The duration required to prepare catfish within an air fryer is a critical factor determining the final outcome of the dish. This time period directly influences the texture, moisture content, and overall doneness of the fish, ensuring it is both safe for consumption and palatable.
Properly determining the cooking time is essential for achieving optimally cooked catfish. Overcooking results in a dry, tough product, while undercooking poses potential health risks and compromises the flavor. Historically, cooking fish required constant monitoring over open flames or in ovens, making consistent results challenging. The advent of air fryers simplifies this process, offering a more controlled environment.