Today we’re going back to basics with a carnivore version of a beloved classic – crispy fried catfish.
This recipe takes everything great about traditional fried catfish and makes it work perfectly for people following a carnivore diet, without sacrificing any of the taste or texture you love.
After many attempts, I found that using pork rinds creates that perfect crunch that makes fried catfish so satisfying, while keeping everything carnivore friendly.
You only need three main ingredients to make it happen. The air fryer method makes it even better, giving you that wonderful crispy exterior while keeping the fish perfectly tender inside, and you don’t have to worry about any complicated cooking techniques.
Whether you’re new to the carnivore diet or have been following it for a while, this recipe is a great way to add some variety to your meal rotation.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Coating Success: Finally, a truly crispy coating that actually works on the carnivore diet!
The pork rinds create that perfect crunch that most people miss when they can’t use regular breadcrumbs
Budget Friendly Protein: Catfish is one of the more affordable fish options out there, which makes this recipe great for when you want to add variety to your carnivore diet without spending too much.
Perfect Air Fryer Use: The air fryer is ideal for this recipe because it creates that perfect crispy exterior without any of the mess of traditional frying.
The hot air circulation ensures even cooking and that golden-brown crust we’re all looking for. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hot oil splatters.
Pork Rind Perfection: The pork rind coating isn’t just a compromise – it actually adds amazing flavor to the fish. It’s naturally salty and creates a better crust than traditional flour-based coatings.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- Catfish Fillets
- 1 Egg (large)
- Pork Rinds Crumbs (use these pork rinds– amazon link)
- Cajun seasoning – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
- Garlic powder – to taste(optional – omit for strict carnivore)
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👨🍳 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
💡Tips
1. Get Those Fillets Dry
Pat the catfish fillets completely dry with paper towels before starting. This step is really important – any extra moisture will make the pork rind coating soggy and prevent it from getting crispy.
Take your time with this step and press firmly but gently with the paper towels. Pay special attention to any folds or creases in the fish where water might hide.
Do this right before you’re ready to coat the fish – if you let the dried fillets sit too long, they might release more moisture.
2. Temperature Matters
Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated to 400°F before adding the fish. A properly preheated air fryer helps the coating crisp up immediately when it goes in, which prevents the egg wash from making the pork rind coating soggy.
Let the air fryer run empty for at least 3-4 minutes after it reaches temperature to ensure even heating. If you’re cooking multiple batches, give the air fryer a minute to heat back up between batches.
3. Watch The Color
Don’t just rely on the cooking times. The coating should be golden brown, not dark brown. If it’s getting too dark too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees.
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Make sure to check out these amazing carnivore diet recipes too:
Carnivore Crispy Fried Catfish
Print RecipeIngredients
- 4-6 Catfish Fillets
- 1 Egg (large)
- Pork Rinds Crumbs (use these pork rinds- amazon link)
- Cajun seasoning – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
- Garlic powder – to taste (optional – omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions
- 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.
Nutrition