Air Fryer Blackened Catfish Fillets

Ingredients

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• ½ cup buttermilk
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• ½ cup water
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• salt and pepper, to taste
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• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips
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• 1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
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• ½ cup all-purpose flour
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• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
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• 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying
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Instructions

1. 1
   Gather all ingredients.
2. 2
   Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold fillets.
3. 3
   Arrange fillets in a single layer in the pan, turning to coat each side. Set aside to marinate.
4. 4
   Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.
5. 5
   Add fillets to the bag, a few at a time, and tumble gently until evenly coated.
6. 6
   Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Fry fillets in hot oil until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, so fillets have room to brown properly.
7. 7
   Drain on paper towels.
8. 8
   Serve and enjoy!