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+ servings
fried catfish fillets.
4.95 from 20 votes

Fried Catfish Fillets

Rika
This fried catfish fillets recipe is so delicious! The catfish fillets are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection with a crispy outside yet tender inside.  
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 fillets
Calories 219 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • pounds catfish fillets, (cut into 6-8 pieces)

Marinade:

Breading:

Frying:

  • Canola, Vegetable, Grapeseed, or Sunflower oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, coat the catfish fillets with buttermilk, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder mixture. Cover the bowl and marinate for 15 - 30 minutes.
  • Fill a large bowl with ¾ cup of flour. Fill another large bowl with beaten eggs. Fill a large pie plate or large bowl with cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of flour, and old bay seasoning.
  • Dip the catfish fillets in the flour then shake off any excess. Dip them in the egg and again shake off any excess. Coat the catfish fillets with breadcrumb mixture then gently shake off excess.
  • In a large heavy-bottomed pan or pot, heat 3 inches of oil over moderately high heat to 350°F. Gently drop the fish fillets in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked, turning once. Drain the cooked fish fillets on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with remoulade sauce.

Notes

For a spicier result, you can add some ground cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. 
To Air Fry the Catfish Fillets: 
  • Cut the fish fillets into 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) then follow steps #1, #2, #3
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly grease the basket with oil. 
  • Brush the fish fillets with oil then place them in one layer in an air fryer basket or rack. Do not overcrowd the pan, work in batches if necessary. 
  • Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Check the doneness of the fish fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes or longer until they are fully cooked and crispy. 
Storing. Transfer the leftover to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 19gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 414mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 155IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg
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