Crispy Baked Catfish (Swai) Nuggets

(based on a recipe from catfishinstitute.com)

3/4 c grated parmesan cheese or finely grated sharp cheddar cheese        

1/4 t garlic powder                                                      

Dash pepper

1/3 c lemon juice (preferably fresh, but bottled will do)

2 T olive oil (or other oil)

24 oz catfish (Swai) nuggets

1/2 t paprika

Position oven rack on the bottom shelf of the oven. Preheat oven to 400. Grease a baking sheet well. In a shallow dish, combine cheese, garlic powder, and pepper. In another dish, whisk the lemon juice and olive oil together. (Note – if you don’t have lemon juice and olive oil, you can just use mayo instead.) Roll catfish nuggets in the lemon juice mixture (or coat with mayo). The easiest way is to add the nuggets to the oil and lemon juice (or put the nuggets in a bowl and add some mayo) and then get your hands in there and mix it up really well. It’s messy on the hands, but easy. Wash your hands, then roll the nuggets in the cheese mixture. (If you don’t wash your hands first, you’re going to have that cheese coating your hands instead of the fish.) Dust with the paprika. Place catfish on the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily.