Mississippi Fried Catfish Bites on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

If you're craving crispy, Southern-style catfish but want to take it to the next level, this Mississippi Fried Catfish Bites recipe is perfect. Instead of deep frying, we use the Arteflame grill to achieve an incredible golden-crisp crust and juicy, flavorful fish. With the intense sear from the center grill grate and the even heat of the surrounding flat griddle, these catfish bites come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with tangy tartar sauce for a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Tartar sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to establish.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill reaches optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the catfish coating

1. In a shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.

Step 3: Coat the catfish

1. Dip each catfish piece into the buttermilk, ensuring full coverage.
2. Roll the catfish pieces in the seasoned cornmeal mixture to coat thoroughly.

Step 4: Grill the catfish bites

1. Add butter to the outer flat-top griddle surrounding the grill grate.
2. Place the coated catfish bites onto the griddle, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Grill the catfish bites for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
4. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Check internal temperature—it should reach 145°F.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove catfish bites from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
2. Serve hot with tartar sauce.

Tips

• Use fresh catfish for the best results.
• Make sure the grill's flat griddle is evenly heated for crisp cooking.
• Butter adds a rich flavor but can be replaced with ghee for a nuttier taste.
• If you prefer spicier bites, add cayenne pepper to the coating mixture.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Style: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
2. Garlic Parmesan Crust: Mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tsp garlic salt.
3. Buttermilk Ranch: Add 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning to the cornmeal mixture.
4. Honey Mustard Twist: Mix 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp mustard powder into the buttermilk.
5. Lemon Pepper Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning.

Best Pairings

• Grilled cornbread
• Southern coleslaw
• Grilled asparagus
• Sweet potato fries
• Homemade lemonade

Conclusion

These Mississippi Fried Catfish Bites are crispy, juicy, and full of Southern flavor. Using the Arteflame grill intensifies the crust’s texture, keeping the inside tender. Whether you're making these for a weekend cookout or a family dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.