Dry the Fish if Necessary
If the catfish is particularly wet after thawing, gently pat the fillets dry with paper towels before placing them in the buttermilk mixture. Removing excess surface water helps the coating adhere more effectively.
Season Every Layer
Salt and pepper in the wet mixture and seafood seasoning in the dry coating give the fish flavor throughout the exterior. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Don’t Skip the Coating Rest
After coating the fish, letting the pieces sit for a few minutes before frying can help the cornmeal mixture adhere more firmly to the surface.
Maintain the Oil Temperature
Keeping the frying oil at a consistent temperature is one of the most important steps. If you add too many pieces at once, the temperature can fall and the coating may absorb excess oil.