If you love fish, then this air fryer catfish steak recipe is for you. It is super easy to make and one of the best ways to make crispy fried catfish!
I love to eat fish and catfish is one of my favorite types of seafood. Sometimes I bake a whole catfish in the oven, but sometimes I want something fried but don't want to use a deep fryer.
The air fryer is perfect for this recipe because it is so easy and convenient to use. The catfish ends up with a crispy exterior and loads of flavor and does not break apart. And best of all, it is ready in just 20 minutes, total time!
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What are catfish steaks?
Catfish steaks are a cut of catfish that includes the bone. For a steak, you cut through the flesh and bone of the fish. Each catfish steak has part of a major bone similar to a backbone, and smaller bones that resemble ribs.
I have eaten catfish steaks my entire life, and I actually prefer them to catfish fillets.
Equipment used
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You will need an air fryer, a pair of tongs, and a small mixing bowl for this recipe. The air fryer is one of the most convenient and hassle-free ways to fry catfish, as opposed to deep frying. There is less mess, and you don't have to deal with splatters.
You also use just a bit of olive oil instead of the quantity used when using a deep fryer.
Check out this list of the best affordable air fryers that will get the job done!
Ingredients Used
Bone-in catfish steaks: I used 2lbs of catfish steaks for this recipe which was about one large catfish. I like to buy fresh fish from an Asian, African, or Mexican fish market. They cut, gut, and clean the fish for me, which saves me a lot of time and energy. Most local grocery stores carry catfish fillets instead, but that's not what I used for this recipe.
Marinade: Olive oil, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
How to make crispy catfish steaks
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F. You can still preheat your air fryer even if it doesn't come with a 'Preheat' button. Just switch your air fryer on, then set it to 400F and let it heat for four to five minutes.
- Wash the fish under running water, then pat dry.
- Mix the oil and spices in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the marinade on the fish and rub it in.
- Place the fish pieces in the air fryer on a single layer.
- Air fry for 15 minutes till they're a nice golden brown color, flipping halfway gently with a pair of tongs.
How to fry catfish without an air fryer
You can make this fried catfish recipe on the stove if you don't have an air fryer.
- In a large skillet, add some olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice. You can use peanut oil or avocado oil.
- When the oil is heated, add the catfish steaks in a single layer.
- Let it fry for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat, frequently flipping to ensure all sides are immersed in the oil. Use a splatter screen to prevent burns.
- Take the fried fish out and place them on a plate with a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Storing and Reheating
You can store leftover air fryer catfish in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for three to four days for best results. Let it cool down to room temperature before you store it.
You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage. First, freeze the fried catfish on a baking sheet for about two hours. Then, remove them and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can also put them in an airtight container. This method will ensure the fish steaks don't stick together.
To defrost overnight, put the container in the refrigerator to defrost. You can reheat it in the microwave, but it might not retain its crisp exterior. My favorite way to reheat fried fish steaks is in the air fryer at 350F for five to seven minutes, flipping halfway.
What can I eat this recipe with?
This catfish dinner is so versatile and goes great with a side of salad or veggies.
Try it with steamed asparagus, crispy broccoli, collard greens, or a plate of these steamed mixed vegetables. You can also serve air fryer catfish steaks as a standalone meal and eat it with this African pepper sauce or your favorite hot sauce. So good!
Tips and variations
- If the fishy or muddy smell of catfish bothers you, rub a squeeze of lemon all over it and rinse properly to get rid of it.
- It's important to pat the fish dry after rinsing it out. This will allow it to crisp up nicely.
- Don't stack the steaks in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly.
- Mix it up by adding your favorite spices. You can add lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, or old bay seasoning. Add some lemon zest, lemon juice, or lemon wedges for a tangy taste.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, catfish steaks have bones. Each one has part of a major bone similar to a backbone, and smaller bones that resemble ribs.
Catfish fillets do not contain any bones. With fillets, you cut the fish to separate the flesh of the fish from the meat. You cut parallel to the backbone of the fish. With catfish steak, however, you cut the fish horizontally. This way, the steak includes bones.
Check out these other fish recipes!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Catfish Steaks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lb catfish steaks bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Wash and pat dry the fish.
- Mix the oil and spices in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the marinade on the fish and rub it in.
- Place them in the air fryer on a single layer.
- Air fry for 15mins, flipping halfway gently with a pair of tongs.
How to fry catfish without an air fryer
- In a large skillet, add some olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice. You can use peanut oil or avocado oil.
- When the oil is heated, add the catfish steaks in a single layer.
- Let it fry for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat, flipping frequently to make sure all sides are immersed in the oil.
- Take the fried catfish out and place them on a plate with a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Notes
- If the fishy or muddy smell of catfish bothers you, rub a squeeze of lemon all over it and rinse properly to get rid of it.
- It's important to pat the fish dry after rinsing it out. This will allow it to crisp up nicely.
- Don't stack the steaks in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly.
- Mix it up by adding your favorite spices. You can add some lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, or old bay seasoning. Add some lemon zest, lemon juice, or lemon wedges for a tangy taste.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
Hi! Do you have a recommended time to air-fry catfish from frozen sticks? Or should I cook this only from fresh?
Hi Angelica, I haven't tried it from frozen yet. I always thaw mine first.