Crispy, flavorful, and impressively easy to make, this Oven Fried Catfish recipe is the perfect way to bring Southern charm to your dinner table without the mess of deep frying. Tender catfish fillets are marinated in tangy buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce for a zesty kick, then coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust featuring paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Baked to golden perfection at 400°F, these fillets offer all the crunch of classic fried catfish with a healthier, oven-baked twist. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is a wonderfully quick meal for a weeknight or a relaxed gathering. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a light, flavorful seafood feast everyone will love.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Mix well.
In another shallow dish, combine yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
Pat the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, dip each fillet into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Dredge the buttermilk-coated fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thick and even coating.
Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fillets are done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Calories |
1379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.9 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 307 mg | 102% | |
| Sodium | 3554 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 184.0 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 100.1 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 359 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1950 mg | 41% | |
*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.