Catfish Nuggets

These Catfish Nuggets are so crispy and well seasoned that I’ve taken to calling them my “ultimate catfish bombs”! I dunk these babies in a mix of hot sauce and eggs, roll ’em around in a cornmeal mix that’s packed with flavors, and then fry ’em up to golden perfection. It only takes about 10 minutes to get them ready before they’re sizzling away, y’all! And the tartar sauce for dipping? It’s so tangy and good, it’ll make it hard for you to stop at just one nugget.

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I’m a seafood fanatic, baby!! There’s hardly a dish from the sea I haven’t tried or loved. But with my Southern roots tugging at my heart, catfish always finds its way back onto my plate. I’ve cooked it every which way – stewed, blackened, even grilled with a splash of pineapple honey bourbon. And fried catfish? Well, that’s a classic. But it was only natural that I’d eventually share my special twist on a childhood favorite: my catfish nuggets recipe.

Growing up, these nuggets weren’t just a snack – they were often the whole meal for me. I was HOOKED on their perfect crispy exterior and the tender, flavorful inside that just melted in ya mouth. As I’ve grown, so has my love for adding a little extra kick to the mix. A dash of paprika here, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper there, and you’ve got a recipe that’s not just tasty, but absolutely memorable!

The Heart & Soul Of Catfish Nuggets

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American baby!
Primary Cooking Method: Frying
Dietary Info: Pescatarian
Key Flavor: Savory, slightly spicy fish with a hint of garlic
Skill Level: Beginner!

Sweet Spots

• Easy on the Wallet: Y’know what’s awesome about catfish? It’s super affordable! Perfect for those nights when you wanna whip up something scrumptious without emptying your pockets.
• Picky Eaters Approved: Let’s be honest, anything labeled as “nugget” is bound to be a winner with the little ones. They really are a fun way to introduce seafood to picky eaters, making mealtime both enjoyable and nutritious.
• That Crunch Though: Ok so here’s the best part – the crunch. These nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and the seasoning? Oh, it’s just right!
• Whip ‘Em Up Quick: If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for recipes that are fast but don’t skimp on flavor. Well, these catfish nuggets are the answer! They’re ready before you know it, making them perfect for those “oops, what’s for dinner?” moments.
• Serve It Your Way: These fried catfish nuggets are super versatile. Dip ’em, dress ’em up in a salad, or just enjoy them as they are. They’re great for a casual family dinner, a fun snack for your next movie night, or even packed up for a picnic.

Ingredients To Make Catfish Nuggets

For The Coating

• Fine Cornmeal & All-Purpose Flour: The dynamic duo for that perfectly golden crispy exterior! Gluten-free flour works great too.
• Spices: Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll need kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Feel free to adjust these to your taste or swap out spices based on what you’ve got in your pantry. The goal is flavor, so make it your own!

For The Wet Mixture

• Large Eggs: Our glue for the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Use your favorite kind to spice things up!

For Frying

• Neutral Oil: Enough to fill your frying vessel (like a Dutch oven) about 4 inches deep. Canola or vegetable oil are my go-tos for their high smoke points and neutral flavor.
• Catfish Nuggets: If you can’t find pre-cut nuggets, grabbing a whole catfish filet and cutting it into 2-inch pieces works just fine. And if this is your first time trying catfish, don’t sweat the fishy smell – catfish is surprisingly mild!

For The Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise: The base for this tangy and delicious dip.
• Crunch and Flavor: Finely diced dill pickles, minced shallots, capers, and fresh dill. These bits add texture and bursts of flavor.
• Seasoning: Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of kosher salt to bring it all together. Adjust these to taste, and if you’re out of fresh dill, a little dried dill weed can pinch-hit in a pinch.

How To Make Catfish Nuggets

Step 1: Prep The Dry and Wet Coating Mixtures

1. Add the coating ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together until evenly mixed and set aside.
3. Add eggs and hot sauce to a medium bowl.
4. Whisk until evenly mixed and set aside.

Step 2: Coat The Nuggets And Fry Them

1. Dip 5 or 6 catfish pieces at a time into the egg mixture.
2. Set the nuggets in the bowl of coating ingredients and cover them evenly.
3. Shake off excess coating, and carefully lower pieces into hot oil.
4. Cook until the coating is golden brown. Then, remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Allow the oil to reheat to 360F and continue cooking the remaining batches of fish.

Step 3: Mix The Tartar Sauce And Serve The Nuggets

1. Add all the tartar sauce ingredients to a small bowl.
2. Stir together. Cover and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Serve the nuggets with tartar sauce, and enjoy!

Tips for Making The Best Fried Catfish Nuggets

1. Give the Nuggets Some Space: When you’re frying up these bad boys, remember to work in small batches. Crowding can lead to a big ol’ sticky mess, and we want each piece to be individually crispy and perfect.
2. Keep an Eye on That Oil: Keep your oil from getting too hot – anything above 375F and you’re in the danger zone. Too hot, and your deep fried catfish nuggets might burn instead of gettin’ that golden, crispy outside we’re aiming for. A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend here!
3. Aim for Uniform Nuggets: If you’re starting with whole catfish filets and cutting them into nuggets, aim for each piece to be the same size. This ensures they all cook evenly, so every bite is just as yummy as the last.
4. Reheat the Oil: After each batch, give your oil a moment to bounce back to the right temp before adding the next batch. This little pause is crucial so your nuggets don’t end up soggy!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Switch Up the Oil: Why not give avocado oil or peanut oil a whirl? Both oils have high smoke points, making them perfect for frying, and they’ll add a subtle, unique flavor to your nuggets.
• Buttermilk Magic: Try marinating your catfish pieces in milk for about 30 minutes before you start frying. This soak not only helps tenderize the fish but also adds a hint of sweetness that’ll shine through in the final nuggets. Just remember to pat ’em dry before dipping into the egg mixture!
• Swap the Fish: Got a freezer stash of other white fish filets? Use them! This catfish nuggets recipe is just as tasty with tilapia, cod, or haddock.
• Use Different Spices: Feel free to swap or remove some of the spices based on your preference or pantry stock. Not a fan of heat? Dial back the cayenne pepper. Love garlic? Throw a bit more garlic powder in there. It’s all about making the recipe work for you and your taste bud!

What To Serve With Crispy Catfish Nuggets

• Every nugget deserves its perfect match in the world of sauces and dips! You can try a classic remoulade sauce. Or, if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more zing, a tangy BBQ sauce or a vibrant salsa verde can really kick things up a notch.
• When it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless. Keep it classic with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and Southern hush puppies, or shake things up with some fried green tomatoes. Maybe a heaping serving of coleslaw on the side? Yea, please!
• Get creative and roll those nuggets into a hearty wrap or stuff them into tacos for a fun, hands-on meal. It’s a fantastic way to bring new life to leftovers.
• And let’s not forget the simplest but tastiest pairing of all: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right on top. Seafood and citrus are the best match ever, y’all!

How To Store & Reheat Catfish Nuggets

You’ve got leftovers?! Wish I had that self-control! To store, just pop them in an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. Make sure they’ve cooled down to room temperature first, so there’s no unwanted moisture in the container.

When you’re ready to bring those nuggets back to life, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 400°F and heat the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes. No air fryer? You can also use the oven. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and reheat at the same temperature until they’re warm and crispy again.

How Long Will Catfish Nuggets Last In The Fridge?

These crispy catfish nuggets stay good for up to 3 days. Remember, the sooner you enjoy them, the better they’ll taste!

Can I Freeze Deep Fried Catfish Nuggets?

Yup! Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep like this for up to 2 months. You can reheat them directly from frozen using the air fryer or oven method mentioned above. No need to thaw, just give ’em a couple extra minutes to get crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

These Catfish Nuggets are SO simple to make and ridiculously hard to resist! Really, in no time, you can get yourself a batch of the crunchiest, most flavorful bites you could dream of – perfect for a quick dinner or a lazy weekend snack. Just pair ’em with the tangy, rich, and equally easy-to-make tartar sauce, and enjoy!

More Fried Seafood Recipes

• Fried Catfish
• Fish Sticks Recipe
• Fried Shrimp Recipe (How To Fry Shrimp)
• THE BEST Fish And Chips Recipe (Video)
• Oven Fried Fish

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