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Air Fryer Catfish Fillets

Air Fryer Catfish Fillets Recipe

Allan
These Air Fryer Catfish Fillets are crispy, juicy, and ready in under 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, they offer the classic comfort of fried fish with less oil and mess. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, anyone can achieve tender, flavorful catfish in their air fryer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Air fryer recipe, American, Southern
Servings 2 –3(Fillets)
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 –3 catfish fillets ~150–200g each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 200°C / 392°F.
  • Pat fillets dry.
  • Brush lightly with olive oil.
  • Coat fillets in cornmeal and spice mixture evenly.
  • Place in air fryer basket, leaving space between fillets.
  • Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Thicker fillets may need 1–2 more minutes.
  • Optional: Brush lightly with oil or butter and cook 2–3 more minutes for extra crisp.
  • Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, serve immediately.