Easy Crispy Fried Catfish
Sink your teeth into the ultimate southern comfort food with this *Easy Crispy Fried Catfish* recipe! Perfectly seasoned catfish fillets are marinated in tangy buttermilk spiked with just the right amount of hot sauce, then coated in a golden blend of cornmeal, flour, and flavorful spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. The result? A crunchy, golden-brown crust that pairs beautifully with the tender, flaky fish inside. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and simple recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Serve up this irresistible classic with coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread for an authentic southern feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Add the catfish fillets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
In a shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the fillets or at least to allow them to fry evenly.
Fry the catfish fillets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the fillets from the oil. Place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the fried catfish hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread, and lemon wedges for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2445 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 242.1 g | 310% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 784 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.2 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 27.1 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 571 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
