Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish

5 from 9 votes

Classic southern-style fried catfish in the air fryer!

Prep Time30

Cook Time20

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun, Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 222kcal

Place buttermilk in large shallow dish or pie plate, add a few shakes of hot sauce and mix to combine. Add catfish fillets and turn to coat. Let soak for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make seasoned dredge. In another large tray or pie plate, add the cornmeal, flour and seasonings, a few grinds of black pepper and combine well with a fork or whisk.
Remove catfish from buttermilk to a plate, shaking off excess. Lightly pat dry and season with a sprinkle of salt. Place catfish one at a time in seasoned cornmeal mixture and coat well on both sides. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
Preheat air fryer at 400º.
Open and spray basket evenly with olive oil spray. Lay catfish fillets in basket, one or two depending on size, spritz catfish evenly on top with olive oil spray. Close basket and air fry at 400º for 8 minutes.
Open basket and carefully flip fish over with spatula, air fry for another 8 minutes.
Open basket and carefully flip fish one more time. Air fry another 2 to 4 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Serve immediately with tartar sauce, hot sauce and lemon wedges.

This makes enough seasoned cornmeal dredge for more catfish, up to at least 4 fillets.
Use your judgement on how much catfish fits in the basket without crowding. Keep cooked catfish warm in a 180º – 200º oven.
You can cut large fillets in half into portions, if desired.
If you spray the air fryer basket first and top of the catfish, you should be good but if you feel the need for another spritz after flipping, go for it!
Fried catfish is delicious with homemade tartar sauce, hot sauce and/or malt vinegar!