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.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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).

Step 2

In a shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Serve the fried catfish hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread, and lemon wedges for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1921.7 grams (1921.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9769

Total Fat 976.40g	1252%
Saturated Fat 76.80g	384%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 307mg	102%
Sodium 3559mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 243.00g	88%
Dietary Fiber 20.10g	72%
Total Sugars 13.80g
Protein 105.50g	211%

Vitamin D 127IU	635%
Calcium 359mg	28%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 2050mg	44%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.3%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 9.5%