If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and fast, this Cajun Baked Catfish is a must-try. It brings together the smoky heat of classic Cajun spices with the tender, flaky texture of catfish—creating a dish that feels like Southern comfort without all the fuss. Everything comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option when you want a little extra kick in your dinner routine. Whether you serve it with rice, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a simple salad, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 fresh or frozen catfish fillets (about 8 oz each)
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed
2 to 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
¾ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
If your catfish fillets are frozen, thaw them completely, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oregano, seasoned salt, onion powder, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. This is your homemade Cajun seasoning blend
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for the fish. Store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature—it’ll keep well for up to a month and works great on other proteins like pork, shrimp, or chicken
Rub both sides of each catfish fillet with the reserved tablespoon of seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork
Notes
Fresh or frozen catfish both work great here—just be sure to thaw thoroughly if using frozen
Adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of crushed red pepper. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne
This Cajun seasoning mix is super versatile—sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or use it to season tofu, shrimp, or chicken thighs
For a crispier texture, finish the catfish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, absolutely. This recipe works well with other mild, flaky white fish like tilapia, cod, or haddock. Just adjust the baking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a nice warm heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always reduce the crushed red pepper or use mild paprika instead of chili powder for a more subtle flavor
Do I need to marinate the fish before baking?
No marinating is needed, which makes this recipe super quick. The dry rub adds plenty of flavor without any wait time
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover catfish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to keep the texture from getting soggy
Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the seasoned fillets for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they’re not overlapping
Cajun Baked Catfish
If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and fast, this Cajun Baked Catfish is a must-try. It brings together the smoky heat of classic Cajun spices with the tender, flaky texture of catfish—creating a dish that feels like Southern comfort without all the fuss. Everything comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option when you want a little extra kick in your dinner routine. Whether you serve it with rice, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a simple salad, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
4 fresh or frozen catfish fillets (about 8 oz each)
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed
2 to 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
¾ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
If your catfish fillets are frozen, thaw them completely, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oregano, seasoned salt, onion powder, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. This is your homemade Cajun seasoning blend
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for the fish. Store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature—it’ll keep well for up to a month and works great on other proteins like pork, shrimp, or chicken
Rub both sides of each catfish fillet with the reserved tablespoon of seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork
Notes
Fresh or frozen catfish both work great here—just be sure to thaw thoroughly if using frozen
Adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of crushed red pepper. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne
This Cajun seasoning mix is super versatile—sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or use it to season tofu, shrimp, or chicken thighs
For a crispier texture, finish the catfish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking