Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

These Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are super easy to make and can be air fried in about 10 minutes.

Lightly breaded and seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning, these crispy bite-sized nuggets are full of flavor and are sure to please as a meal, appetizer, or simple snack.

What makes Catfish nuggets so good?

Catfish nuggets are crispy on the outside and moist and tender in the inside, making them both easy to eat and tasty to enjoy.

I like that these nuggets can be easily made in an air fryer instead of frying them in oil.

Have you tried my Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

Made with raw shrimp coated in coconut and breadcrumbs, that coconut shrimp is tasty and delicious. Both this recipe for catfish nuggets and that recipe for coconut shrimp are great tasting and healthier than fried in oil recipes.

Old Bay Seasoning is used to add flavor to the breading on these nuggets. You can find Old Bay Seasoning here.

Why you will love this catfish nugget recipe.

Catfish nuggets are a nice alternative to the usual chicken nugget. They can be served alone or with a favorite dish Dip or even Homemade Ketchup

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• This recipe can be made in about 30 minutes.
• The ingredients used in this recipe are basic ingredients.
• Air frying rather than frying in oil is a healthier and easier way to make nuggets.
• Personalizing this recipe is as easy as swapping out the fish seasoning with another seasoning such as cajun seasoning.

Ingredients you will need to make crispy air fryer catfish nuggets.

• Catfish Fillets. Rinsed and cut into bite=sized (one to two inches) pieces.
• Flour and Fine Cornmeal Used to make the breading.
• Old Bay Seasoning. and Garlic Powder. For seasoning the breading.
• Buttermilk and Egg. Used for making a wash that will hold the breading on tothe nuggets.
• Optional Garlic Bay Aioli Dip. Mayonnaise, Garlic (minced), Old Bay Seasoning, and Lemon Juice.

Expert Tip 👉 Rinse your catfish under cold water to wash off any residue that can hinder the breading from sticking. Make sure that the catfish is well drained (remove any excess moisture) before cutting it into bites and using in this recipe for the same reason.

How to make Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Prep Time: 10 minutes .
Air Fry Time: 10-12 minutes .
Servings: 4 .
Notes: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to make this recipe in batches .
Serve: Serve these nuggets with a sauce or dip on the side for dipping. .

1. Prepare. Prepare your ingredients as indicated. This includes rinsing off your fillets and allowing them to get dry to touch. Then cut the fillets in to bite-sized nuggets (1”-2”).
2. Wet Ingredients. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Then place the nuggets into the bowl, fully coating them with the wet ingredients.
3. Dry Ingredients. Next, in another bowl or in a large zip top bag, combine together the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings (Old Bay and Garlic).
4. Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F degrees. Also, prep your air fryer basket for nonstick.
5. Coat. Transfer the wet nuggets to the dry ingredient mixture and fully coat the nuggets with the ingredients. If you are using a zip top bag, simply seal the bag and toss the ingredients.
6. Air Fry. Arrange the coated catfish nuggets in your air fryer, leaving space between the nuggets for the air to circulate. Then air fry the nuggets until golden brown and crisp (about 10-12 minutes), flipping the nuggets over after five minutes of air frying.
7. Garlic Bay Aioli Dip To make the optional Garlic Bay Aioli Dip, simply whisk together the ingredients, making adjustments as needed for flavor and texture.

Tips for making the best catfish nuggets

The dryer your catfish nuggets are the more successful it will be for the breading to stick. You can pat them dry with a clean paper towel if needed.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Spraying the nuggets with spray oil, or a similar item, before air frying will help the nuggets get crisp.
2. To make your nuggets even more crisp on the outside, you can do the breading process an additional time.
3. Catfish is done cooking when the breading is golden brown and crispy. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is recommended for fish as well.

How to store homemade catfish nuggets

Once your nuggets have fully cooled they can be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored, catfish nuggets should keep for up to a few days when refrigerated.

You may also be interested in these easy air fryer recipes.

• Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
• Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (from scratch)
• Air Fryer Chocolate Puff Pastry Twists