Mustard Up Catfish

Over ten years ago my brother-in-law told me to try coating my fish with mustard; needless to say, it was a big hit.  I've been using this method ever since.   Even if you don't fry your fish, you may coat fish with mustard; grill it, or cook in an air fryer.  

Mustard Up Catfish Video
Even if you don't want to fry your fish, I've coated fish with mustard that I grill and cook in my air fryer.  

Ingredients:

• 6 medium catfish fillets, cut in half 
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
• Lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• yellow mustard (enough to coat on both sides)
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal 
• 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning 
• Canola or peanut oil for frying (oil amounts will vary for dutch oven or deep fryer) 

Directions:

1. Prep your fish by washing and patting drying
2. Place catfish in a large dish or on a cookie sheet
3. Coat both sides of the fish with yellow mustard 
4. Heat oil in a dutch oven or deep fryer to 365 degrees F. (oil amounts will vary for dutch oven or deep fryer)
5. Season fish with lemon pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
6. Add cornmeal, tapioca, thyme, Old Bay, and smoked paprika to a large resealable plastic bag
7. Add fish, shake the bag to coat; add a couple pieces to the cornmeal mixture (no more than 3 at a time)
8. Fry fish for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown
9. Drain on paper towels

Twist:  Yellow mustard, Dried Thyme