Craving that golden, crunchy, and flavorful fried fish? Look no further! Crispy Fried Catfish is a Southern favorite, loved for its perfectly seasoned crust and tender, flaky inside.
Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, a backyard fish fry, or game day, this easy-to-follow recipe will give you restaurant-quality catfish at home—with just a few ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🐟 Crispy & Crunchy – A golden brown crust that stays crispy!
🌿 Perfectly Seasoned – A blend of spices for bold Southern flavor.
🔥 Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes!
🥢 Versatile – Serve it with fries, coleslaw, or a side of tartar sauce.
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Catfish
For the Catfish:
- 4 fresh catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- ½ cup hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Crispy Breading:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil for extra crispiness)
👉 Pro Tip: Cornmeal is the secret ingredient for that extra crispy Southern crust!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Fried Catfish
Step 1: Prep the Catfish
1️⃣ Pat the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel.
2️⃣ In a shallow dish, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
3️⃣ Soak the fillets in the buttermilk mixture for 15-20 minutes—this keeps them moist and flavorful!
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and seasonings.
5️⃣ Remove catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
6️⃣ Coat each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to stick.
👉 Pro Tip: Double-dip for extra crispiness! Coat the fillets, let them rest for 5 minutes, then coat again.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
7️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
8️⃣ Carefully place catfish fillets into the hot oil.
9️⃣ Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and fish crispy.
Step 4: Drain & Serve
🔟 Remove the fried catfish and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
🔥 Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.
Best Sides for Fried Catfish
Pair your crispy catfish with Southern classics:
🍟 Crispy Fries – The ultimate fish fry combo!
🥗 Coleslaw – A fresh, tangy balance to the crispy fish.
🍞 Hush Puppies – Golden, deep-fried cornmeal bites.
🍋 Tartar Sauce or Remoulade – For extra dipping flavor.
Tips for the Crispiest Fried Catfish
✔️ Use Fresh or Thawed Catfish – Avoid frozen fish with too much moisture.
✔️ Soak in Buttermilk – It tenderizes the fish and enhances flavor.
✔️ Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – A second breading layer makes a huge difference.
✔️ Use the Right Oil – Peanut oil or vegetable oil gives the crispiest results.
✔️ Drain on a Wire Rack – Keeps the crust crunchy and prevents sogginess.
How to Store & Reheat
🥶 Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
🔥 Reheating: Warm in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
👉 Avoid microwaving—this makes the breading soggy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
💡 Want a lower-calorie option? Try air-frying or baking your catfish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake or air-fry catfish instead of frying?
✅ Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Q: Can I use another fish instead of catfish?
✅ Absolutely! Try tilapia, cod, or haddock for a similar crispy texture.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
✅ Add extra cayenne or Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mix!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Catfish is the ultimate Southern comfort food, packed with bold flavors, a crunchy crust, and tender, flaky fish inside. Whether you're making it for dinner, a family gathering, or a backyard fish fry, it's always a hit!
So, grab your ingredients and fry up some delicious catfish today! 🐟🔥
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