Absolutely! Crispy Southern-style fried catfish is a classic — golden on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. Here’s a simple and authentic recipe that delivers that irresistible crunch and flavor.
🐟🔥 Crispy Fried Catfish
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Marinate Time (optional): 30 min
Cook Time: 10–15 min
Total Time: ~45 min
🧂 Ingredients:
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4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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Hot sauce (optional, a few dashes)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Breading:
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1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp salt
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil (canola or peanut), for deep frying
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep & Marinate (Optional but Recommended):
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Rinse catfish and pat dry.
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In a bowl, mix buttermilk with a few dashes of hot sauce.
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Add catfish fillets and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge to reduce fishiness and tenderize.
2. Mix Breading:
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In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, and all seasonings.
3. Bread the Catfish:
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Remove catfish from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
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Dredge fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly.
4. Heat Oil:
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In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
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Test with a thermometer or drop in a small piece of bread—it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Fillets:
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Fry catfish in batches, 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness, until golden brown and crispy.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan.
6. Drain & Serve:
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Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
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Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.
🍽️ Suggested Sides:
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Hush puppies
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Coleslaw
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French fries or baked potato
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Cornbread
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Pickled green tomatoes or cucumber salad
🔁 Tips:
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For extra crunch, double-dip: dredge in flour → buttermilk → cornmeal mixture.
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To keep fried fillets warm and crisp, place on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying the rest.
Would you like a spicy Cajun version, an oven-baked alternative, or air fryer instructions? Just let me know!
