Air Fryer Catfish Strips
These Air Fryer Catfish Strips are crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection without the need for deep frying. Made with catfish fillets, cornmeal, almond flour, buttermilk, and Cajun seasoning, they offer a healthier take on a Southern classic in under 30 minutes.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Catfish Strips:
- 1 lb fresh catfish fillets cut into strips
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup almond flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for added spice
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or dairy-free alternative
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Homemade tartar sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Catfish Strips
- Begin by cutting the catfish fillets into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. This size ensures even cooking and a balanced ratio of crispy coating to tender fish.
- Using a paper towel, pat the fillets dry to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior, as excess moisture can cause the coating to become soggy.
Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up two shallow bowls for the breading process.
- In the first bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until fully combined. This mixture helps the breading adhere to the fish.
- In the second bowl, combine the cornmeal, almond flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the coating.
Coat the Catfish Strips
- One at a time, dip each catfish strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before transferring the strip to the cornmeal mixture.
- Gently roll the catfish strip in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all strips, placing them on a plate or baking sheet once coated.
- Pro Tip: Allow the breaded fish to rest for 5 minutes before air frying. This step helps the coating adhere more effectively and reduces the risk of it falling off during cooking.
Air Fry the Catfish
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the catfish strips in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Lightly spray the tops of the catfish strips with cooking oil for additional crispiness.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, then carefully flip the strips and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the catfish strips are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 1-2 minutes. This allows the coating to set and enhances the texture.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce for an authentic Southern-style experience.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when prepared with certified gluten-free cornmeal and almond flour. However, if substituting the almond flour with another alternative, ensure that it is also gluten-free. Additionally, always check the labels on buttermilk and seasonings to confirm there is no risk of cross-contamination.