Crispy Southern Fried Catfish (Golden, Flaky & Full of Flavor!)

 

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish (Golden, Flaky & Full of Flavor!)

Few things say Southern comfort food like a plate of crispy fried catfish. Golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside, this dish delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you grew up eating it at family fish fries or are trying it for the first time, homemade fried catfish is simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

All you need are a few pantry staples — cornmeal, seasonings, and fresh catfish fillets — to recreate that authentic Southern flavor. Serve it hot with coleslaw, hush puppies, or fries, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will crave.

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🧺 Ingredients:

• 4 fresh catfish fillets

• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• Vegetable oil for frying

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Catfish:
   Rinse fillets and pat dry. Soak in buttermilk for 20–30 minutes — this tenderizes the fish and adds mild flavor.

2. Mix the Coating:
   Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne in a shallow bowl.

3. Dredge:
   Remove fillets from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture.

4. Fry:
   Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry catfish for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.

5. Drain & Serve:
   Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.

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💡 Tips for the Best Fried Catfish:

• Use fresh catfish when possible — it cooks more evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.

• For extra crunch, mix a little panko or crushed crackers into the coating.

• Keep cooked fillets warm in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.

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🍋 Serving Suggestions:

Serve fried catfish with:

• Coleslaw or potato salad

• Cornbread or hush puppies

• Pickles and lemon wedges

• A drizzle of Cajun remoulade or tartar sauce