Chicken nuggets are always a hit. Why? Because they are easy-to-make, affordable, super snackable, and tasty. So that’s when it hit me. Ding ding ding! What if I make a bite-sized version of my fried catfish? And baaam! Just what I expected, fried catfish nuggets turned out perfect. They are delightfully crispy, and the fillet is soft and flavorful yet not overpowering. They are gone in seconds! Slaaaaay!
Recipe Ingredients
The list is a bit long, but they are easy to find, so no worries.👌
How to Make Fried Catfish Nuggets
Prepare the Catfish Nuggets
Prep – Defrost the catfish (if frozen), then wash and pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Slice them into 1-inch slices. Try to make even slices so that they cook evenly. Transfer fish to a shallow plate and set aside. (Photo 1) Season – In a small mixing bowl, combine seasoning; garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Season the catfish with 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix and mix to completely coat. Set aside. (Photos 2-4) Breading – Prepare 3 small shallow bowls. Add flour in the first bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg thoroughly in the second bowl, and mix the cornmeal and remaining seasonings in the third bowl. Arrange them in order for easy coating. (Photos 5-7) Coat – Working in batches, dredge the fish nuggets in the flour to coat (shake off excess), dip them in the buttermilk and egg mixture (let excess drip back into the bowl for a second or two), and then in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. (Photos 8-10) Rest – Shake off excess cornmeal mixture, then place the catfish nuggets on a plate in a single layer while you finish breading the rest. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to help the cornmeal mixture stick to the fish. (Photo 11)
Cook Them
Heat Oil – Heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat in a large deep frying pan. Fry – When the oil is hot (350℉/177℃), use tongs to place a few catfish nuggets in the oil. (Don’t overcrowd the pan so the oil stays hot enough for perfectly crispy nuggets). Fry until golden brown and crisp, and the fish is cooked through, 3-4 minutes on each side. Repeat until all catfish nuggets are fried. (Photo 12) Serve – Transfer fried nuggets to a paper-towel-lined plate to soak off excess oil. Allow to cool for about 2 minutes, then serve immediately with ranch dip, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
For stress-free catfish nuggets, prep the fish and breading as instructed, then line them up on a baking sheet and flash freeze for an hour or two. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a suitable freezer ziplock bag and keep them frozen for up to 6 months. To enjoy crispy hot fish nuggets, bake them at 350℉/177℃ for 15-20 minutes in the oven or 8-10 minutes in an air fryer.
Serving and Storage Instructions
I’ve never had leftovers, but they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two and a month or two in the freezer. To enjoy the fish nuggets warm again, bake them in a preheated oven at 350℉/177℃ for 15-20 minutes. Or in an air fryer with the same temperature for 8-10 minutes. They will be crispy like before, and you can serve them again with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish for pasta or salad.
What to Serve With Fried Catfish Nuggets
Fried catfish nuggets are a delightful treat, but wait until you pair them with Cajun baked sweet potato fries and easy coleslaw. And you could whip up a pitcher of refreshing lemonade to top it off.
More Delectable Fish Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Crispy, tender, flaky catfish in kid-friendly bite-sized pieces are a sure winner. Would you love more delicious comfort food recipes? Then follow me on Facebook. ❤️
