Whisk together egg, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Pulse saltines in a food processor until finely ground, then stir together with cayenne and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish.
Ingredients you will need
Saltine Crackers
Ground Cayenne Pepper
Milk
Salt
Egg
Equipment you will use
Food Processor
Baking Pan
Whisk
Bowl
2
Dip 1 catfish fillet into egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in saltines to coat and transfer to a wax-paper-lined tray. Coat remaining fillets in same manner.
Ingredients you will need
Catfish Fillets
Saltine Crackers
Dip
Egg
3
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Equipment you will use
Oven
4
Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot (preferably cast-iron) over high heat until it registers 360°F on thermometer. Carefully lower 1 fillet into oil (temperature of oil will drop to 340°F), then fry until golden and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
Ingredients you will need
Cooking Oil
Equipment you will use
Kitchen Thermometer
Pot
5
Transfer fillet with a slotted spatula to a rack set over paper towels to drain briefly, then transfer to a shallow baking pan and keep hot in oven. Fry remaining fillets in same manner, returning oil to 360°F each time.