Catfish Nuggets Recipe: How to Make Baked Catfish Nuggets

Baked catfish is made by breading catfish pieces in cornmeal and herbs and spices, then baking them in the oven until golden. In place of cornmeal, you can use flour or panko breadcrumbs. Cut catfish fillets into bite-size pieces to make nuggets, and serve baked catfish nuggets as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of french fries. Tartar sauce and ketchup are popular dipping sauces for catfish nuggets.

Follow this easy recipe to make the best oven-baked catfish nuggets without the addition of all-purpose flour:

1. 1. Dry the fish. Pat the catfish fillets dry so the breading will adhere. If the fish is too wet, the cornmeal and seasonings won’t stick properly, and the flavor will end up on the bottom of the baking sheet. Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2. Prep the breading. In a shallow dish, combine finely ground cornmeal, herbs, and spices. In a second shallow dish, beat an egg. In a third dish, whisk together the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Working one at a time, coat the catfish nuggets in the cornstarch, then the egg, and finally in the cornmeal mixture. Experiment with different herbs and spices you enjoy in the cornmeal. Try herbs like dried oregano and spices like Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or onion powder. You can also add a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese to the breading for an umami flavor. (Once you’ve mastered the breading technique, you can mix it up with other fish, such as tilapia.)
3. 3. Bake the catfish. Spread the breaded fish nuggets in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy. You will know it’s cooked through when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Alternatively, you can cook the catfish nuggets in an air fryer according to manufacturer instructions.
4. 4. Serve with sauce. Serve the fish as a main dish with a side of french fries or grits. Serve the crispy catfish nuggets with tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping, or with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and your favorite spicy hot sauce.

You can serve catfish nuggets on their own, or try one of these additions to make the meal more substantial:

1. 1. French fries: It doesn’t get more classic than french fries and nuggets. For a fun spin, sprinkle the fries with Cajun spice.
2. 2. Dipping sauce: Make sure you have at least one dipping sauce for the crispy oven-fried catfish nuggets. Ketchup, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges (for squeezing) are classic options. You can also ttry other sauces like honey mustard, ranch, and garlic aioli.
3. 3. Macaroni and cheese: Rich and creamy macaroni and cheese goes well with nearly any Southern comfort food. You can make a stovetop version of mac and cheese while your catfish bakes in the oven.
4. 4. Coleslaw: While your catfish nuggets are in the oven, make a creamy coleslaw to serveas a side dish. A cool, tangy slaw will compliment the crunchy nuggets.