Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets with Spicy Remoulade
These Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Nuggets are golden and tender with a crunchy coating, paired with a tangy, spicy remoulade dipping sauce. An easy and quick lunch packed with Southern-inspired flavors, perfect for a light seafood dish using an air fryer to keep them crisp without deep frying.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Nuggets
- Breading
- Nuggets
- Remoulade Sauce
Let’s make it
Nuggets
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning. Add catfish pieces and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Breading
While catfish marinates, prepare the breading mix: in a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Nuggets
Remove catfish from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere. Place coated nuggets on a plate.
Nuggets
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange catfish nuggets in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Lightly spray tops of nuggets with oil spray.
Nuggets
Air fry nuggets at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden brown and cooked through (fish flakes easily).
Remoulade Sauce
While nuggets cook, prepare the spicy remoulade sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Nuggets
Serve the crispy catfish nuggets hot with a side of spicy remoulade sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best crispiness.
Tips & notes
Press the breading firmly onto the catfish to ensure it sticks well during air frying. Use a cooking spray to help achieve extra crispness. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking for even browning. Adjust hot sauce amounts according to your preferred spice level.
Saving it for later
Store leftover cooked catfish nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep remoulade sauce separately refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat nuggets in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness. Stir remoulade sauce before serving if refrigerated.
