Description
Crispy, golden-brown Cajun Catfish Nuggets bursting with bold Southern spices and tender, flaky catfish inside. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
Ingredients
- Catfish Fillets: 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1.5 cups
- Cornmeal: 0.5 cup
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 0.5 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Set up your dredging station with both bowls and a wire rack for draining. Line a baking sheet underneath to catch any mess.
- Assemble the Dish: Dip each catfish nugget into buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the process.
- Cook to Perfection: Carefully lower nuggets into hot oil in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Finishing Touches: Transfer nuggets to a wire rack. Let cool slightly and sprinkle with a touch of salt if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, remoulade, or even honey mustard.
Notes
- Double dredging gives you a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Letting nuggets rest before frying helps the coating stay intact.
- Use a meat thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to preserve crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun catfish, fried fish nuggets, Southern seafood, spicy catfish, easy fish bites