U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish BLT Sliders
New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite nights to entertain, and the appetizers are always the star. In particular, these catfish BLT sliders give guests something a little heartier between sips of champagne. I pull out the sequins, set the table with my New Year’s Eve tablescape tips, and plan a menu from these elevated New Year’s Eve appetizers.
With this in mind, I make these with U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, which is versatile and crisps up well in the air fryer. What is more, the same nuggets work in my fried catfish nugget crostini, my catfish and grits shooters, and my mini catfish tacos.
As a result, the key to these sliders is not only crispy catfish but also good layering. Furthermore, assemble them as close to serving as you can so the rolls stay toasted. For more ideas, see my easy holiday entertaining tips.
What Are Catfish BLT Sliders?
Catfish BLT sliders are small sandwiches built on toasted Hawaiian sweet rolls with crispy catfish nuggets, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and rémoulade sauce. The whole pack of rolls is assembled as one loaf and then cut into individual sliders.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets (1 pound): Cut into 2-inch pieces for nuggets that fit the rolls.
- Seasoned fish fry coating (3/4 cup): Gives the catfish a crisp, seasoned crust.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Helps the coating turn golden in the air fryer.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 pack): Soft and slightly sweet against the savory filling.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps the rolls toast.
- Shredded lettuce (2 cups): Adds crunch.
- Roma tomato (1): Sliced for a fresh, juicy layer.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked): Smoky and salty.
- Red onion (1, sliced): Adds bite.
- Rémoulade sauce (4 tablespoons): A tangy, creamy spread.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Air Fryer
Crisps the catfish without deep frying.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
For prepping the nuggets and toasting the rolls.
Bread Knife
Slices the loaf of rolls in half cleanly.
Shallow Dredging Dish
Makes coating the fish simple.
Kitchen Tongs
For flipping the nuggets.
Cooking Spray Bottle
For a light, even coat of oil.
Cutting Board
A sturdy prep surface.
Offset Spatula
Spreads the rémoulade evenly.
Cocktail Picks
Hold each slider together.
Serving Board
For lining up the sliders.
Appetizer Plates
Small plates for guests.
Cocktail Napkins
A must for sliders.
How To Make Catfish BLT Sliders
Step 1: Coat the Catfish
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rinse the catfish and pat it dry. Dip each piece in the seasoned fish fry coating until completely coated.
Step 2: Air Fry
Spray the nuggets with cooking spray and place them in the basket in an even layer, sprayed side down. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for 4 more minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Rolls
Cut the loaf of rolls in half horizontally. Drizzle with olive oil and toast for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Layer
On the bottom half, layer the lettuce, tomato, bacon, red onion, and fried catfish.
Step 5: Finish and Cut
Spread the rémoulade on the top half and place it on the sliders. Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish BLT Sliders
Ingredients
Catfish Nuggets
- 1 pound U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup seasoned fish fry coating
- non-stick cooking spray
Sliders
- 1 pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
- olive oil for drizzling
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 Roma tomato sliced
- 6 slices bacon cooked
- 1 red onion sliced
- 4 tablespoons rémoulade sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rinse the catfish and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Add the seasoned fish fry coating to a shallow bowl and dip each piece of fish until completely coated.
- Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place them in an even layer in the air fryer basket, sprayed side down.
- Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip the nuggets and cook for 4 more minutes.
- Cut the loaf of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Drizzle with olive oil and toast for 2 to 3 minutes.
- On the bottom half, layer the lettuce, tomato, bacon, red onion, and fried catfish.
- Spread the rémoulade on the top half and place it on the sliders.
- Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — seafood bites and sliders.
Catfish & Grits Shooters
Mini shooters layering crispy catfish over creamy grits.
Get the Recipe →
U.S. Catfish Nugget Crostini with Remoulade Sauce
Crostini topped with catfish nuggets and zesty remoulade.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Spicy
Add hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.
Different Sauce
Use tartar sauce or a lemon mayo in place of rémoulade.
Add Cheese
Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar.
Different Rolls
Use brioche slider buns.
When I Love Serving Catfish BLT Sliders
New Year’s Eve
A heartier bite for a long night of celebrating.
Game Day
Sliders are always a win. Add the best tailgating dip.
Tailgates
They fit right into a spread like the best UT vs UGA tailgate.
Supper Club
A casual, crowd-pleasing starter.
Game Night
Great for an elevated game night.
Summer Cookouts
Equally important, they are an easy change from burgers.
What To Serve With Catfish BLT Sliders
Sides
Serve with an epic French fry board, a cucumber tomato avocado salad, or an epic veggie tray.
More Appetizers
Add catfish bites with pimiento cheese and fried green tomatoes, hot crab dip, or a fried chicken board.
Drinks
Pour champagne or set up a holiday mimosa bar.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Best served: Right after assembling, while the catfish is crisp and the rolls are toasted.
- Leftover catfish: Refrigerate the nuggets in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm the nuggets in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
- Prep ahead: Cook the bacon and slice the vegetables ahead, then cook the catfish and assemble close to serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry the catfish instead?
Yes. Fry the coated pieces in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
Can I buy catfish nuggets?
Yes. Some markets sell catfish already cut into nuggets, which saves a step.
Can I make these ahead?
Prep the components ahead, but assemble close to serving so the rolls do not get soggy.
How many does this make?
One pack of rolls makes about 12 sliders.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these catfish BLT sliders are an easy way to give guests something hearty and fun. Without a doubt, crispy catfish, bacon, and rémoulade on a sweet roll is hard to pass up. If you make them, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
#USCatfish
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
