13 Crispy Catfish Recipes Air Fryer to Satisfy Your Cravings

Catfish cooks fast in an air fryer. You get crispy results without deep frying. This blog shares 13 recipes. Each one uses simple ingredients. You can make these meals at home.

The air fryer keeps the fish tender inside. The outside stays golden and crunchy. Readers enjoy clear steps. You will find something for every taste.

Some recipes add spicy flavors. Others use fresh herbs. All satisfy cravings. This post helps you cook catfish easily. Start with one recipe today.

Recipe 1: Classic Crispy Catfish

About

Classic crispy catfish brings simple flavors to your plate. This recipe uses cornmeal for crunch. You taste the fish’s natural goodness. It cooks in the air fryer in minutes. The result is golden and light. Pair it with tartar sauce or lemon. You enjoy a quick meal. Kids like it too. This dish fits busy nights.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip catfish 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 tops of fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway through.
11. Check if golden and crispy.
12. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

---

Recipe 2: Spicy Cajun Catfish

About

Spicy Cajun catfish adds bold flavors. This recipe uses a Cajun spice mix. You feel the heat in every bite. The air fryer locks in moisture. The crust gets extra crispy. It pairs well with coleslaw. You enjoy a Southern twist. This dish wakes up your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp buttermilk
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Combine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Cover fillets with cornmeal mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Add fillets to basket.
8. Spray fillets lightly with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Turn fillets after 6 minutes.
11. Ensure crust is crispy.
12. Serve with hot sauce.

---

Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Catfish

About

Lemon herb catfish tastes fresh and light. This recipe uses lemon zest and herbs. You get a bright flavor. The air fryer makes it crispy outside. The fish stays juicy inside. It works for a healthy dinner. You enjoy it with veggies. This dish feels summery.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and lemon juice in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Press fillets into 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 halfway.
11. Check for golden crust.
12. Serve with fresh lemon slices.

---

Recipe 4: Garlic Parmesan Catfish

About

Garlic parmesan catfish offers rich taste. This recipe uses parmesan cheese. You get a savory crust. The air fryer cooks it fast. The fish stays tender. It pairs with mashed potatoes. You enjoy a comforting meal. This dish feels indulgent.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 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. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and milk in a separate bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Coat fillets with breadcrumb mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Add fillets to basket.
8. Spray tops with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 11 minutes.
10. Flip fillets after 5 minutes.
11. Ensure crust is golden.
12. Serve with garlic butter.

---

Recipe 5: Honey Mustard Catfish

About

Honey mustard catfish blends sweet and tangy. This recipe uses a honey mustard dip. You taste a unique flavor. The air fryer keeps it crispy. The fish cooks evenly. It goes well with fries. You enjoy a fun twist. This dish surprises your palate.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Combine honey, mustard, and egg in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in honey 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. Turn fillets halfway.
11. Check for crispy texture.
12. Serve with extra honey mustard.

---

Recipe 6: Panko Crusted Catfish

About

Panko crusted catfish delivers extra crunch. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs. You get a light texture. The air fryer makes it golden. The fish stays soft inside. It pairs with a salad. You enjoy a satisfying bite. This dish feels fresh.

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. Press fillets into panko mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Add fillets to basket.
8. Spray fillets with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets after 5 minutes.
11. Ensure crust is crisp.
12. Serve with tartar sauce.

---

Recipe 7: Blackened Catfish

About

Blackened catfish brings smoky spice. This recipe uses a bold seasoning mix. You taste intense flavors. The air fryer creates a dark crust. The fish stays moist. It works with rice. You enjoy a hearty meal. This dish packs a punch.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Combine cornmeal, blackened 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 tops with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 12 minutes.
10. Turn fillets halfway.
11. Check for dark crust.
12. Serve with lime wedges.

---

Recipe 8: BBQ Catfish Bites

About

BBQ catfish bites offer smoky sweetness. This recipe cuts fish into pieces. You taste BBQ seasoning. The air fryer cooks them fast. The bites get crispy edges. They pair with dipping sauce. You enjoy a fun snack. This dish suits parties.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Cut fillets into 1-inch pieces.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, BBQ seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
4. Beat egg and milk in another bowl.
5. Dip pieces in egg mixture.
6. Coat pieces with breadcrumb mixture.
7. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
8. Add pieces to basket.
9. Spray tops with cooking spray.
10. Cook for 8 minutes.
11. Shake basket halfway.
12. Serve with BBQ sauce.

---

Recipe 9: Old Bay Catfish

About

Old Bay catfish delivers classic seasoning. This recipe uses Old Bay spice. You taste a seafood vibe. The air fryer makes it crispy. The fish stays tender. It pairs with corn. You enjoy a coastal flavor. This dish feels nostalgic.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, Old Bay, 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 10 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Check for golden crust.
12. Serve with lemon.

---

Recipe 10: Italian Herb Catfish

About

Italian herb catfish tastes savory and fresh. This recipe uses Italian seasoning. You get a herby crust. The air fryer cooks it quick. The fish stays juicy. It pairs with pasta. You enjoy a light meal. This dish feels Mediterranean.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and olive oil in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Press fillets into breadcrumb mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Add fillets to basket.
8. Spray tops with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Turn fillets halfway.
11. Ensure crust is crisp.
12. Serve with marinara sauce.

---

Recipe 11: Chili Lime Catfish

About

Chili lime catfish brings zesty heat. This recipe uses chili powder and lime. You taste a bold kick. The air fryer keeps it crispy. The fish cooks fast. It pairs with rice. You enjoy a vibrant dish. This meal excites your senses.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix cornmeal, chili powder, lime zest, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg and lime juice 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 11 minutes.
10. Flip fillets halfway.
11. Check for crispy texture.
12. Serve with lime wedges.

---

Recipe 12: Coconut Crusted Catfish

About

Coconut crusted catfish tastes sweet and nutty. This recipe uses shredded coconut. You get a tropical flavor. The air fryer makes it crunchy. The fish stays tender. It pairs with mango salsa. You enjoy a unique dish. This meal feels like a getaway.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Combine panko, coconut, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg mixture.
5. Press fillets into coconut mixture.
6. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Add fillets to basket.
8. Spray tops with cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Turn fillets halfway.
11. Ensure crust is golden.
12. Serve with mango salsa.

---

Recipe 13: Buffalo Catfish Strips

About

Buffalo catfish strips pack spicy flavor. This recipe cuts fish into strips. You taste buffalo sauce heat. The air fryer keeps them crispy. The fish cooks quick. They pair with ranch dip. You enjoy a game-day snack. This dish brings the fun.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 egg
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Cut fillets into 1-inch strips.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Whisk buffalo sauce and egg in another bowl.
5. Dip strips in sauce mixture.
6. Coat strips with breadcrumb mixture.
7. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
8. Place strips in basket.
9. Spray tops with cooking spray.
10. Cook for 8 minutes.
11. Shake basket halfway.
12. Serve with ranch dressing.