Southern Fried Catfish (2024)

This fried catfish is crispy on the outside with a breading that is seasoned to perfection.

The outside might be crisp, but the fish is tender and flaky on the inside!

This is the southern-style fried catfish. It is a delicious addition to any meal. Make it a full southern dinner with a side of hush puppies and fried green tomatoes or keep it simple with some french fries (chips). The southern recipes is sure to be a hit from the well-breaded fish to the flakey meat inside.

What Is Fried Catfish?

Catfish is a type of fish often caught in rivers and small lakes by novice and experienced fishermen which makes it a summer favorite in many homes as people bring home their catches. You can also simply opt to buy it prepared from a grocery store if fishing isn’t your thing.

This catfish is breaded in a seasoned batter and then fried in a pot of boiling oil for a perfectly cooked fillet of fish packed with flavor and crunchy texture in every bite. You’re going to love this ultimate southern fried catfish recipe!

Ingredients

• Catfish Fillets
• All-Purpose Flour
• Buttermilk
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Cornmeal
• Oil for frying
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How To Make Fried Catfish Fillets

1. Place vegetable oil in a deep skillet and allow that to heat up. Ultimately you want your oil temperature to be 350-375 degrees.
2. Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl.
3. For the cornmeal breading, combine the cornmeal, flour, and Old Bay Seasoning in another shallow bowl.
4. Working with one fillet at a time, soak catfish in buttermilk, dredge the soggy fish in the flour mixture and fry fillets for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Turn your fish and fry the second side until it is also golden brown.
6. Drain your deep-fried fish on a baking sheet covered in paper towels.

Recipe Tips

• If you do not have buttermilk (I rarely do) place 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup and add enough regular milk to yield 1 cup. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
• Adjust the amount of Old Bay Seasoning to your taste. You can also whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes for a more seasoned cornmeal mixture.
• As you add fish to your hot oil, make sure you avoid overcrowding your pan. Only add a few fillets at a time. Overcrowding will cause the oil temperature to go down, which will require you to fry your fish longer.
• Allow your fish to drain before serving. I recommend placing them on a plate of paper towels or a wire rack above a baking sheet.

FAQs

What Is The Best Oil To Fry Catfish In?

You can fry your fish in any oil of choice, but the most beloved oil for frying fish is to use peanut oil. The next two big options would be to use Crisco or lard. That said, it’s much more likely that you have canola oil on hand, and you can use that if desired. You don’t need a deep fryer for this recipe because any deep sided pot or dutch oven could work well.

Why Is My Fried Catfish Mushy?

The oil temperature has the biggest influence on the outcome of your catfish. If you add your fish to the oil before it has had time to come to temperature, then the breading on your fish will absorb all the oil.

To get that golden nice and crispy fish, it is imperative that your oil is at the correct temperature. Using a cooking thermometer is the best way to ensure the correct temperature. Also make sure that your catfish has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F before consuming.

What To Serve With This Southern Fried Catfish

Hot sauce for starters! Other side ideas are tartar sauce and these recipes:

• Baked Catfish Bites
• Baked Cod
• Grilled Tilapia