13 Crispy Air Fryer Catfish Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Crispy catfish satisfies cravings with ease. Air fryers make cooking simple and fast. This blog shares 13 recipes for catfish lovers. Each recipe delivers crunch and flavor.

You get step-by-step instructions and clear ingredient lists. Cooking catfish at home saves time and money. Air frying keeps it light and healthy.

Readers enjoy tasty meals without stress. These recipes suit beginners and experts alike. Fresh ideas bring variety to your table. Start cooking now and taste the difference.

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Recipe 1: Classic Crispy Air Fryer Catfish

About: This recipe gives catfish a golden crust. Simple spices boost the natural taste. Cornmeal adds crunch without extra oil. You cook it in minutes. The air fryer ensures even crispness. Pair it with fries or slaw for a full meal. Kids and adults love this dish. It fits busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip each fillet in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillet with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets lightly with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 more minutes.
12. Check for golden crust.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 2: Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Catfish

About: Lemon pepper brightens this catfish dish. The zesty flavor pairs with a crispy finish. You need few ingredients. Cooking takes little effort. The air fryer locks in moisture. This recipe works for quick dinners. Fresh lemon juice adds a pop. Enjoy it with veggies or rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Combine flour, lemon pepper, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and lemon juice in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with flour mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Ensure crispness.
12. Serve with lemon slices.

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Recipe 3: Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Catfish

About: This catfish brings bold Cajun heat. Spices wake up your taste buds. The air fryer keeps it crunchy. You control the spice level. It cooks fast for hungry evenings. Serve it with cornbread or greens. Friends will ask for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and water in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for crisp texture.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 4: Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

About: Parmesan cheese adds richness to catfish. The crust stays crisp and golden. You use basic pantry items. Cooking takes no time. The air fryer makes it light. This dish impresses guests. Pair it with pasta or salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with breadcrumb mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Confirm crispness.
12. Serve warm.

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Recipe 5: Honey Mustard Air Fryer Catfish

About: Honey mustard gives catfish a sweet tang. The coating crisps up perfectly. You need simple ingredients. The air fryer cooks it fast. This recipe suits family dinners. Kids enjoy the flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes or beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk honey, mustard, and egg in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in honey mixture.
5. Coat fillets with flour.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for golden color.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 6: Garlic Butter Air Fryer Catfish

About: Garlic butter boosts catfish flavor. The crust stays crisp and light. You use few steps. The air fryer finishes it quickly. This dish feels special. Pair it with bread or veggies. Everyone enjoys the aroma.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 egg
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Whisk butter and egg in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in butter mixture.
5. Coat fillets with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Ensure crispness.
12. Serve warm.

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Recipe 7: Panko Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

About: Panko crumbs make catfish extra crunchy. The texture stays light. You need basic items. Cooking happens fast. The air fryer delivers results. This recipe fits casual meals. Serve it with dipping sauce or fries.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix panko, salt, and paprika in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and water in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with panko mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for crisp crust.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 8: BBQ Air Fryer Catfish

About: BBQ seasoning adds smoky flavor to catfish. The crust turns crispy. You use pantry staples. The air fryer cooks it fast. This dish brings bold taste. Pair it with coleslaw or chips. It suits summer vibes.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp BBQ seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix flour, BBQ seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with flour mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Confirm crispness.
12. Serve warm.

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Recipe 9: Herb Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

About: Fresh herbs lift catfish flavor. The coating crisps up nicely. You need simple ingredients. The air fryer makes it quick. This recipe feels light. Serve it with rice or salad. It pleases any crowd.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, thyme, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and water in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with breadcrumb mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for golden crust.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 10: Taco Seasoned Air Fryer Catfish

About: Taco seasoning spices up catfish. The crunch stays perfect. You use easy ingredients. The air fryer cooks it fast. This dish fits taco night. Serve it with tortillas or salsa. Everyone loves the twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, taco seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Ensure crispness.
12. Serve warm.

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Recipe 11: Old Bay Air Fryer Catfish

About: Old Bay seasoning flavors catfish well. The crust gets crispy. You need few items. The air fryer makes it simple. This recipe suits seafood fans. Pair it with corn or potatoes. It brings classic taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix flour, Old Bay, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and water in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with flour mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for crisp texture.
13. Serve hot.

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Recipe 12: Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

About: Coconut adds sweet crunch to catfish. The air fryer keeps it light. You use basic ingredients. Cooking takes little time. This dish feels tropical. Serve it with mango salsa or rice. It surprises your palate.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix coconut, breadcrumbs, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with coconut mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Confirm crispness.
12. Serve warm.

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Recipe 13: Blackened Air Fryer Catfish

About: Blackened spices give catfish bold flavor. The crust crisps up fast. You need simple items. The air fryer cooks it perfectly. This dish suits spice lovers. Pair it with grits or veggies. It delivers a punch.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, blackening seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and water in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets.
11. Cook for 5 minutes.
12. Check for crisp crust.
13. Serve hot.