Get ready to bring the authentic flavors of the South right into your kitchen with this incredible Crispy Fried Catfishrecipe! Imagine perfectly seasoned catfish fillets, coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust, and fried to a beautiful golden-brown perfection. The result is a wonderfully crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish inside. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easier to make than you think and guaranteed to become a new favorite for your family and friends.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something truly special about perfectly fried catfish, and this recipe absolutely nails it. What I love most is the incredible crispiness of the coating, which is achieved by a double-dredge method and the use of cornmeal. The blend of Old Bay, garlic powder, and onion powder provides that iconic Southern flavor profile that pairs so perfectly with the subtle sweetness of catfish. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many classic sides, making it a go-to for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this crispy and flavorful Fried Catfish:
- 2 pounds catfish fillets
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Catfish Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen (thawed) fillets. Ensure they are well-dried before seasoning. Tilapia or cod can be used as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will differ.
- Old Bay Seasoning: This is iconic for seafood frying, but you can adjust or use other seasoning blends if preferred.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the fish and allows the breading to adhere well. If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with ½ cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce in the egg wash adds a subtle background kick without making it overtly spicy. Adjust to your preference or omit.
- Frying Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points. You’ll need enough to submerge the fish adequately (at least 4 inches deep in your pot).
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Crispy Fried Catfish cooking!
- Preheat Oil: In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), add about 4 inches of vegetable oil (or your preferred frying oil). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a reliable kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for crispy, non-greasy fish.
- Prep Fish: While the oil heats, pat the catfish fillets very dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the coating soggy and cause oil to splatter. Set the dry fillets aside.
- Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, stir together the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This is your flavorful spice mix.
- Prepare Dredging Stations:
- In a large shallow bowl (or a pie plate), stir together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, and about half of the prepared spice mix. Whisk well to combine.
- In another large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Dredge the Fish: One at a time, take a fish fillet and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured fish fillet into the egg mixture until it’s fully coated, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, dip the fish fillet back into the flour mixture for a second coating. Press gently to ensure it’s well covered, then shake off any excess breading. Place the fully coated fillet on a clean sheet tray. Repeat this process with all the remaining fish fillets.
- Fry the Fish: When the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C) and you’re ready to fry, gently add one fish fillet at a time to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to greasy fish. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is beautifully golden brown, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork. You may need to flip the fillet partway through for even browning.
- Drain and Keep Crispy: As each fillet is cooked, remove it from the fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any immediate excess oil. Then, immediately transfer the fried fish fillets to a sheet tray fitted with a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate around the fish, helping to keep it crispy while you fry the remaining batches.
- Serve: Repeat with the remaining fish fillets. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite tartar sauce on the side. Enjoy your perfectly crispy homemade fried catfish!
Tips for Success
- Dry Fish is Key: Patting the fish thoroughly dry before seasoning and dredging prevents a soggy coating.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining 350°F (175°C) is crucial. Too low, and the fish will be greasy; too high, and the coating will burn before the fish cooks through. Use a thermometer!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches. Give each piece of fish enough space in the fryer for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Double Dredge: The double dip in the flour mixture (before and after the egg wash) creates a thicker, crispier coating.
- Rest on a Wire Rack: This allows air to circulate around the entire piece of fish, preventing the bottom from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crispy Fried Catfish is a quintessential Southern meal that pairs beautifully with classic sides:
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy fish.
- Hushpuppies: Southern-style hushpuppies (perhaps our Okra and Jalapeño Hushpuppies) are a natural accompaniment.
- French Fries or Potato Salad: Classic potato sides are always a hit.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is perfect with fried fish.
- Tartar Sauce & Lemon Wedges: Absolutely essential for dipping and brightening the flavors.
- For other comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired dishes, consider our Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage or a hearty bowl of Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Fried fish is always best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover fried catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The coating will soften slightly.
- Reheating: To re-crisp, place pieces on a wire rack set on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the fish soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not typically recommended for fried fish, as the texture of the coating and fish can suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the crispy, savory, and easy nature of this fried catfish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic comfort food and crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another comforting, hearty meat dish perfect for lazy Sundays, check out These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- If you’re a fan of savory dips perfect for parties, our This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes is always a hit!
- And for a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, don’t miss our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Catfish recipe is a delicious way to bring the taste of a classic Southern fish fry right into your home. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and delivers that satisfying crunch and tender flakiness that everyone loves. Perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how perfectly crispy your catfish turns out! What’s your favorite Southern comfort food? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy frying!
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