Fiery Catfish Fingers

Turn up the heat at mealtime with these irresistible Fiery Catfish Fingers! Perfectly spiced and satisfyingly crispy, this recipe takes tender catfish fillets and transforms them into golden-brown finger food with a kick. A bold blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder infuses every bite with zesty flavor, while a buttermilk and hot sauce marinade ensures the fish stays moist and flavorful. Coated in a crunchy mixture of flour and cornmeal, these catfish fingers are fried to perfection in just minutes. Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they pair beautifully with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce like spicy remoulade or classic ranch. Ready in just 30 minutes, these Southern-inspired bites will be a hit at your next gathering or weeknight dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Slice the catfish fillets into 1-inch-wide strips and set them aside.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.

Step 3

In another shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Dip each catfish strip into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture. Press lightly to adhere the coating and place the coated strips on a plate.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately.

Step 6

Carefully place the coated catfish fingers into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

Step 7

Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning them once halfway through cooking.

Step 8

Remove the catfish fingers with a slotted spoon or tongs, and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 9

Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as spicy remoulade or ranch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1460 grams (1460.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5370

Total Fat 447.80g	574%
Saturated Fat 68.90g	345%
Polyunsaturated Fat 269.30g
Cholesterol 307mg	102%
Sodium 3560mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 270.10g	98%
Dietary Fiber 20.70g	74%
Total Sugars 14.20g
Protein 110.10g	220%

Vitamin D 127IU	635%
Calcium 369mg	28%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 2138mg	45%

*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: 72.6%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 19.5%