Air Fryer Catfish

Grab your Air Fryer and make this Crispy Air Fryer Fish ASAP. Covered in a crispy delicious crust, you can have guilt-free fried fish as often as you like. Whitefish is perfectly seasoned and comes out so flakey. Get that fried flavor with a lot less oil!

Summer fish fries are my favorite outings to attend. I’m talking that catfish, whiting, perch, yummy! I have those days that I want that amazing fish at home BUT I don’t want to deal with frying in oil.

Now thanks to my air fryer, the one I bought on a whim during my pregnancy, I can make delicious golden fried fish filets whenever I want without all the grease.

Simple to prep and cook, the floured and seasoned white fish comes out so perfectly flavorful and the crust is addictively crispy.

What’s the best fish to use?
I use whiting fish in this recipe however this method will work for any other white fish. If making a fried catfish version, follow my method for soaking in milk first.

Can you make this recipe with frozen fish?
I’d suggest using fresh fish fillets for this recipe or good quality frozen fillets. If using frozen, make sure that they are fully thawed before seasoning them, and pat them with a paper towel to remove excess water.

Is it healthier?
Fish is a great high protein and low-fat food, and it’s recommended that you eat two portions a week as part of a well-balanced lifestyle. Because this fried fish is cooked in the air fryer, you only need a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying and it comes out way crispier than oven baking. It’s the best of both worlds!

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What do you serve it with?
This crispy air fryer fish is perfect to serve for an easy weeknight family dinner with potato and veggie sides, and of course some hot sauce, remoulade sauce, and tartar sauce! Serve it up with some of these favorites:

  • Air Fryer Potato Wedges
  • Vinegar Coleslaw
  • Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
  • Air Fryer French Fries

About Time 

  • Prep Time 10 minutes
  •  Cook Time 17 minutes
  •  Total Time 27 minutes

Amount Per Serving

  • Calories: 313kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 963mg
  • Potassium: 644mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Vitamin A: 274IU
  • Vitamin C: 1mg
  • Calcium: 33mg
  • Iron: 3mgIngredients
    • 4-6 Whiting Fish fillets cut in half
    • Oil to mist

    Fish Seasoning

    • ¾ cup very fine cornmeal
    • ¼ cup flour
    • 2 teaspoon old bay
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon  paprika
    • ½ teaspoon  garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    OR

    • Your favorite fish seasoning

    Instructions

    1. Combine ingredients for fish seasoning in a Ziplock bag and shake. Set to the side. In the alternative, you could use your favorite fish seasoning.
    2. Rinse and pat dry your fish fillets with paper towels. They should still be damp.
    3. Place fish fillets in a ziplock bag and shake, until fillets are fully covered with seasoning.
    4. Place fillets on a baking rack to allow any excess flour to fall off.
    5. Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket and place the fillets in the basket. Cook filets on 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes.
    6. Open the basket and spray the fish on the side that is facing up before flipping, ensuring that the fish is fully coated. Flip and cook on the other side for 7-8 minutes. Remove fish and serve.