How long to pan fry catfish? This is a question that many people ask when they are looking to cook this type of fish. The answer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish, as well as the heat of the pan.
In general, you will want to cook catfish for about 4-5 minutes per side in a hot pan.
How long to pan fry catfish? This is a question we get asked a lot, and it really depends on the size and thickness of your catfish fillets. For thin fillets, we recommend cooking for 3-4 minutes per side.
For thicker fillets, cook for 5-6 minutes per side. You’ll know your fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork.
How to Cook Catfish in a Pan
Assuming you would like a blog post discussing how to cook catfish in a pan:“How to Cook Catfish in a Pan”There are many different ways that you can cook catfish, but one of the simplest and most delicious methods is to fry it up in a pan.
This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a more elegant seafood supper. Here’s how to make it:Ingredients:
-1 pound of catfish fillets (skinless and boneless)
-1 cup of all-purpose flour
-2 tablespoons of paprika
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
-1/4 cup of vegetable oil or peanut oilInstructions:1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the oven heats up, prepare your catfish fillets. If they are frozen, thaw them out first. Cut the fillets into even pieces, about 4 inches long.
2. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).3. Place the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is hot enough, dredge each piece of catfish in the flour mixture until it is coated on all sides and then place it gently into the skillet. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to add more oil to the pan as you cook if necessary.
Best Oil to Pan Fry Catfish
When it comes to pan frying catfish, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The type of fish, the size of the filets, and the thickness all play a role in what kind of oil you should use.Canola oil is a good option for pan frying catfish because it has a high smoke point.
This means that it can be heated to a higher temperature before starting to smoke. Canola oil is also relatively flavorless, so it won’t affect the taste of your fish.Another option is peanut oil.
Peanut oil has a similar smoke point to canola oil, but it does have a bit of a nutty flavor. If you don’t mind this flavor, then peanut oil can be a good choice for pan frying catfish.Finally, you could also use vegetable oil.
Vegetable oil has a lower smoke point than canola or peanut oil, so it’s not ideal for high-heat cooking. However, it does have a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the taste of your fish.
Pan Fry Catfish in Olive Oil
If you’re in the mood for some good old fashioned southern cooking, then look no further than this recipe for pan fried catfish in olive oil. This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The key to making this dish come out perfectly is to make sure that your catfish fillets are nice and thick.
That way, they’ll stay moist and flaky on the inside while getting nice and crispy on the outside. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a new family favorite!Ingredients:
-4 catfish fillets (about 1 inch thick)
-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
-Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
-Lemon wedges, for servingInstructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. 2. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. 3. Dredge each catfish fillet in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Carefully place the dredged fish into the hot skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
How to Pan Fry Catfish With Flour
When it comes to cooking catfish, there are a number of different methods that you can use. One popular method is pan frying. This method is relatively simple and only requires a few ingredients.
The first step is to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:-1 pound of catfish fillets
-1 cup of all-purpose flour-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil-1 teaspoon of salt
Once you have gathered your ingredients, the next step is to prepare the catfish. Start by rinse the fillets in cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, season the fillets with salt on both sides.

Credit: www.thewheatlesskitchen.com
How Long Does Catfish Take to Cook on the Stove?
How long does catfish take to cook on the stove?It depends on the size and thickness of the fillets. For thin fillets, cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
For thick fillets, cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How Do You Know When Catfish is Done Frying?
When frying catfish, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. So, if you have a 1-inch thick catfish fillet, you’ll want to fry it for about 10 minutes. If your fillet is thicker or thinner, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To check if your catfish is done frying, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist. If the fish flakes easily and comes off of the fork in large chunks, it’s done. If not, give it a few more minutes to cook through.
Once your catfish is cooked through, remove it from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How Do You Pan Fry Catfish?
If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned Southern cooking, then you may want to try your hand at pan frying catfish. This type of fish is common in the southern United States and is typically fried in a cornmeal batter.Here’s how to pan fry catfish:
1. Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to come up about halfway up the sides of the fish.2. While the oil is heating, mix together a cornmeal batter using self-rising flour, salt, pepper, and milk.
The consistency should be thick but not too thick – think pancake batter consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk; if it’s too thin, add more flour.3. Dip each piece of catfish into the batter so that it’s well coated on all sides.
Gently shake off any excess batter before carefully placing the fish into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
What is the Best Oil to Fry Catfish In?
The best oil to fry catfish in is a light olive oil. You want to avoid using a heavy oil like peanut or vegetable oil, as it will make the fish greasy and oily. A light olive oil will allow the fish to cook evenly and not soak up too much oil.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how long to pan fry catfish, the answer is pretty simple. You’ll want to cook your catfish for about four minutes per side. This will ensure that your fish is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Just be sure not to overcrowd your pan, or else your fish will steam instead of fry.

I’m Asma Sheikh, a home cook and recipe developer with a passion for all things food. On my blog (The Kitchen Advisor), you’ll find everything from healthy weeknight dinners to decadent desserts, and everything in between. So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you to get cooking!