Air Fryer Catfish No Cornmeal

Cooking fish this way is amazing. Any type is great but air fryer catfish is inexpensive, healthy and gives it the perfect texture inside and out. Jut one of many easy air fryer recipes made for dinner at our house often.

How Long to Cook Catfish in Air Fryer

I have made A LOT of different air fryer fish recipes, this is one of the last to try. Once again it was a huge win at dinnertime. It is a dinner that is prepped and done in about 15 minutes which is way faster than baking in the oven and healthy compared to deep frying it in oil.

If you grew up in the South this is going to be a favorite out of the sea. I lived in Arkansas for several years and this was served most often. Many times it would be spicy with red pepper flakes but you can adjust the heat yourself when making it at home.

Ninja Foodi Catfish

Air Fryer Catfish Frozen

You can of course cook frozen fish in air fryer this same way but without the breading at all. It won’t stick and that is fine really, it will still be delicious. Instead just spray with olive oil and add seasonings of your choice. Use the same timing as listed below. The only way to get it both ways is to cook air fryer fish sticks right out of the package, this is homemade

Really most white fish can be cooked this same way. I made air fryer tilapia similarly. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking but there are simple suggestions below too.

Ingredient Notes

You are going to want to start out with 2-3 defrosted catfish fillets usually fit at one time. Take into account the size of your basket when choosing these. They should lay flat ideally and not overlap. In a single layer is ideal for the best texture. Air fryer fish nuggets can be made too in a lot less time.

Adding your large Egg is best at room temperature. I highly suggest organic free range for the richness and flavor.

We are going to use seasoned Breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs for a light coating that will become crispy and add lots of flavor. No cornmeal this time, I think that is grainier and recommend Italian style instead.

You will want to also add some All purpose flour for a crisp coating. I haven’t tested this with other flours but think it wouldn’t matter which you used.

Parmesan cheese is optional but great to add a lot of flavor to the outside.

For seasonings you can just use salt and pepper or if you wanted to go easy peasy you could buy and use this ready made Southern style fish fry mix

What is the best oil to cook catfish?

Well in this case you aren’t cooking the fish IN anything. You actually don’t need any at all unless you want the outside really crispy. If so just spray some vegetable oil on the top 1 minute before the end of the cook cycle.

At the end a squeeze of lemon and/or tartar sauce are usually served with it. We love serving this with some air fryer hush puppies

How to Cook Air Fryer Catfish No Cornmeal

Rinse your fish and lay on a few paper towels, fold over to remove any moisture from outside of fillets. Whisk your egg, in another add breadcrumbs. Dip each piece into the egg, then breadcrumbs mixture.

Spray basket and lay coated fillets inside in a single layer without overlapping them.
Cook, flipping halfway thru for the ideal golden brown result and crispy crunchy texture. Remove when fork tender in thickest part of fillet and internal temp is 145 F. Plate and squeeze lemon on top and serve with tartar sauce.

There is just a light coating on this creation. I don’t think either need a lot, just enough to give it crunch and more flavor. Let us know if you add a different coating you love. Serve with air fryer vegetables or beets and enjoy.

Whole Catfish in Air Fryer

This is for fillets without bones but if you wanted to cook Air Fryer Whole Fish and it was small it would take about 16 minutes (up to 25 minutes for large). You’d put it in at 390 F and flip halfway through. After the total cook time, slice open and check.

Of course you can add any additional seasonings you like. Garlic salt and/or onion powder is a great add in as well.

How do you know when catfish is done?

For me this is big! Do not overcook your fish, no matter what kind it is. I would rather have mine right at 145 F than turning grey and dry. Start at the shortest time first. 10 minutes flipping halfway works well for thin pcs.

If you have really thick pieces than it may take closer to 15-20 minutes. Typically you can tell on the outside if it’s getting there. Then use a fork to cut in half and if it is no longer opaque and flakes with your fork you’re set.

Other easy fish recipes you’ll love

Just 1-2 minutes before the end of the cook time spray some vegetable or olive oil spray on the top of your fish fillets. Then it will give them more of a deep frying crust you’re looking for. Serve it as is with side dishes or insideair fryer fish tacos!!

Looking for other air fryer fish recipes? We have a bunch of different ways to make air fryer fried shrimp, air fryer mahi mahiand even air fryer scallopsyou’ll love.

Yes! From air fryer salmon, to grouper, cod and more each one comes out flaky and delicious. Lightly breaded or plain it will keep it moist while giving the outside a bit of crispiness.