Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Experience the crispiest, most flavorful catfish nuggets you've ever tasted! This recipe avoids that muddy restaurant taste, delivering juicy, tender catfish with a perfectly golden-brown, crunchy crust. A family favorite, these nuggets are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Skip the restaurant and make this unforgettable Southern classic at home!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 426.5 kcal
Protein 48g
Rating 4.4 (15 Reviews)
Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets

  • Catfish Nuggets
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • Salt And Pepper
  • 2 inches vegetable oil or enough for deep frying

How to Make Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets

  1. Pour 2 inches of oil into a large skillet (or use a deep fryer; a deep fryer is recommended for best results).
  2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat (or according to your deep fryer's instructions) until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A drop of batter should sizzle immediately.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk.
  4. Whisk until well combined.
  5. In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of your favorite Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  6. Gently rinse the catfish nuggets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  7. Dip each nugget into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the nugget in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  8. Carefully place the coated nuggets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer. Fry in batches if necessary.
  9. Fry for 3 minutes, then gently flip each nugget. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. If using a deep fryer, fry for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
  11. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

20g

Fat

12g

Carbs

20g