Catfish Nuggets Recipe
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.
Servings 5 servings
Calories 315kcal
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
Serving: 6oz | Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 5g