Name: Easy Air Fryer Cajun Southern Catfish Strips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/3 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/3 tsp salt; 1/3 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tsp relish; 2 dashes hot sauce; 1/4 tsp lemon juice; 1 lb fresh catfish fillet; 2 tbsp cooking oil (I used avocado oil); 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

This delicious air fryer catfish strips recipe is made with simple ingredients and is seasoned with Cajun flavor. It has a crispy crust and tender center. It’s coated in just a bit of oil and is ready in 15 minutes for a quick weeknight fish main dish or appetizer. This recipe is low carb, Keto friendly and gluten free as well!

Air Fryer Catfish Strips

Air Fryer Catfish Recipes

In my family, we’re trying to eat more white fish! It’s healthy and a great way, to eat a low carb diet. We love my homemade crab cakes!

I like to mix things up at my house and through in a new recipe every other week to make things interesting and fun. I’m that kind of mom! I don’t find that fresh catfish has a fishy flavor so I was very pleased with the results of the basic recipe.

We’re so used to eating pasta dishes because my boys love it and we are Italian after all, that I don’t get to make enough fish that they may roll their eyes about. They’re still young, but, they did not grow up on dinosaur chicken nuggets.

Air frying gives the catfish a crispy crust with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this dish lighter but just as satisfying.

The Cajun seasoning provides bold heat, while the homemade tartar sauce cools things down with creamy, tangy goodness—plus a bit of extra spice from the hot sauce if you can handle the heat that is. There’s a wink inserted here.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.

Alternatively, you can use Old Bay Seasoning for this recipe if that’s your preference.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, seafood appetizer or something special for the weekend, these Cajun Catfish Strips will quickly become a favorite in your family!

Where to find catfish filets

You can usually find catfish filets at your local grocery store. However, a fish monger is surely to have it when they’re in season. I used wild caught catfish filets for this recipe.

Air Fryer Catfish Strips

I love using my air fryer to cut down on fat and calories that my body just doesn’t need without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it has a shorter cooking time than using my conventional oven. It’s a win/win for my family of four.

As I’ve mentioned above, you only need a few simple ingredients to make this yummy catfish recipe: catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning and cooking oil. I like to use EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) or avocado oil because it’s healthy and tasteless so it won’t hinder the taste of the the Cajun seasoning.

If you have a little extra time, make the homemade Cajun seasoning recipe I’ve included. It adds a little more freshness and perfect flavor to the catfish. See more easy air fryer recipes below.

Crispy Cajun Catfish Strips in the Air Fryer with Homemade Hot Tartar Sauce

If you’re craving crispy, flavorful seafood without the hassle of frying in oil, this Cajun Catfish Strips recipe is the perfect solution. Made with fresh catfish and coated in a zesty homemade Cajun seasoning, these air-fried strips are full of flavor but lighter than the traditional fried version. Pair them with a creamy, spicy homemade hot tartar sauce, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic dish for a quick dinner, game day, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

fresh catfish fillets
olive oil or avocado oil
Cajun seasoning (homemade seasoning recipe below)
olive oil spray to coat the tray

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Ingredients

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

smoked paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
dried oregano
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
salt

Hot Tartar Sauce Ingredients

mayonnaise
relish
hot sauce
lemon juice
garlic powder
onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions Summary

*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

First, add to a small bowl: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. This homemade blend will give the catfish a bold and spicy flavor.

Next, cut the catfish fillets into strips as shown.

Next, pat the catfish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispiness.

Then, brush the catfish strips with oil being sure to cover all sides.

Next, put the catfish strips in a large bowl and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the fish, making sure each strip is well-coated.

Then, place the seasoned catfish strips on the air fryer tray and place the tray in your air fryer.

Then, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or so. Air fryer cooking times vary based on the volume of your air fryer and brand.

Also, depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the catfish strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

The fish should be flaky and cooked through by the end. It inside of the fish will turn white and opaque. Use a spatula and be careful moving it onto your plate as it may fall apart.

How to Make the Hot Tartar Sauce

While the catfish strips are cooking, prepare the hot tartar sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, relish,, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, . onion powder Stir until well mixed.

Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the tartar sauce in the fridge until ready to serve.

Air Fryer Catfish Strips

Once the catfish strips are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Serve alongside the homemade hot tartar sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

These Cajun Catfish Strips are versatile and pair well with various sides and dishes. Here are some ideas.

Fish Tacos: Add the Cajun catfish strips into tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of the hot tartar sauce to create flavorful fish tacos.
Classic Sides: Serve the catfish strips with a side of French fries, dill potato salad, coleslaw, or homemade cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast.
Salad: For a lighter option, pair the crispy strips with a green salad, a tangy broccoli slaw or coleslaw to keep it low carb.
Serve alongside vegetables like my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Green Beans or rice for a balanced meal.
Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Sandwiches: Turn these crispy strips into a sandwich by layering them on a grilled bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a delicious fish po’boy-style sandwich.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Fresh fish doesn’t last long so don’t forget about it.

This is an easy air fryer catfish recipe your family will love to sit down to. It may remind of you a Louisiana fish fry without the added fat and calories. Use this recipe to make a delicious dinner tonight for your family! This may just become on of your favorite recipes!

Easy Air Fryer Cajun Southern Catfish Strips Recipe