Air Fryer southern-style Cajun catfish - It's tender and flaky on the inside and the seasoned crispy outer crust locks in all of its moisture making this one of the best fish recipes you'll ever try!
Pat the catfish dry with a paper towel. Place it in a bowl. Then, in a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Drizzle and rub it on the catfish.
In a shallow dish, mix together yellow cornmeal, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each fish in the cornmeal mixture and press it on so that it sticks to the sides of the fish.
Open and spray the air fryer basket/tray with olive oil. Place the coated fish fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space in between. Spray the surface of the fish with olive oil. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Air fry for 14 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.
Open the air fryer basket and carefully flip the fish one more time. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes. Catfish is done when it is crispy and golden brown on the outside and opaque and flakey on the inside, or the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Helpful tips
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Do not use too much oil, or the fish will get soggy.