Crispy Homemade Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe / Family Favorite

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when crispy fried catfish nuggets hit the table, promising a mouthwatering adventure in every golden-brown bite.

These delectable morsels reimagine a humble fish into a culinary masterpiece that speaks to comfort and tradition.

Regional cooking techniques elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary, creating a sensory experience that connects food lovers to deep-rooted culinary heritage.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly fried, these nuggets deliver a satisfying crunch that resonates with anyone seeking genuine home-style cooking.

The magic happens when carefully selected spices merge with fresh catfish, promising a flavor profile that dances between robust and delicate.

Tender on the inside and irresistibly crisp on the outside, these nuggets represent more than just a meal—they embody a celebration of Southern hospitality.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fried Catfish Nuggets That Everyone Loves

• Savor Southern Comfort: These catfish nuggets capture the heart of classic Southern cuisine with their crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, bringing a taste of home-style cooking to your dinner table.
• Master Quick Weeknight Magic: Whip up these delightful nuggets in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Crunch: The versatile cornmeal coating allows for endless seasoning variations, letting you play with flavors and create a personalized twist on this Southern classic that keeps everyone excited about dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food: These bite-sized nuggets are ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, or as a kid-friendly option that transforms a simple fish dish into an interactive and enjoyable eating experience.

Ingredients for Crunchy Catfish Nuggets

• Catfish Fillets: Fresh white fish with mild flavor, best when locally sourced and cleaned thoroughly.

• Cornmeal, Flour: Classic Southern coating mixture for crispy exterior, stone-ground cornmeal provides extra texture and traditional Southern crunch.

• Seasoning Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Robust spice mix that enhances catfish flavor, adds warmth and depth to the coating.
• Mustard: Adds tangy undertone and helps seasoning adhere to fish.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point, perfect for deep frying and creating golden crispy nuggets.

• Tartar Sauce, Hot Sauce: Classic condiments that complement fried catfish, providing cool and spicy flavor options.

How to Make Bite-Sized Fried Catfish

Step 1: Clean And Slice Catfish

Wash catfish fillets under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized chunks. Transfer nuggets to a mixing bowl.

• Dijon mustard

Drizzle mustard over catfish pieces. Ensure each nugget is evenly coated.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Profile

Sprinkle seasonings over mustard-coated catfish.

• Seasoning salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Gently toss and massage seasonings into fish pieces.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating Mix

In a separate shallow dish, combine dry ingredients for crunchy exterior.

• Yellow cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Seasoning salt
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 4: Bread Catfish Nuggets

Roll each mustard-coated fish piece in cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure complete coverage. Shake off excess breading.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer. Pour vegetable oil. Heat to 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden

Carefully place breaded nuggets into hot oil. Avoid overcrowding pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side. Fish should turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 7: Drain And Rest

Transfer fried nuggets onto wire cooling rack. Allow excess oil to drip off. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate hot catfish nuggets. Accompany with classic dipping sauces like tartar sauce or spicy remoulade. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips to Keep Catfish Nuggets Juicy Inside

• Choose Fresh Catfish: Select firm, clean catfish fillets from a trusted seafood market for the best flavor and texture.
• Enhance Mustard Marinade: Let catfish soak in mustard for 15 minutes before coating to boost tenderness and add extra zest.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil, preventing soggy or burnt nuggets.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep coating crispy and prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Customize your cornmeal mixture by adding cayenne, dried herbs, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.

Store Catfish Nuggets the Easy Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover catfish nuggets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled nuggets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating: Warm nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, placing them on a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy coating.

What Dips and Sides Go with Catfish Nuggets

• Crisp Up with Cool Dips: Pair these golden catfish nuggets with tangy homemade tartar sauce, zesty remoulade, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an explosive flavor combination that balances the crispy exterior.
• Southern Comfort Beverages: Crack open a cold light beer like Budweiser or a crisp pilsner that cuts through the richness, or enjoy a sweet tea with a hint of lemon to complement the fish's savory notes.
• Bright Side Salads: Create a refreshing coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing or a cucumber-tomato salad that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, crispy catfish nuggets, adding a perfect textural balance to your meal.
• Quick Pickle Punch: Serve quick-pickled vegetables like jalapeños, okra, or red onions on the side to add a sharp, acidic element that brightens the deep-fried nuggets and cleanses the palate between bites.

Try These Versions of Catfish Nuggets

• Spicy Cajun Nuggets: Amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal coating. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• Herb-Crusted Catfish Bites: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley into the cornmeal mixture. These aromatic nuggets bring a fresh, garden-inspired taste to the classic recipe.
• Crispy Beer-Battered Version: Replace some of the flour with beer in the coating for a lighter, crispier texture. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the catfish perfectly.
• Air Fryer Health Option: Transform the recipe for a lighter approach by using an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Spray the nuggets lightly with cooking oil to achieve a crispy exterior while reducing overall oil content.

Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern fried catfish nuggets deliver a golden crunch straight from Louisiana’s culinary heart. Home cooks can easily craft these irresistible morsels with simple seasonings and a perfect cornmeal coating that promises pure Southern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons mustard
• 3 cups vegetable oil

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Tartar sauce
• Hot sauce

Flour Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Carefully clean catfish fillets and slice into uniform bite-sized chunks, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Generously drizzle mustard over the fish nuggets, creating a tangy base layer that helps seasonings adhere and enhances flavor.
3. Sprinkle seasoning salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and vibrant paprika across the fish pieces, massaging the spices thoroughly to coat each morsel completely.
4. Craft a crispy coating by whisking cornmeal, flour, and complementary spices in a wide, shallow dish, creating a textured breading mixture.
5. Methodically dredge each mustard-coated fish nugget through the seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coverage.
6. Preheat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to precisely 350°F, creating an ideal frying environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Carefully lower seasoned nuggets into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
8. Fry the nuggets for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an uniform, rich golden-brown crust and ensure thorough internal cooking.
9. Transfer the crispy nuggets to a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the coating’s crispness.
10. Serve immediately alongside zesty tartar sauce, fiery hot sauce, or fresh lemon wedges for a delightful Southern-style seafood experience.

Notes

• Transforming catfish into crispy, golden nuggets starts with a mustard bath that locks in moisture and adds tangy flavor.
• Seasoning blend combines classic Southern spices, creating a bold coating that elevates simple fish to a crave-worthy snack.
• Cornmeal crusting technique ensures each nugget develops a satisfying crunch, making these bites irresistible for seafood lovers and picky eaters alike.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg