Spicy Oven-Fried Catfish

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat level)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter

🔪 Instructions

1. Marinate the Catfish

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.

2. Add the catfish fillets and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

2. Prepare the Coating

1. In another shallow bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until well coated.

3. Oven-Fry the Catfish

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter.

3. Arrange the coated catfish fillets in a single layer on the sheet.

4. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray (for extra crispiness).

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.