14+ Air Fryer Catfish Recipes Crispy Without The Oil

Nothing feels more like a summer weekend at home than the smell of crispy catfish in the air and the promise of a relaxed, nourishing meal. Growing up, my family’s version was always a shallow fry in way too much oil—delicious, yes, but heavy on cleanup (and the napkin pile). That all changed when I snagged an air fryer and finally discovered just how easy it is to make 14+ air fryer catfish recipes crispy without the oil. My kitchen stays cleaner, dinner is ready faster, and nobody misses the mess or the grease. There’s something extra satisfying about biting into perfectly crunchy catfish straight from the air fryer—hot, tender, and golden—without feeling like you need a jug of oil to get there.

1. Classic Air Fryer Southern Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want that old-school, cornmeal-coated, authentically Southern fried catfish but don’t want to heat up a heavy pan of oil, this is your answer. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend meal for two. The air fryer gives you all the crunch and flavor you remember, absolutely minus the mess.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Pat catfish dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
4. Dip each fillet in egg, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture to coat well.
5. Mist both sides lightly with olive oil spray.
6. Arrange fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Try mixing a pinch of smoked paprika into the breading for subtle depth.

2. Air Fryer Cajun Catfish Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

Great for game days, parties, or kid-friendly dinners. These spicy, crispy bites are full of Louisiana flavor and can be eaten by the handful—no utensils needed. You get big taste in just a few minutes of hands-on prep.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• Olive oil spray
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, toss catfish pieces with buttermilk to coat.
2. In another bowl, mix cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Dredge the fish in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat on all sides.
4. Spray with olive oil.
5. Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve with dipping sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: You can soak catfish pieces in buttermilk ahead and refrigerate up to 2 hours before breading.

3. Lemon-Pepper Air Fryer Catfish Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

If you crave something zesty but simple, this clean lemon-pepper version is light, bright, and beautifully crisp. Sometimes the best dinner is the one that lets the flavor of fresh fish shine through.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Olive oil spray
• Lemon wedges

How to Make It:

1. Combine panko, lemon zest, pepper, salt, and dill in a bowl.
2. Pat catfish dry and mist with oil spray.
3. Press fish into breadcrumb mixture, coating well.
4. Place in air fryer basket, mist again.
5. Air fry at 390°F for 12–13 minutes until crisp.
6. Serve with extra dill and lemon wedges.

Serving Idea: Looks and tastes extra special next to lightly dressed mixed greens.

4. Parmesan-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

For cheese lovers and picky eaters alike, this parmesan twist gives catfish a nutty, savory crust you won’t get anywhere else. It’s rich without being heavy, perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Mix parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
2. Lightly beat egg in another bowl.
3. Season fish with salt and pepper, dip in egg, then coat in parmesan mixture.
4. Spray fillets lightly on both sides.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 13–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Swap This With That: Try pecorino instead of parmesan for a sharper flavor.

5. Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish Strips

Why You’ll Love It:

These herby strips are perfect for snack platters or picnic-style dinners with kids. Fresh herbs and a light, crisp coating make catfish downright craveable.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets, sliced into strips
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Combine panko, parsley, thyme, and salt in a bowl.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Dip catfish strips in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place strips in air fryer basket, spray with oil.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 9–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for extra brightness.

6. Easy Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for little hands or anyone who loves dunkable catfish pieces. This crowd-pleaser is always a hit at family dinners or as a party snack.

Serving size: Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch nuggets
• 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Whisk breadcrumbs with paprika, onion powder, and salt.
2. Beat eggs in a bowl.
3. Dip nuggets in egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
4. Spray and arrange in the air fryer in a single layer.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 10–11 minutes, shaking the basket once.

Meal Prep Tip: Freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for future quick meals.

7. Gluten-Free Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

You don’t need wheat to get a good crunch. This recipe relies on gluten-free panko and flour, perfect for serving a crowd with allergies or anyone craving lighter breading.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup gluten-free panko
• 1/3 cup gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Combine panko, flour, and Old Bay in a bowl.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Season catfish with salt and pepper. Dip in egg, then the crumb mixture.
4. Mist with olive oil.
5. Air fry at 390°F for 13–14 minutes, flipping once.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches so the crust gets nice and crunchy.

8. Air Fryer Catfish Po’Boy Strips

Why You’ll Love It:

Got cravings for a New Orleans-style sandwich? These air fried strips are sandwich-ready: all the crunch, none of the extra grease, and you build your own po’boy right at home.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Baguette, lettuce, slices of tomato, remoulade (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Stir cornmeal, cayenne, and onion powder together in a bowl.
2. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl.
3. Season fish, dip in eggs, then the cornmeal.
4. Spray fillets and air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.
5. Layer into baguette with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade.

Best Pairings: Great with baked sweet potato fries and carrot slaw.

9. Blackened Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want a punchy, robustly spiced dinner, go blackened. It’s spicy, smoky, and the air fryer gets you that signature crust with less fuss.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 catfish fillets
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• Salt
• Olive oil spray
• Lime wedges, cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Brush fillets with melted butter and sprinkle with blackened seasoning, cayenne, and salt.
2. Lightly spray with oil.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes until the crust is dark and crisp.
4. Serve with lime and cilantro.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the blackened spices for more smoke.

10. Air Fryer Catfish Tenders with Honey Mustard

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet crunch of these tenders pairs so well with tangy honey mustard—it’s the sort of meal kids and adults all gravitate towards.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch strips
• 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs
• Salt
• Olive oil spray
• Honey mustard sauce, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Whisk breadcrumbs with cornmeal and paprika.
2. Beat eggs in a bowl.
3. Dip fish strips in egg, then crumb mixture.
4. Place in air fryer basket, spray tops lightly.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 12–13 minutes, flipping once.
6. Serve with honey mustard.

Meal Prep Tip: Honey mustard can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

11. Air Fryer Buttermilk Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Soaking the catfish in buttermilk makes it ultra tender and moist inside, while the air fryer keeps the outside shatteringly crisp. This is the closest thing to traditional fried catfish you can get without oil.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes buttermilk soak)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Soak fillets in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Remove fish from buttermilk, let excess drip off, dredge in cornmeal mix.
4. Spray with olive oil.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping once.

Personal Note: My grandma swore by a buttermilk soak for melt-in-your-mouth fish—it really makes a difference here.

12. Dill Pickle Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Weirdly delicious—this catfish is marinated in pickle juice for brightness, then coated for crunch. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a quirky family favorite fast.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes marinating)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
• 2/3 cup panko
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 egg
• Olive oil spray
• Sliced pickles, fresh dill

How to Make It:

1. Marinate catfish in pickle juice for 15 minutes.
2. Mix panko, garlic powder, and dried dill.
3. Beat egg in a bowl.
4. Dip fillets in egg, then the panko mixture.
5. Spray and air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes.

Swap This With That: Try spicy pickle juice for a bold variation.

13. Cracker-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Try this if you want a nostalgic, extra-crispy crust—crushed saltines add the perfect old-school crunch and slight saltiness everyone loves.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 catfish fillets
• 1 cup finely crushed saltine crackers
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray

How to Make It:

1. Whisk saltine crumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Dip catfish in egg, then in cracker mixture.
4. Spray and air fry at 400°F for 13–14 minutes.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use everyday saltines—no expensive breading mix needed.

14. Spicy Air Fryer Catfish with Sriracha Mayo

Why You’ll Love It:

This is for the spicy food crowd. The fillets are coated in a blend of chili powder and cayenne, then served with a cool, creamy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 catfish fillets, cut into strips
• 2/3 cup panko
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• Olive oil spray
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• Sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Combine panko with chili powder, cayenne, and salt.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Dip strips in egg, then crumb mix. Spray.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping once.
5. Stir sriracha into mayo for dipping.

Best Pairings: Try with cucumber salad and quick pickled carrots.

15. Pecan-Crusted Air Fryer Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

Nutty pecans and crispy panko give this catfish a Southern, slightly sweet take on crunchy fillets—all the comfort, less of the guilt.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• Olive oil spray
• Chives, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Combine pecans, panko, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Dip each fillet in egg, then pecan-panko mixture.
4. Mist with oil and air fry at 390°F for 14 minutes.

Serving Idea: Pecan catfish is amazing with a squeeze of lemon and side of garlicky greens.

16. Air Fryer Catfish Piccata

Why You’ll Love It:

Fans of punchy, Italian-inspired flavors will love this. The crispy catfish gets a quick bath in lemony caper sauce right before serving for a classy touch.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 14 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Mix breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
2. Beat egg in another bowl.
3. Dip fish in egg, then breadcrumbs. Spray.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 12–13 minutes.
5. For sauce, melt butter in skillet, add lemon juice, capers, and broth, simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Pour sauce over fillets and serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-sauce the fish—just spoon enough for flavor, so the crust stays crisp.

17. Air Fryer Catfish Tacos

Why You’ll Love It:

A fresh spin for taco night—warm tortillas, crispy air fryer catfish, cool slaw, and a squeeze of lime. They disappear faster than you’d expect.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into strips
• 2/3 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime, cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Mix cornmeal, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Beat egg.
3. Dip fish in egg, then cornmeal mixture, spray.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 9–10 minutes.
5. Serve catfish in tortillas with cabbage, avocado, lime, cilantro.

Best Pairings: Tangy corn salad or black beans on the side.

FAQ

How do you get air fryer catfish crispy without oil?

Lightly misting with olive oil spray (rather than drenching in oil) and using breadings like cornmeal or panko give plenty of crunch in the air fryer. Cooking in a single, uncrowded layer also helps.

Can I use frozen catfish fillets?

Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before breading. Excess moisture will make the crust less crispy.

How do I keep the breading from falling off in the air fryer?

Make sure you’re patting the fish dry before breading and pressing firmly so the coating sticks. Flipping gently with a spatula halfway through helps the crust stay on.

Are these recipes healthy?

Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, making these recipes lighter while still getting that crispy texture most people crave.

Conclusion

There’s something comforting about keeping tradition alive in the kitchen, but even better when you find a new method that makes it easier, healthier, and just as delicious—like these crispy air fryer catfish recipes without the oil. Whether you’re craving a Southern-style dinner, a bold sandwich, or a fun twist for taco night, there’s an idea here to fit every craving and every cook’s schedule. It’s proof you don’t have to give up crunch or flavor to lighten things up. So pull out that bag of catfish and your air fryer, and don’t be afraid to riff with seasonings or sides. The mess is minimal, the flavor is huge, and you’ll likely find a new favorite or two along the way.