Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp air-fried catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices paired with a bright, creamy lemon aioli, reflecting regional American flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends olive oil, Cajun seasoning, mayonnaise into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and brush 1 tbsp olive oil evenly over both sides.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning evenly over the fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and edges are lightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: While the fish cooks, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the catfish hot with a generous dollop of the zesty lemon aioli on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quick Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Zesty Lemon Aioli?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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