Today I decided to try something new in the kitchen – air fryer catfish nuggets. I’ve heard a lot about air fryers, so I got one and this was my first time to cook in it.
I started by gathering all the ingredients. I had some fresh catfish fillets, which I cut into bite-sized pieces. You can buy some precut ones, but I think fresh ones are better. Then, I prepared a simple breading station. In one bowl, I whisked together some eggs and milk. In another bowl, I mixed breadcrumbs, cornmeal, a bit of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pretty basic stuff, but you can play around with the spices to your liking.
First, I dipped each catfish piece into the egg mixture, making sure it was fully coated. Then, I dredged it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breading sticks. It’s a bit messy, but that’s all part of the fun, right?

Once all the nuggets were breaded, I arranged them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, otherwise, they won’t crisp up nicely. I sprayed a little bit of oil over the top to help them get that golden-brown color. I set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked the nuggets for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, I flipped them over to make sure they cooked evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy and the fish is cooked through.
- Prep the catfish: Cut into nugget-sized pieces.
- Set up breading station: One bowl with egg and milk, another with breadcrumbs and spices.
- Bread the nuggets: Dip in egg mixture, then in breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange in air fryer: Single layer, don’t overcrowd.
- Cook: 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flip halfway.
While the nuggets were cooking, I whipped up a quick tartar sauce. Just some mayonnaise, chopped pickles, a bit of lemon juice, and some dill. You can also just buy it from store. Super simple and it goes great with the fish. When the nuggets were done, I took them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, I served them hot with the tartar sauce on the side.
Honestly, they turned out way better than I expected. They were super crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. The flavor was on point, and the tartar sauce was the perfect complement. It felt good to make something from scratch, and it was surprisingly easy. I’m definitely going to be making these again. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a snack. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying. I’m already thinking about what I can try in the air fryer next. Maybe some chicken wings or even some veggies. The possibilities seem endless!
If you have an air fryer, you’ve got to try this recipe. It’s a game-changer. And if you don’t have one, well, maybe this will convince you to get one. I’m no chef, but these nuggets made me feel like one. Happy cooking, everyone!
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