Air Fryer Blackened Catfish is a bold and flavorful dish featuring flaky catfish fillets coated in a rich blend of blackened spices. The crispy exterior and tender interior make this a perfect meal for seafood lovers, especially when paired with classic Southern sides.
Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
For serving:
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
Preparation Instructions:
- Prepare the seasoning:
- In a small bowl, mix blackened seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the catfish:
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Brush each fillet with olive oil and coat generously with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is flaky and the seasoning is crispy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the fillets lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Enjoy the bold and savory flavors of “Air Fryer Blackened Catfish,” perfect for a comforting yet healthy seafood meal! 😊