5.0 from 6 votes
Air Fryer Catfish
This Air Fryer Catfish is crispy, golden, and packed with bold Cajun flavor—without the deep fryer! Made with simple ingredients like yellow cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, and butter, it comes together in under 20 minutes. The air fryer gives it that irresistible crunch while keeping the inside moist and flaky. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels like a Southern-style treat.
Prep Time
8 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
26 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 370 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the fish and rub it evenly on all sides.
- Season & Coat. In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing it on gently to make sure the coating sticks.
- Air Fry. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil. Arrange the catfish in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with more oil.
- Cook & Flip. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway. Then flip one more time and air fry for an additional 3–4 minutes until the fish is crispy, golden, and cooked through (internal temp should reach 145°F).
- Serve. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Pat the fish dry for better browning.
- For extra flavor, soak fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Pat the fish dry for better browning.
- For extra flavor, soak fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating.
Nutrition Information
Calories
370kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
114mg
(38%)
Sodium
367mg
(15%)
Potassium
782mg
(22%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
1123IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
33mg
(3%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 370kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 367mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 782mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1123IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.