Zesty Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Catfish Fillets
This easy and delicious recipe features tender catfish fillets seasoned with a zesty lemon garlic marinade, then cooked quickly in an air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy inside. Perfect for a light, healthy lunch with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main
- Marinade
- Seasoning
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Marinade
Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Gently toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Preparation
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Cooking
Arrange the marinated catfish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cooking
Cook in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and place on serving plates. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & notes
For even cooking, avoid overlapping fillets in the air fryer basket. Adjust seasoning salt and pepper to your taste. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Saving it for later
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep texture crisp.




