Catfish nuggets are one of those meals I grew up on, simple, crispy, and always seasoned right. When they’re done right, you’ve got that golden crunch on the outside and tender, flaky fish on the inside. No soggy coating, no fishy taste, just good Southern food. I’ve been sharing Southern recipes for 10 years, and I don’t play about fried fish. Living in a place like Kansas City where BBQ is king, you learn real quick that flavor matters, and this recipe delivers every time.
Catfish Nuggets Ingredients
- Catfish Nuggets
- Buttermilk
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper
Why You Will Love the Breading
I love to use my Homemade Fish Fry Breading recipe. It's a mixture of ingredients used to coat fish before frying, giving it a crispy and flavorful crust. Feel free to use a store-bought breading if you wish.
How to Make Catfish Nuggets
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Drizzle the catfish with the buttermilk and ensure the fish is fully coated.
- Combine the cornmeal, flour, and spices and coat each piece of fish in the fish fry breading.
- Bake or air fry.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Catfish Nuggets Recipe
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½-2 pounds catfish nuggets
- ½ cup buttermilk
Homemade Fish Fry Breading (Alternatively, you can use a store bought fish fry breading)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for a spicy kick. I like it spicy and add a full teaspoon.
- cooking oil I used olive oil. I used olive oil.
Instructions
- Drizzle the catfish with the buttermilk and ensure the fish is fully coated.
- Combine the cornmeal, flour, and spices to create a breading. Coat each piece of buttermilk drenched fish in the fish fry breading.
Oven Baked Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the breaded catfish on the parchment paper. Spritz the catfish with cooking oil.
- If you see white areas in the breading, spritz them with oil to ensure the breading adheres.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until the flesh easily flakes apart and is no longer raw or translucent in the center, it is likely cooked through.
- Cool before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the breaded catfish in the air fryer basket. Spritz the catfish with cooking oil.
- If you see white areas in the breading, spritz them with oil to ensure the breading adheres.
- Air fry for 8-13 minutes at 400 degrees or until the flesh easily flakes apart and is no longer raw or translucent in the center, it is likely cooked through.
- Flip halfway through. It's important to note that buttermilk will produce really tender fish. Avoid handling the fish with metal tongs. Be gentle when flipping the fish and handling it. I use a spatula. You will lose breading if you are too rough.
- Cool before serving. Allow the fish to cool before removing it from the air fryer basket. You will risk losing the breading if you don't allow the fish to properly cool.
Notes
- The amount of fish breading you will need will vary based on how much fish you use and the size of your fish fillets.
- Ensure your nuggets are equally sized to prevent some nuggets from cooking faster than others.
- When making your own spice blend you should always make it to suit your taste. If it's your first time, cut the spices noted in the recipe in half. Taste the blend (you will have to do so before mixing it with flour), and then build and add more to suit your taste. You can always add additional spices in, but once you have added something, it's much harder to walk that back.
- You can use a store-bought fish fry breading if you wish.
- You can omit the buttermilk with no adjustment to cooking time.
- If you followed the steps above and still have issues with your breading adhering to the fish, allow the raw/breaded fish to rest prior to cooking. Place the breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet or plate and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the breading to set and adhere.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
They are small pieces of catfish meat that are typically cut into bite-sized chunks or strips. They are commonly used in recipes and dishes where smaller, more manageable pieces of catfish are desired. The nuggets are usually boneless and are often breaded or seasoned before cooking to add flavor and create a crispy or flavorful coating.
My grocery stores typically carry catfish nuggets that are already cut into shape. You can buy catfish and slice them into nuggets if you wish. You can slice them into 2-inch pieces, just be sure to keep them evenly sized so they cook at an even and consistent temperature.
Buttermilk works great for providing amazing breading in this recipe.
Tenderizing: Buttermilk works behind the scenes to break down the fish so it comes out tender, not tough
Flavor: It adds a light tang that makes the seasoning pop even more
Moisture: Helps keep the catfish juicy so you’re not biting into anything dry
Breading: This is what makes that coating actually stick, so you get a crispy crust that stays put, not falling off in the pan
The nuggets should turn opaque and become white or off-white in color when cooked. The flesh should no longer appear translucent or raw.
Gently insert a fork or a small knife into the thickest part of a nugget and twist it slightly. If the flesh easily flakes apart and is no longer raw or translucent in the center, it is likely cooked through. The texture should be tender and moist, but not mushy.
Use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of the catfish nuggets. The USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Yes! Simply omit the cornmeal and flour.
Yes, but I’m gonna keep it real, catfish nuggets are best fresh. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I avoid the microwave because you risk overcooking. Here are the best methods:
- Oven: Reheat at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and warm.
- Stovetop: Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the catfish nuggets in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.
You can freeze cooked nuggets tightly sealed for up to 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat following the directions above.
Recipe Variations and More Ways to Season Catfish
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper
- Smoky Chipotle
- Parmesan and Herb
- Old Bay Seasoning
What to Serve with Catfish Nuggets
- Fries or hot water cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Tartar sauce or Hot sauce
- Hushpuppies
- Baked beans
- Pickles and onions
- Side salad or cucumber salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Lemon wedges
- White rice or grits
- Remoulade sauce
- Toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles
- Tortillas for tacos
- Avocado
- Spicy mayo or dipping sauces
More Popular Recipes
Spaghetti and Sausage
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Potato Salad with Bacon
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Southern Macaroni Salad
Solan says
so good and crispy
staysnatched says
Just how I like em!