Name: Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Catfish; 0.333 cup Buttermilk; 1 Egg; 0.5 cup Cornmeal; 0.333 cup All-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper

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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Set your airfryer to 390F and let it preheat.

Slice the catfish into 1-inch pieces. Place on a plate and set aside.

Mix the buttermilk and egg in a shallow bowl. Set aside.

Mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in another shallow bowl until well combined.

Coat every catfish nugget in the cornmeal mixture, followed by the egg-milk mixture, and once more in the cornmeal mixture.

After breading all the catfish nuggets, proceed to add them to the preheated airfryer in multiple batches, depending on the size of your airfryer.

Bake the nuggets for 5 minutes, making sure to shake or flip them halfway through.

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Double-Dredge for Ultimate Crunch 🥣
After the initial buttermilk and flour coating, briefly re-dip each nugget in buttermilk, then coat again in the flour-cornmeal mixture for an extra-crispy, golden exterior that stays crunchy throughout serving.
Pat Catfish Completely Dry 💧
Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the catfish pieces before breading—excess moisture prevents proper coating adhesion and creates steam that compromises crunchiness in the air fryer.
Toast Cornmeal Before Mixing 🌽
Lightly toast the cornmeal in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing with flour and Cajun seasoning to deepen its nutty flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of your nuggets.
Optimize Air Fryer Spacing 🌬️
Arrange nuggets in a single layer without overlapping and leave space between each piece—this ensures maximum air circulation for uniform, golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
Let Breaded Nuggets Rest Before Cooking ⏱️
Refrigerate breaded nuggets for at least 30 minutes before air frying to allow the coating to set firmly, preventing it from separating during cooking and ensuring a superior final texture.