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–+ servings
air fried catfish nuggets

Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Samantha Erb
No one will be able to resist air fryer catfish nuggets! Tender fish bites coated in super-crispy breading are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate ★
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Air Fryer Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 395 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 catfish filets thawed
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg beaten well
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks and place in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the fish and let it sit for 10-20 minutes at room temperature.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg well with 3 tablespoons of water. In another bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
  • Drain the catfish through a fine mesh strainer. Dredge each piece in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Preheat the air fryer basket to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes and working in batches, place the breaded nuggets in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
  • Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping over halfway through cook time.
  • Remove when the nuggets are fully cooked to 145 degrees F and fork tender in the middle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 845mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

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