Prepare Catfish: Rinse the catfish nuggets under cold water and pat them dry.
Marinate: In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Place the catfish nuggets in the marinade and let them soak for 30 minutes in the fridge.
Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, have seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs (or cornmeal). Season the flour with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Catfish: Remove the nuggets from the marinade. Coat each nugget in flour, dip in the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for a few minutes.
Cook the Nuggets: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
