Deep Fried Catfish

Deep-fried catfish is perfect for fish Fridays and will have your friends and family lining up to add more to their plates. This beer batter fried catfish recipe is inspired by the show 'Reservation Dogs'. It is wonderfully seasoned with a fabulous crispy coating that is perfect for dipping in tartar sauce!

Deep Fried Beer Battered Catfish

Deep-fried catfish has a crispy and crunchy outer layer that is perfectly seasoned with juicy fresh catfish on the inside that melts in your mouth. You won't be disappointed with this deep-fried comfort food!

This tasty catfish was inspired by one of the 'Reservation Dogs' recipes as seen on tv! It has so many herbs and spices that it will make your tastebuds tingle.

Jump to:

• Deep Fried Beer Battered Catfish
• 🥘 Deep Fried Catfish Ingredients
• 🔪 How To Deep Fry Catfish
• 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
• 🥡 Storing & Reheating
• ❓ What Oil Is Best For Frying Catfish?
• ❓ How Do You Tell If Fried Catfish Is Done?
• ❓ What Is The Best Temperature For Frying Fish?
• 🍟 More Tasty Fried Recipes
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

🥘 Deep Fried Catfish Ingredients

Fresh catfish is best because it has a mild flavor and is firm in texture. Frozen catfish can also be used, but be sure to purchase a brand that you trust because not all frozen catfish brands are created equally!

• Catfish Filets - 2 pounds of fresh catfish.
• Oil - 2 cups of your favorite cooking oil. Any frying oil can be used such as canola, soybean, or peanut oil.
• All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup of all-purpose flour to act as a base for your batter.
• Cornmeal - 1 cup of cornmeal.
• Salt - 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
• Egg - 1 large egg to bind everything together.
• Beer - 6 ounces of beer. Any beer will work for this recipe. We prefer a lager such as Yuengling (*see note).
• Seasoning - 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder and paprika, along with 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and white pepper.
• Lemon (optional) - Half of a lemon for garnish, if desired.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Deep Fry Catfish

You will want to use a deep skillet that can completely cover your catfish chunks to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Make sure you also grab a mixing bowl for your batter!

2 pounds of catfish can make about 6 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is! This is an easy recipe to double when you need to feed a crowd!

How To Make Beer Batter For Fish

1. Make your batter. You will begin the process by creating your catfish batter in a medium-sized bowl by adding 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, spices (1 teaspoon each of cayenne, black pepper, and white pepper, and 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder and paprika), 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 egg, and 6 ounces of beer. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and allow it to sit in the fridge for 1 hour.
2. Prepare your catfish. While your batter is in the refrigerator, you can prep your 2 pounds of catfish by patting each fillet with a paper towel to ensure they are not too moist (*see note). Then, you can lightly sprinkle the catfish with salt.
3. Preheat your oil. In a deep frying pan, fryer, or Dutch oven, add 2 cups of your preferred frying oil and turn the stove onto a medium-high setting (*see note).
4. Coat your catfish. Once your oil is ready to go, immediately dip your catfish into your beer batter. Coat the pieces individually and let the excess batter drip off before transferring them to your hot oil.

How To Fry Beer Battered Catfish

1. Cook the catfish. Allow your catfish to cook in the oil for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to give each catfish piece enough space to cook on all sides evenly.
2. Remove from the oil. Remove your deep-fried catfish from the hot oil and place it on a wire rack over a paper towel to drain any extra oil. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce or spritz with fresh lemon.

For a complete meal, pair your beer batter fried catfish with some Cajun fries and coleslaw! For some extra zest, try it out with some Cajun dipping sauce! Enjoy!

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

• For a true 'Reservation Dogs' treat, cut your catfish into smaller pieces (cubes or strips) before dipping it in the batter.
• Do not overheat your oil because it can cause your catfish to burn or dry out.
• A medium-high setting for oil is around 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C).
• If you don't like beer batter you can replace the beer with water, seltzer water, buttermilk, or milk.
• If you want spicier catfish, you can sprinkle each fillet with cayenne pepper when you add the salt.
• Setting the deep-fried catfish on a wire rack prevents them from 'steaming' and getting soggy, which happens when fried foods are placed onto paper towels.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Allow any uneaten catfish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don't suggest freezing your fried catfish (especially if it was thawed from freezing before cooking).

Reheating Deep Fried Catfish

Reheat your leftover catfish in an air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until warmed to your satisfaction.

❓ What Oil Is Best For Frying Catfish?

I enjoy using canola oil for frying because it has a neutral flavor that won't alter the taste of the catfish. You can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil (peanut oil is my second choice of frying oils to use).

❓ How Do You Tell If Fried Catfish Is Done?

The fish itself should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. However, the best method for ensuring your fish is done is by using a meat thermometer. The fish should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

❓ What Is The Best Temperature For Frying Fish?

You'll want to use a thermometer specifically for deep-frying or candy-making to ensure that your oil is at the proper temperature. For fish, you'll want it to be between 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C). If you overheat your oil, the fish will burn; if the temperature is too low, you'll end up with greasy fish.

🍟 More Tasty Fried Recipes

• Fried Chicken - This crowd-favorite fried chicken is a classic recipe!
• Chicken Fried Cube Steak - This southern classic dish features chicken fried steak and creamy gravy!
• Fried String Cheese Mozzarella Sticks - Fried cheese is a great appetizer for any occasion!
• Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken - Using frozen popcorn chicken makes this recipe quick and easy!
• Duck Fat Fried Potatoes - These fried duck fat potatoes are loaded with rich flavor!
• Southern Fried Corn - Fried corn is an easy and flavorful side dish for any recipe!

📖 Recipe Card