My fried catfish nuggets are crispy, easy to make, and well-seasoned. The cornmeal and flour make the perfect breading. No eggs! I promise these deep-fried seafood bombs will be sizzling in no time. Don’t forget to dip them in that tartar sauce for the ultimate flavor kicker!
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For all of my seafood lovers out there. If you want to experience my Southern roots, come on inside, my friends! I love to pair this delicious, whole catfish with fresh broccoli, honey cornbread, baked spaghetti, or even a fresh salad! Growing up, I hated catfish, but now I still do🤣 but my husband loves these little protein bites! I’m telling you, I fry them up perfectly for him. Golden brown, flaky, tender, and juicy every time. Just imagine these fried catfish nuggets with some good old sweet tea!
Reasons To Try fried catfish nuggets
Ingredients For Fried Catfish Nuggets
Cornmeal – The cornmeal makes a nice mixture to fry filets.
Flour- Used to help with the breading.
Vegetable Oil—Enough oil for frying. You don’t need a lot of hot oil. Depending on what you are cooking, you will only need 2 to 4 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- helps to coat the fish and give it a tangy taste.
Seasonings- black pepper, season salt, garlic powder, Old Bay, paprika, lemon wedges.
How To Make Catfish Nuggets
Cut your catfish into bite-sized pieces.
Next, add flour and seasoning to a bowl while seasoning your fish.
Preheat your deep fryer to 350 degrees and slowly dip the bites into the grease in batches. Don’t overcrowd the deep fryer or Dutch oven.
Once golden brown, remove and enjoy these crispy goodies with hot sauce or tarter.
Variations
Try adding a bit of spice by adding some Cajun seasoning. I have a recipe with Cajun fish that includes tilapia as well.
Soak the fish in eggs and milk before dipping them into the seasoned flour mixture. Will create an even thicker breading.
Switch up the seasonings. This will help you know exactly what you like, especially if you are a beginner. Try lemon pepper and spicy creole seasoning (make it Southern-style).
Expert Opinion
The best way to ensure your fish stays crispy is to try and enjoy it immediately.
Fried Catfish Nuggets
Ingredients
- 4 Catfish cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Cups Cornmeal
- 1 1/2 Cups Flour
- 3 Tablespoon Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Seasoning salt To your liking
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Paprika
- 3 Cups Vegetable Oil Enough to fry
- Tartar Sauce Dipping (Optional)
- Hot Sauce (Optional)
Flour Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Seasoning Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Clean your fish
- Preheat your oil to 350 Fahrenheit3 Cups Vegetable Oil
- Cut your catfish into bite-sized pieces and place into a bowl.4 Catfish
- Drizzle mustard over your catfish3 Tablespoon Mustard
- Season your catfish nuggets1 Tbsp Seasoning salt, 1 Tsp Black Pepper, 1 Tbsp Garlic powder, 1 Tbsp Paprika
- Take your hands and mix all of the seasonings up well.
- To a bowl add in your cornmeal, flour and seasonings. Mix together well2 Cups Cornmeal, 1 1/2 Cups Flour, 1 Tbsp Garlic powder, 1 Tbsp Paprika, 1 Teaspoon Seasoning Salt, 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- Coat catfish thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture.
- Add the catfish to the oil making sure not to overcrowd the pan
- Cook until golden brown
- Place on cooling rack for 5 minutes
- Enjoy with tarter sauce, lemon wedges, or hot sauceHot Sauce, Tartar Sauce
Sounds good. I’m not a fish person mbut my significant other is. So going to give a try. I’ll update later. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year