What temperature to air fry catfish for a crispy finish?

or a crisp, golden crust and tender interior, the best temperature for a catfish air fryer recipe is four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps the cornmeal crust become crunchy while keeping the inside moist. If your fillets are particularly thin or your air fryer tends to run hot, you can reduce the temperature slightly to around three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Just remember to shorten the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

How long should you air fry fish at 375°F?

If you're air frying catfish at three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll generally need between twelve and fourteen minutes of cook time. More delicate or thinner fillets will finish a little earlier, while thicker pieces benefit from the full cooking range. To ensure an even golden coating on both sides, it’s essential to flip each fillet at the halfway mark. This keeps the texture light and crispy, without drying out the breading.

What temperature do you reheat a catfish air fryer recipe?

To reheat a catfish air fryer recipe while preserving its crunch, set your air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit . Let the fillets warm through for about three to five minutes . This quick reheat brings the exterior back to its crispy state while gently heating the inside. Avoid microwaving—while faster, it leaves the coating soggy and the fish chewy. Using your air fryer makes leftovers taste like they were just made.

How can you tell when a catfish air fryer recipe is done cooking?

You’ll know your catfish air fryer recipe is ready when the fish flakes apart effortlessly with a fork and the inside turns a solid, opaque white. There shouldn’t be any shiny or translucent areas. If you prefer precision, check the internal temperature with a food-safe thermometer—it should read at least one hundred forty-five degrees Fahrenheit . A final, subtle cue is the aroma: when the coating smells nutty and toasted, your catfish is done.

The Ultimate Catfish Air Fryer Recipe For Crispy, Healthy Dinners - Catfish Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy, Quick Southern-Style Dinner

Description

This catfish air fryer recipe delivers classic Southern crunch without the grease. Crispy, golden, and flaky—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthier twist on comfort food. Made with simple ingredients, ready in minutes, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

Scale

- 2 to 4 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil mist

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Instructions

Soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and reduce fishy flavor.
In a wide bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove each fillet from the buttermilk and coat evenly in the dry mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray or oil mist.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Place fillets in the basket, leaving space between them.
Air fry for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness, flipping once halfway through.
Check for doneness—fish should flake easily and have a white, opaque interior.

Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, banana chips, or seasoned chickpeas.

Notes

If your fillets are thin or your air fryer runs hot, reduce temp to 375°F and cook 1–2 minutes less.
Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer for best crispiness.
USDA recommends an internal temp of 145°F for fish.
Works great with frozen catfish—just thaw before soaking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 catfish fillet
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg