Crispy Catfish Fingers
Crispy catfish fingers feature tender fish coated in crunchy cracker and cornmeal crumbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the catfish fillets diagonally into 1-inch wide strips and set aside.
- Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and coarsely ground pepper in a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
- Mix crushed buttery crackers and yellow cornmeal in another shallow dish.
- Dredge the catfish strips in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat with the crumb mixture.
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of 1 1/2 inches and heat to 375°F (medium-high heat).
- Fry the coated catfish strips in hot oil, a few at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain the fried catfish strips on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with commercial tartar sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture. You can substitute catfish with other firm white fish like tilapia or cod. If you're looking for a healthier option, try baking the coated strips in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying. This dish pairs beautifully with Dilly Oyster Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy catfish fingers hot with commercial tartar sauce for dipping. They make a great appetizer or main dish when paired with a side of coleslaw or French fries. For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of lemon over the top. Explore more American recipes for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover catfish fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Catfish Fingers contains roughly 257 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen catfish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before slicing and coating them. This will help the coating adhere better and ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of buttery crackers?
If you don't have buttery crackers, you can substitute them with crushed panko breadcrumbs or regular saltine crackers. For a flavor boost, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the crumb mixture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free crackers instead of buttery crackers. Ensure that the cornmeal is also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).