This easy crunchy fried catfish recipe is a game-changer for anyone following the carnivore diet. If you’ve been craving the satisfying crunch of fried fish but thought it was off-limits, think again.
With just a few simple ingredients and some clever substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your carnivore lifestyle.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these crispy catfish fillets in no time. The key is using ground pork rinds as a coating instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
Not only does this keep the recipe carnivore-friendly, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for more.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Crispy Coating – The combination of ground pork rinds and egg creates a wonderfully crispy coating for the catfish fillets. The pork rinds provide a satisfying crunch with every bite, making this dish a true pleasure to eat.
Quick and Easy Preparation- This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Packed with Protein- Catfish is an excellent source of protein. The pork rinds used in the coating also contribute to the protein content, ensuring that you feel satisfied and energized after enjoying this meal.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- Catfish Fillets
- 1 Egg (large)
- Pork Rinds
- Cajun seasoning – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
- Garlic powder – to taste(optional – omit for strict carnivore)
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Grind the pork rinds in a food processor until they become a fine powder.
Step 2
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
Step 3
Season the fillets with the seasonings.
Step 4
In a bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate bowl, place the ground pork rinds. Dip each fish fillet in the whisked egg, then coat it with the ground pork rinds.
Step 5
Place the coated fillets in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue air frying for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
💡Tips
1. Cooking Temperature and Time
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure that it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the catfish fillets. Cooking at a high temperature helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky.
Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets. For thinner fillets, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking, while thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes.
2. Choosing the Best Catfish Fillets
When selecting catfish fillets for this recipe, opt for fresh, firm, and odorless fillets. Look for fillets with a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. If using frozen fillets, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
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Make sure to check out these amazing carnivore diet recipes too:
Carnivore Crispy Fried Catfish
- 4-6 Catfish Fillets
- 1 Egg (large)
- Pork Rinds
- Cajun seasoning – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
- Garlic powder – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
- Grind the pork rinds in a food processor until they become a fine powder.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season the fillets with the seasonings.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate bowl, place the ground pork rinds. Dip each fish fillet in the whisked egg, then coat it with the ground pork rinds.
- Place the coated fillets in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue air frying for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
