Crispy Southern Fried Catfish 🐟✨

 

Fried catfish is a classic comfort food loved for its crispy golden crust and tender, flaky fish inside. This Southern-style favorite is known for its perfectly seasoned coating that delivers a delicious crunch with every bite. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together fresh fish and bold seasoning, making it a popular choice for family meals, gatherings, and weekend dinners.

One of the reasons fried catfish is so popular is its perfect balance of texture and taste. The fish remains juicy and soft on the inside while the outer coating becomes wonderfully crispy and full of flavor. It pairs beautifully with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, or fries, turning it into a complete and satisfying meal that appeals to both seafood lovers and comfort food fans.

This recipe is easy to prepare using basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks who want to recreate a restaurant-quality dish in their own kitchen. Whether you are preparing it for a special occasion or a simple homemade dinner, fried catfish is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavor and irresistible crunch.

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish 🐟✨

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Ingredients

✅ 4 catfish fillets
✅ 1 cup cornmeal
✅ ½ cup all-purpose flour
✅ 1 teaspoon paprika
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✅ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
✅ Salt and black pepper to taste
✅ 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
✅ Vegetable oil for frying
✅ Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the fish
Rinse catfish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.

2️⃣ Soak the fish
Place the fillets in buttermilk and let them soak for about 15–20 minutes. This helps tenderize the fish and adds flavor.

3️⃣ Prepare coating mixture
In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

4️⃣ Coat the fish
Remove fish from buttermilk and coat each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

5️⃣ Heat the oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat (about 175°C / 350°F).

6️⃣ Fry the catfish
Carefully place fillets into hot oil. Fry for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

7️⃣ Drain and serve
Remove fish and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

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