Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat air fryer at 400º.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Open basket and carefully flip fish over with spatula, air fry for another 8 minutes.

Step 7

Open basket and carefully flip fish one more time. Air fry another 2 to 4 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 8

Serve immediately with tartar sauce, hot sauce and lemon wedges.