Catfish fillets rubbed with a blackening seasoning and cooked in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Blackened Catfish
If you love well seasoned fish, you're gonna love this blackened catfish and it's made a little easier with the air fryer!
Usually when I blacken anything, it requires a screaming hot cast iron pan and that creates an intense amount of smoke, so for me, it's relegated to cooking outside on the grill. It works great, but the heat has really kept me from being able to do outdoor cooking in the summer.
This method provides a beautiful and flavorful blackening and it's done right in the air fryer on the kitchen counter and minus the smoke.
Here's what you'll need:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 to 6 catfish fillets (about 1 pound)
- 1 lemon
For the Blackening Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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We're using some of that beautiful Delacata catfish from Simmons. Y'all. You've heard me talk about this catfish before, but seriously it is perfection! These are a beautiful hand-trimmed prime cut of fish with a nice firm texture and gorgeous thick flakes and they are sweet and delicious!
I'm not financially affiliated with them in anyway. I'm just a customer! I've got 3 large fillets that I'm making here, which can be easily split in half lengthwise for 6 servings.
IMPORTANT! Individual air fryer brands differ in wattage and how they cook; monitor this dish the first time to adjust time as needed. Total time will also depend on size and thickness of fillets. Do not overcook!
Combine all of the blackening seasonings; set aside.
Lightly brush fish with melted butter.
Sprinkle seasoning on both sides of the fish and pat in, coating fish thoroughly.
Use a brush or oil sprayer to spread oil on both sides of the trays or inside the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and place seasoned fish on tray.
Preheat air fryer to 325 degrees F and set time for 15 minutes, adding fish when fryer has indicated it has reached temperature. Use a wide fish spatula to carefully turn fish over at the halfway mark, or if using an oven style fryer, swapping trays halfway.
Plate and drizzle with any leftover melted butter and fresh lemon juice and serve.
For more of my favorite air fryer recipes check out the collection on my Pinterest page!
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