U.S. Catfish Nugget Crostini with Remoulade Sauce
These fried catfish nugget crostini are a Southern appetizer I love to serve when friends come over. In particular, each bite has a crisp, garlic-rubbed slice of baguette, a golden U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish nugget, and a spoonful of rémoulade. If you love catfish, you will also want my mini catfish tacos and my catfish and grits shooters.
With this in mind, I keep this one simple with store-bought rémoulade and the air fryer. What is more, the crostini bake while the catfish cooks, so everything comes together at once. I often set these out with my catfish bites with pimiento cheese and fried green tomatoes and easy crab toast with lemon mayo.
As a result, this is not only an easy recipe but also a great one for a crowd. Furthermore, it fits right into a tailgate menu like the best UT vs UGA tailgate or next to the best tailgating dip.
What Are Catfish Nugget Crostini?
Catfish nugget crostini are toasted baguette slices topped with rémoulade sauce and a crispy piece of catfish. Crostini means little toasts in Italian, and here they get a Southern spin with seasoned catfish and a tangy, creamy sauce.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets (1 pound): Cut into 2-inch pieces for bite-size nuggets.
- Seasoned fish fry coating (3/4 cup): Creates the crisp, seasoned crust.
- Cooking spray: Helps the nuggets turn golden in the air fryer.
- Baguette (12 slices): Sliced about 1/2 inch thick so it holds the topping.
- Olive oil (1 to 2 tablespoons): Helps the bread toast evenly.
- Garlic (1 clove, halved): Rubbed on the warm toast for flavor.
- Salt: A light sprinkle on the bread.
- Rémoulade sauce: Store-bought keeps it easy and adds tang.
- Lemon and pickles: Optional garnishes that brighten each bite.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Air Fryer
Crisps the catfish without deep frying.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
For toasting the crostini.
Bread Knife
Cuts clean, even baguette slices.
Pastry Brush
For brushing the bread with olive oil.
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.
Wooden Serving Board
For arranging the crostini.
Small Sauce Bowl
For extra rémoulade on the side.
Appetizer Plates
Small plates for guests.
Cocktail Napkins
A must for finger food.
How To Make Catfish Nugget Crostini
Step 1: Toast the Crostini
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Rub with Garlic
Rub the warm crostini with the cut side of the garlic clove.
Step 3: Coat the Catfish
Rinse the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish and pat it dry. Coat the pieces in the seasoned fish fry coating.
Step 4: Air Fry
Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket and the catfish with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for 4 more minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble
Add rémoulade to each crostini and top with a catfish nugget. Garnish with lemon and pickles, if you like, and serve warm.
Fried Catfish Nugget Crostini with Rémoulade
Ingredients
Catfish Nuggets
- 1 pound catfish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup seasoned fish fry coating
- cooking spray
Crostini
- 12 slices baguette about 1/2 inch thick
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic halved
- salt to taste
- store-bought rémoulade sauce for topping
- lemon wedges and sliced pickles for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Rub the warm crostini with the cut side of the garlic clove.
- Rinse the catfish and pat it dry. Coat the pieces in the seasoned fish fry coating.
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket and the catfish with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for 4 more minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Spread or drizzle rémoulade on each crostini and top with a catfish nugget.
- Garnish with lemon and pickles, if you like, and serve warm.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — seafood bites and crostini.
Catfish & Grits Shooters
Mini shooters layering crispy catfish over creamy grits.
Get the Recipe →
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish BLT Sliders
Crispy catfish sliders stacked BLT-style for a fun bite.
Get the Recipe →
Variations
Spicy
Add hot sauce to the rémoulade.
Different Sauce
Use tartar sauce or a lemon mayo.
Add Slaw
Top each crostini with a little slaw for crunch.
Shrimp Crostini
Use shrimp in place of catfish and shorten the cook time.
When I Love Serving Catfish Nugget Crostini
Game Day
An easy, handheld bite for watching the game.
Tailgates
Toast the bread ahead and assemble on site.
Supper Club
A Southern starter to pass while guests arrive.
Holiday Parties
They work well on an appetizer table. See my easy holiday entertaining tips.
Game Night
Great for an elevated game night.
Cocktail Hour
Equally important, they pair well with a cold drink.
What To Serve With Catfish Nugget Crostini
More Appetizers
Add surf and turf bites, cheesy shrimp and crab dip, or a fried chicken board.
Fresh Sides
Balance the plate with a cucumber tomato avocado salad or an epic veggie tray.
Drinks
Serve with a cranberry Moscow mule, raspberry lemonade, or lemonade prosecco punch.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Catfish: Refrigerate cooked nuggets in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Crostini: Store toasted bread at room temperature 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.
- Assemble last: Build the crostini right before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry the catfish instead?
Yes. Fry the coated pieces in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
Can I make these ahead?
Toast the crostini ahead, then cook the catfish and assemble right before serving.
What is rémoulade?
A creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Store-bought works well here.
How many does this make?
About 12 crostini.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these catfish nugget crostini are a simple way to bring Southern flavor to an appetizer table. Without a doubt, crispy catfish and rémoulade on warm garlic toast is a combination people remember. If you make them, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
