I love how effortlessly this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy fried-style catfish without deep frying. The air fryer delivers that crispy texture I crave, and the Cajun seasoning brings a bold, smoky, slightly spicy flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, the homemade tartar sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish that makes every bite even better.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cajun Seasoning: smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder dried oregano salt black pepper cayenne pepper (I adjust to taste)
Hot Tartar Sauce: mayonnaise relish hot sauce lemon juice
Catfish Strips: fresh catfish fillet cooking oil (I use avocado oil) Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Directions
First, I make the Cajun seasoning by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This blend gives the fish its bold Southern flavor, though I sometimes use store-bought Cajun seasoning if I’m in a hurry.
Next, I slice the catfish fillets into strips and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and gives me that crispy finish once they’re cooked.
I brush each strip with cooking oil, making sure all sides are coated. Then I toss them in a large bowl with about a tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until they’re evenly covered.
I lay the strips on my air fryer tray and cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Depending on the size of the air fryer, I sometimes cook them in batches. I check for doneness by looking for a golden, crispy exterior and a white, flaky interior.
While the fish is cooking, I mix up the hot tartar sauce—just mayonnaise, relish, a couple dashes of hot sauce, and a splash of lemon juice.
Once the catfish strips are done, I gently transfer them to a plate (they’re delicate and can fall apart easily), and serve with the spicy tartar sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I change things up by using different proteins—tilapia or cod strips also work well with this Cajun seasoning. If I want it extra crispy, I’ll dredge the catfish in a light cornmeal or almond flour coating before air frying. For a milder version, I cut back on the cayenne pepper. And if I don’t have relish on hand, I swap in chopped pickles for the tartar sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop the strips back in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to bring back some of that crispiness. I avoid using the microwave since it makes them soft.
FAQs
How do I know when the catfish is done cooking?
I look for a golden-brown crust and check that the inside is white and flaky. The fish should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork.
Can I use frozen catfish fillets?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying to avoid excess moisture.
What’s a good substitute for catfish?
Tilapia, cod, or haddock work well as substitutes. They all hold up nicely in the air fryer and soak up the Cajun flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a kick, but I adjust the heat by using less cayenne pepper if I want it milder. The tartar sauce also helps cool down the spice.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, I can bake the catfish strips in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cajun Southern Catfish Strips are one of my favorite quick meals when I want something satisfying and packed with flavor. The air fryer makes cleanup easy, the seasoning is bold and savory, and the whole dish comes together fast. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe never lets me down.
Crispy, golden, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this easy air fryer catfish recipe brings a Southern classic to your kitchen in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
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)
Hot Tarter Sauce
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp relish
2 dashes hot sauce
1/4 tsp lemon juice
Catfish Strips
1 lb fresh catfish fillet
2 tbsp cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
Make Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, use 1 tbsp of store-bought Cajun seasoning.
Prep Catfish: Cut the catfish fillets into strips and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Oil & Season: Brush the catfish strips with cooking oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the strips and mix to coat all sides.
Air Fry: Arrange the strips on your air fryer tray. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and flaky inside.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, relish, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Serve with catfish strips.
Notes
For best texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
