The Best Fried Catfish Nuggets

Fried catfish nuggets.You’re in for a treat with this Southern staple – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to dive into a plate of golden-fried catfish nuggets that will leave you feeling satisfied and begging for more. Whether you’re a die-hard seafood lover or a newcomer to the game, these bite-sized nuggets are irresistible and perfect for any occasion. So get your dipping sauce ready, and let’s dig in to some finger-lickin’ good fried catfish fillets made into nuggets!

What Are Catfish Nuggets?

Catfish nuggets are a Southern delicacy that has been a favorite in the United States for many years. They are made from pieces of breaded catfish meat and fried until golden brown. These finger foods are often served with tartar sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of flavor. The cooking time for these nuggets is quick and easy, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights. Some people even compare these nuggets to chicken nuggets in terms of their crispy exterior and juicy interior. Onion powder is often added to the breading mixture to give them an extra flavor kick. So the next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer, try catfish nuggets?]!

Ingredients for fried catfish nuggets

Your taste buds are in for a treat with this delicious meal for catfish nuggets! Start by going to your local grocery store to gather ingredients like Italian seasonings and lemon wedges. A medium-sized bowl is needed for this flaky catfish recipe.

Cornmeal – The cornmeal makes a nice cornmeal mixture to fry the catfish filets in.

Flour- 2 Cup flour is all you will need to fry this type of fish. Fried catfish nuggets don’t need much flour to fry.

Vegetable Oil- Enough oil for frying. You don’t need a lot of hot oil. I would say you will only need 2 cups. The key to tender fish is to make sure the oil is at 350 degrees f before placing it in catfish for best results.

Mustard-  The best way to make this catfish nuggets recipe is using mustard. This helps with the coating of the fish.

Seasonings- black pepper, season salt, garlic powder, old Bay, paprika, lemon wedges.

Full list of ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How To Make Catfish Nuggets

To begin, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and tools, such as black pepper for a touch of spice, a dredging station to ensure that the nuggets are coated evenly, a cast iron skillet or deep fryer, room temperature catfish nuggets, a wire rack to cool the cooked nuggets, and a second bowl for transferring the nuggets to after frying. Despite its reputation as a messy cooking technique, deep frying can be a breeze with the right equipment and preparation. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for the deep, delicious flavor that takes 15-20 minutes tops to prepare one easy dinner!

1. Clean your fish and preheat your oil to a medium-high heat 350 degrees F.

2. Cut them into bite sized pieces  and please be gentle because fish has a delicate texture. Drizzle mustard over your catfish and season well with the seasonings listed above. Take your hands and mix all of the seasonings up well.

5. To a bowl, add in your cornmeal, flour and seasonings. Mix together well. Coat your catfish thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture.

7. Add the catfish to the oil making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown, grab a small bowl and line with paper towels. Allow the oil from the fried nuggets to drain for 2-3 minutes.

9. Don’t forget to serve up your favorite sauces with your fried catfish, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for an even more epic taste experience!

Variations/Different Way

Any Fish- Remember this method can be used when frying all types of fish.

Seasonings- Try switching the seasonings up with creole seasoning, cajun seasoning, and old bay.

Air Fryer- You can also air fry these catfish nuggets. Simply place in an air fryer basket for 8 minutes, open the air fryer and spray the catfish with cooking spray and place catfish back into the air fryer for another 5 minutes are until done. There you have it air fryer catfish nuggets.

Baked Catfish nuggets- This is the healthier way of making catfish without all the fatty acids.

Side Dishes To Enjoy With Catfish Nuggets

• Hush Puppies
• Remoulade sauce
• Air fryer broccoli

Faqs/Questions

How long to fry catfish nuggets?

Frying catfish can be one of the easiest things you can do. It doesn’t take long at all when frying any type of fish. The cooking time is simple to follow when using the deep-fried method I used. To make these fried catfish nuggets, you will only need to leave them in the grease for about 3 to 4 minutes. To tell that catfish is fried, ensure the middle is white and no longer translucent. The fish should look flaky inside when opened. 

Why do I use mustard to coat my catfish nuggets?

Would you believe me if I told you that adding mustard to this catfish recipe would make the fish tender? Yep, your fish will melt in your mouth. Another good reason for using mustard on fish is to ensure the breading sticks well to the fish. In addition, I want to reassure you that you will not taste the mustard in this fried catfish nuggets recipe. So, no worries there, my friends.

What do catfish taste like?

Catfish have delicate, sweet, white flesh with a slightly firm and flaky texture. The flavor of the fish depends on its size and breed, the type of water it hails from, and how it is cooked. Some describe catfish flavor profile as subtle and earthy, while others have compare it to chicken or cod. This popular freshwate fish can be used in various cuisines for its mild taste and flavor

What pairs well with Southern fried catfish?

When serving this fried catfish nuggets, I will definitely pair it with spaghetti. I know you probably like spaghetti. Yes, that’s exactly right. You should try grits if you don’t want spaghetti with this recipe. Another one of my absolute favorite things to eat with any fried food is my honey cornbread. Also, you can have these fried catfish nuggets with plain white rice. There you have a few good sides to have with your fish.

Can you store and reheat fried catfish?

Next day, fried catfish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but after that, I would consider throwing things away. I wouldn’t suggest freezing fried catfish nuggets, but that’s definitely an option if you want to keep your fish fresh for a little bit long. When freezing this catfish, ensure it’s in an airtight, like a ziplock bag. Now, let’s get to the reheating part. I like to wrap my fried catfish nuggets in a piece of aluminum foil. I then preheat my oven to 350 degrees. Once I have done so, I place the catfish in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take it out and you have some crispy fish. 

Here are some more seafood recipes  

The recipes I list here are easy and taste really well, just as this fried catfish.

Cajun Lobster tails

Cajun Shrimp 

Seafood boil

Shrimp and grits