This was the first recipe I ever made when I got my first air fryer back in 2016. With 1.5 million page views since then, this recipe quickly became a fan favorite. I grew up watching my great-grandmother fry catfish the old-school way, and let me tell you—it was always seasoned right and cooked with love. This air fryer version brings all that Southern flavor, but with just 3 ingredients, no hot grease, and still that crispy, golden coating we all love.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Air Fryer Fried Catfish is another hit for me with the Air Fryer. I had been dying to try out frying catfish in my Air Fryer. This weekend I had a reason to test it out. It is Labor Day Weekend and one of my close friends is in town for a visit.
Summer holiday weekends usually involve COOKOUTS! My friend is a pescatarian. She only eats seafood and does not eat any other meat. Unfortunately for my friend, cookouts are usually filled with grilled chicken, beef, and pork.
There wasn't going to be any grilled seafood at the cookout we were planning to attend. Being the good friend I am, I decided to whip up some fried catfish that we could bring to the cookout with us for her to eat.
I was amazed at the results of the Air Fryer! This fish turned out very crispy with an amazing crunch. Using the Air Fryer instead of deep-frying saves almost 400 calories and 45 grams of fat per serving.
I also love that there is no stinky house after making these! I rarely fry foods in my home, and certainly not fish because the deep-fried smell lingers for DAYS! Thank you, Air Fryer!
I used trial and error to determine the cooking time. The fillets I prepared were very long. Because of the length, I opted to cook each fillet one at a time. Use your discretion here and do what works best for you.
Table of Contents
Fried Catfish Tips & FAQs
I cooked the filets at 400 degrees for about 22 minutes total. Time will likely vary based on the Air Fryer brand you use and how crunchy you prefer your fish. At 10 minutes I flipped the fish. I then allowed them to cook for 10 more minutes, flipped them one last time, and cooked for 2 minutes.
Cooking time will likely vary based on the Air Fryer brand you use and how crunchy you prefer your fish.
Use your judgment on if you will need more or less fish fry seasoning noted in the recipe ingredients. The amount you will need will vary based on the size of your fillets. Each fillet should be fully coated with seasoning, but not overly coated.
If you prefer catfish nuggets those should work just fine, too! Simply add the breading to the catfish nuggets.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place the seasoned catfish on a lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased baking dish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness. They’re done when the fish flakes easily
Broil for 1-2 minutes for crispy fish.
In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom (about ¼ inch deep).
Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees.
Carefully place the breaded fillets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry each side for about 3–4 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the fried catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
The oven or air fryer reheat best for crispy fish. If using the oven, bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy. If using the air fryer, air fry at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes until crisp.
You can also use a skillet drizzled with oil. Fry the catfish on each side for about 2–3 minutes, just enough to heat through and re-crisp the outside.
If you use a microwave, it will soften the fish.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
What I love most about the air fryer is that I get to incorporate all of the foods I left behind, back into my lifestyle. We ate fried catfish and spaghetti pretty often growing up. For some of you this may sound like an interesting combination! Over the years I have learned this may be a Midwest dinner choice!
I have missed it so much! Thank goodness for the air fryer!
If you are looking for more Air Fryer Catfish check out 17 Air Fryer Recipes You Have to Try or my Air Fryer Salmon and Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipes.
If you are looking for more information on southern-style Air Fryer Catfish, check out 17 Air Fryer Recipes You Have to Try.
More like this Air Fryer Catfish Recipe:
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Southern Style Pork Chops
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Air Fryer Scallops
More Recipes You Will Love
Air Fried Catfish Fillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- ¼ cup fish fry breading
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the catfish dry.
- Sprinkle the fish fry onto both sides of each fillet. Ensure the entire filet is coated with seasoning.
- Spritz olive oil on the top of each filet.
- Place the filet in the Air Fryer basket. Do not stack the fish and do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed. Close and cook for 10 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the fish. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Open and flip the fish.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until desired crispness.
- Top with optional parsley.
Notes
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
More Air Fryer Recipes:
Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Homemade Pop Tarts
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Po Boy
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls
Andrea says
We have a private pond we fish at with catfish and in always looking for new recipes. The air fryers have really caught my attention. I think I need to pick one up, this has settled it for me.
linda says
@Andrea, I was hesitant to buy an Airfryer. I honestly did not think I would ever use it. My husband bought me one on a friend's recommendation. I absolutely love it. Everything I have cooked in it has been scrumptious. Going to try the fish tonight.
Rae says
I've never eaten catfish before, is that crazy? This version looks incredibly crispy and moist, I just might have to try it!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
I always wanted to try an air-fryer dinner recipe! I'll be putting it on my Christmas list this year and can't wait to try this!
Anonymous says
@Jessica (Swanky Recipes), I love catfish, It is a mild fish and not fishy at all. Delicious. I am going to try air fryer tonight cannot wait.
Cole Nemeth says
I've been dying to get an Air Fryer! I love fried foods, but obviously understand that it's unhealthy, so this is a great alternative! I wonder how it would work with Tofu.
Anonymous says
@Cole Nemeth, Have you tried it with tofu is it any good
Jen Temcio says
I love to eat fish for protein but my husband throws a fit about the smell. I didn't know that no smell was one of the perks of an air fryer! Thanks for a healthy solution.
Zoran Stankovic says
This is a great alternative !I wonder how it would work with Tofu.
Patti says
@Zoran Stankovic,
Emily says
This looks so good! I really need to start making fish for dinner more often, my kids would love this!
Angela Tolsma says
I have never heard of an air fryer. Sounds much healthier than an oil based one. These look so good, though I have also never had catfish, I do love fish and would try these!
ExploreBeautyXO says
This fried catfish recipe looks really good. The pictures are making me so hungry!
Rebecca Bryant says
I need this. Not only do I want an instant pot but I have been dreaming of an Air fryer for a year now. totally want one and totally want to eat this fish.
Dawn Nieves says
I love fish but have never tried catfish! And I have no idea why. This looks so yummy, I just have to try it now. My husband loves it so it's even more of a reason to make this!
Anonymous says
@Dawn Nieves, Catfish is delicious. Not fishy very mild white fish. Cannot eat enough. Going to try in air fryer tonight. I like it fried or even baked with lemon pepper. Give it a try.
Alecia says
I'm honestly afraid to fry things at home. My friend has started more than one fire doing it! An air fryer sounds like a great compromise though
Tiffany Millican says
Instead of catfish I used red snapper?? Came out great .
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Michael @ Super Millennial says
Never had catfish but these look really good! Will have to get out of my comfort zone and try them soon!
Carol Cassara says
I really need to get myself an air fryer! It's going to do so much good especially since you're no longer using oil to fry! I am loving this recipe too.
Delbert (Skip) Davis says
Thank you for expanding my ways to prepare my favorite fish. I live in Mississippi and fish a stocked farm pond. Catfish is on the menu at least once or twice a week. My air fryer and instant pot are used daily. Today is fishing day and so this method will be used in a few hours.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I hope you enjoy it!
nefeli says
Nice recipe. Looks yummy I have not eaten catfish before. Seems tasteful
Gayathri says
I am on the lookout for an airfryer. Your blog seem to have many of the recipes and you make my resolve to buy one stronger.
Candy Rachelle says
I've never heard of air-fried anything. This is something I really should look into because, even though I fry (which is seldom) in olive oil, this is probably better for us!
Thena says
Looks so good and so much more healthier than the deep frying option. Great post!
Margarette Puno says
Wow! This fried catfish looks so delicious! I cant wait to try this. I love fish.
Lacey Douthat says
My in-laws would absolutely love this recipe! Passing this on!
xx,
Lacey
Linda says
This was my first meal I tried in my new Chefman air fryer, I was a little nervous and apprehensive but oh my gosh it came out perfect. I should have taken a picture. I live in Fl so grouper is our fish favorite and trying to stay away from the fry daddy so very excited. My fryer was also not large enough for a lb of fish so I did half, the other half then stacked all for just long enough to warm. A definite do it again recipe !
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad it came out perfectly!
Marketa says
Will Pam’s Olive oil spray work as well?
staysnatched says
It sure will!
Gelone B says
After the first piece it came out perfect! For some reason the first piece stuck to the pan and broke when flipped. It was delicious however!
staysnatched says
Flipping can be tricky, especially with large fish. I'm glad you liked it. I hope you try more of my recipes!
Carolyn says
I just tried out my new air fryer with this recipe, it was delicious and so incredibly easy! Thanks for the recipe. I definitely will have it again.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I am glad you liked it. It's such an easy recipe!
Kristen says
Hi! I'm making this today. I was wondering if your catfish was fresh or frozen? Thanks in advance!
staysnatched says
Hi there! I used fresh.
DB says
hi---in your recipe you stated you cooked each filet separately. If you had four filets, did that total 88 minutes of cooking time? If so, how do you keep the other filets warm with out drying them out?
this seems like a lengthy method to cook dinner!
Thanks
staysnatched says
I cooked all of them separately to ensure none of the filets lost their breading. They were really large filets, yours may not be as big as mine, and may not require this. You can cook more than one at a time, but it wasn't what I chose to do. I didn't do anything to keep the others warm. They reheated fine and weren't dry. As a food blogger, I often have to reheat my food because I also spend time taking photos of it before I eat it. 🙂
DB says
thanks---I'm surprised the first one wasn't cold by the time you cooked the last one---when you say they reheated fine, does that mean you briefly cooked the first ones before you served, or do you mean reheating the next day?
staysnatched says
I ate them the same day, within the next hour. I did not re-cook them using the Air Fryer. When I eat something from the Air Fryer the next day, then I use the Air Fryer again.
CollieloverWV says
Why do you have to flip the fish. Don't have an airfryer but thought it would "fry" top and bottom.
staysnatched says
Personal preference. It cooks better in my opinion. I do it with chicken as well.
Peggy Summitt says
Tried this tonight and it was wonderful! Husband said no need to go to the Catfish Restaurant anymore! High praise from a man who values his catfish! Thanks!
staysnatched says
That's wonderful to hear! I'm glad he enjoyed it! I hope you try more of my recipes.
Ginner says
I tried your fish recipe today and it turned out great. I just got an airfryer and catfish was first thing I cooked. Fryers do vary. I have one that comes with shallow wire baskets and was able to cook enough fish for 3 in the baskets. Halfway through I rotate the baskets in the fryer and it cooked evenly and browned. This is so much healthier!
staysnatched says
Thanks for trying the recipe! I hope you try more from the site.
Farrah says
The catfish looks like tilapia fillet. But will try this recipe.
staysnatched says
It's not. I eat and prepare catfish often. They are large fillets. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Vette says
Can I rub the olive oil on there opposed to spray? Mine doesn’t have a sprayer.
staysnatched says
You want the olive oil to cover the breading of the fish. If you can rub it while keeping the breading intact, that will work.
Tammie says
Bought a new air dryer and was eager to cook some “fried” fish. Normally I search the web and use the receipe with the most positive comments which in the case of frying fish in an air fryer which was somewhere around 15 or so reviews. Well after reading that review o decided it want quite what I was looking for so I continued my search, and WoW. This receipt is perfect. You will need to tweak the seasoning and cook times but overall this is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you so much for sharing!
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you try more of my air fryer recipes!
Kisha says
I did this with catfish nuggets and it was so good and so easy and my entire house didn't smell like fish. The air fryer is amazing.
staysnatched says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed them.
Lizzie says
I have never commented on anything before... but I just had to. This was fantastic... never had I thought I could cook catfish let alone in my air fryer.... I could have eaten all of it... seriously!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's a favorite in our home.
Jonni says
Would this recipe work for ocean perch as well?
staysnatched says
I have not tried that type of fish. Do you normally bread it? If so, it should work fine.
Heather M. Whipple says
I like catfish a lot.
Do you have a do it yourself fish fry mix recipe?
I do not trust store bought fish fry mixes.
Please let me know by e-mailing me at
midnight0675@frontier.com
Naomie says
Hi Brandi, Literally just found this recepe online and ran to the market to grab the ingredients. Hope it comes out good
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy it!
Elina says
Kids loved it. very good and easy recipe, i tried it last night
staysnatched says
Awesome! So glad to hear even the kids loved it!
Barbara Kountzman says
I fixed tonight in my air fryer. It was delicious. Cooked three filets at 400 degrees ten minutes on each side. I used avacodo oil spray. Did not get the dark crispy look, but was crispy and flacky nonetheless. Serverwithmcornbread and a mushroom risotto. Five stars.
staysnatched says
Yum! I loved what you paired it with!
Mari$$a says
Got my air fryer last night and I’m headed to the store to make your recipe. If I can’t find a sprayer for oil, can you recommend what else to do, or do I have to spray with oil?
staysnatched says
You will need oil to use an air fryer. You can try drizzling it, which may be difficult to do with catfish.
Anonymous says
Wow this blog is very nice
Shae says
I wish I could give you 10 stars!!! This came out perfect! I'm from Columbia, MO and like you, I grew up eating fish and spaghetti. I didn't have time to make spaghetti, so I settled for mac and cheese. The fish came out crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. I didn't have olive oil, so I used non stick vegetable spray. I also used Zatarain's fish-fry along with a few household seasonings. This has definitely became my favorite fish recipe! Thanks for sharing! I'll try uploading my photos ?
staysnatched says
haha! Thank you! So glad to hear you like it with spaghetti too!
Adidas says
I tried you recipe using the Cajun Louisiana omg Brandi it was awesome.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Jordan says
The grocery store was out of fillets. I used catfish nuggets instead but turned out great. I wouldn’t change anything about this recipe. It was nice and crispy on both sides. I had it with spaghetti and a salad. So delish.
staysnatched says
Yum! I love that you had it with spaghetti.
Eunice says
Great recipe and it reheats well using the air fryer.
staysnatched says
That's what I love most about the air fryer!
Lisa says
I love that you referenced catfish and spaghetti! I'm from Saint Louis and this is a must have meal. I'm making your catfish recipe tonight. Can't Wait!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Lenda says
Someone need to change the cooking time it say cook for an hour ..
Buff says
What’s the paper on the bottom of your air fryer?
staysnatched says
Air fryer parchment. I provide a link to it in the recipe card.
Jimmy says
In a world where cooking evolves, kitchen appliances shall evolve as well.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy the air fryer fish!
R Hump says
Made this for dinner tonight. Used Vigo Cilantro Lime Pablo breading. I had two large fillets. It was delicious! No leftovers. I will do it again for sure. My picky eaters lived it. Thanks for the recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I love to impress a picky eater!
shirley says
@staysnatched,