Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsHal & Mal'sCatfish Nuggets Recipe

Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Inspired by Hal & Mal's
Time30m
Serves4

Crispy, golden-brown catfish nuggets, lightly seasoned and perfect for dipping.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Main Ingredients

Method

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Catfish

    Cut the catfish fillets into bite-sized pieces (nuggets). Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Make the Breading

    In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

    In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.

  4. 4

    Coat the Catfish Nuggets

    Dip each catfish piece into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to adhere.

  5. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  6. 6

    Fry the Nuggets

    Fry the catfish nuggets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  7. 7

    Drain and Serve

    Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

More from Hal & Mal's