Crispy Southern Fried Catfish

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🐟 Crispy Southern Fried Catfish

Classic Buttermilk Cornmeal Fried Catfish Recipe

This Southern fried catfish recipe features tender catfish fillets soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned cornmeal, and fried to crispy golden perfection. It’s a classic comfort food that’s crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside — perfect for family dinners, fish fries, or weekend gatherings.

📝 Ingredients

  • Catfish fillets, cut into medium pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

👩‍🍳 How to Make Southern Fried Catfish

Step 1: Soak the Catfish

Place catfish fillets in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them.
Let soak for 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

👉 This helps tenderize the fish and removes any muddy flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornmeal Coating

In a shallow dish, combine:

  • Yellow cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper

Mix well to evenly distribute spices.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or cast iron pan (about 2–3 inches deep).
Heat to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Dredge the Fish

Remove catfish from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned cornmeal mixture.
Press lightly so the coating sticks well.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully place coated fillets into hot oil.
Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until:

✔ Golden brown
✔ Crispy exterior
✔ Internal temperature reaches 145°F

Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Drain & Serve

Remove fried catfish and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Fried Catfish

  • Use fresh U.S. farm-raised catfish for best flavor.
  • Let coated fish rest 5 minutes before frying for extra crispiness.
  • Maintain oil temperature for crunchy results.
  • Add hot sauce to the buttermilk for spicy Southern-style catfish.

🍽 What to Serve with Fried Catfish

  • Coleslaw
  • Hush puppies
  • French fries
  • Mac and cheese
  • Collard greens
  • Tartar sauce or remoulade

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Southern comfort food
✔ Crispy cornmeal crust
✔ Simple pantry ingredients
✔ Perfect for fish fry nights
✔ Family-friendly dinner recipe

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