Keto Air Fried Catfish Sticks w Fried Cheese Curds Recipe

Gluten Free
Lunch
Main Dishes
Quick Easy
4.9/5
(2547 reviews)
Keto Air Fried Catfish Sticks w Fried Cheese Curds
Zylo Recipes

Description

Rediscover the simple pleasure of crispy fish with this updated and wholesome take on a childhood favorite. Tender fillets of Swai, a delicate white fish, are transformed into succulent bites through a light coating of savory seasonings and a whisper of olive oil. Air-fried to golden perfection, the fish achieves a satisfying crisp exterior while retaining its naturally moist and flaky texture within.

This dish is a celebration of contrasting textures and complementary flavors. The mild, slightly sweet taste of the fish is enhanced by the aromatic blend of herbs and spices, creating a symphony of taste that dances on the palate. The absence of heavy breading allows the true essence of the fish to shine through, offering a clean and pure culinary experience.

The air-frying technique ensures a delightful crispness without the excess oil, resulting in a lighter and healthier indulgence. Complementing the crispy fish are warm, melted cheese curds, boasting a delightfully gooey interior. These bite-sized morsels of dairy goodness are encased in a delicate, golden-brown crust.

The contrast between the savory fish and the rich, tangy cheese creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and satisfying. These cheese curds, with their slightly salty and undeniably cheesy flavor, provide a textural counterpoint to the flaky fish, making each bite a new and exciting experience. Whether enjoyed as a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a delightful appetizer for a gathering, this dish is sure to please.

The combination of tender fish and gooey cheese is a timeless pairing that transcends generations. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor, proving that wholesome ingredients and thoughtful preparation can result in culinary perfection.

Preparation Time

Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
55 min

Nutrition Information

Per 1 serving serving
C
Calories
750 Kcal

C
Carbs
10 g
Fi
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
2 g

P
Protein
45 g

C
Fats
60 g
Saturated Fats 35 g
Unsaturated Fats 20 g

Cholestrol 150 mg
Sodium 800 mg
Potassium 300 mg
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Ingredients

    1.
    Cheese curds
    Cheese curds
    4 oz
    2.
    Swai White Fish Fillets
    Swai White Fish Fillets
    12 oz
    3.
    Olive Or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Olive Or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tsp
    4.
    Seasoning
    Seasoning
    2 tsp
    5.
    White pepper, ground
    White pepper, ground
    1 tsp
    6.
    Paprika
    Paprika
    1 tsp
    7.
    Curry powder
    Curry powder
    1 tsp
    8.
    Onion powder
    Onion powder
    1 tsp
    9.
    Oregano, dried
    Oregano, dried
    1 tsp
    10.
    Raw egg, white
    Raw egg, white
    1 large
    11.
    Avocado oil
    Avocado oil
    1 tbsp

Instructions

    1.
    Before starting, separate the cheese curds and freeze them on a small plate or tray for at least 30 minutes. After about 10 minutes, prepare the catfish by rubbing olive oil on both sides of the fillets. In a small dish, combine Old Bay seasoning, white pepper, paprika, curry powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Rub this spice mix into both sides of the fillets, ensuring all the flesh is covered.
    2.
    Cut the swai fillets into fish sticks, approximately 4x1 inches in size. Arrange the fish sticks on your air fryer tray. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees for 5 minutes, then place the tray inside. Fry the fish sticks for 15 minutes or more, flipping them halfway through if needed, until the seasoning is dry, resembling a fried breading, and golden brown.
    3.
    While the fish is in the air fryer, prepare the cheese curds. Whip an egg white in a stand mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form, ensuring the mixing bowl is clean and free of yolk. Pour avocado oil into a pan for deep frying, about 1 ½ - 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 375 degrees. Test the oil's readiness by dropping a small dollop of egg white into the pan to see if it fries.
    4.
    Grab a handful of frozen cheese curds and place them in a small mixing bowl. Scoop some of the whipped egg white into the bowl and gently fold the cheese curds until they are coated. Scoop the coated cheese curds into the hot oil. Fry for about 60-90 seconds until the outside is a dark golden color, flipping as needed. Remove the fried cheese curds with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all the cheese curds are fried.