spray the coated fillets with canola oil to help browning and crispiness.
  6. Air Fry the Catfish: Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes until the outside is crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Use a thin, wide spatula to carefully remove the fillets and keep warm in the oven while finishing the remaining fillets in batches.
  7. Serve: Serve the air fried Southern catfish with french fries, homemade tartar sauce, creamy coleslaw, lemon wedges for squeezing, and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the catfish fillets are patted dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use a wide spatula to flip or remove fish gently to prevent breaking the fillets.
  • Canola oil spray helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/air-fried-southern-catfish-recipe/