Air Fryer Fish Fingers are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish sticks. With a crispy coating and tender, flaky fish inside, they make a fantastic meal or snack. Here’s a simple recipe to get crispy, delicious fish fingers using your air fryer.
Air Fryer Fish Fingers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) firm white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into finger-sized strips
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, you can use plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano or dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (for lightly spraying the fish fingers)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano (or thyme), salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Fish
Coat each fish strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, simply let it run at the cooking temperature for a few minutes.
5. Air Fry the Fish Fingers
Place the breaded fish fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the fish fingers with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
6. Cook
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fish fingers are golden brown and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Serve
Remove the fish fingers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or a homemade remoulade.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Sides: Pair with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For Kids: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or carrot sticks for a kid-friendly meal.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fish Fingers:
- Uniform Size: Try to cut the fish strips into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Crispier Coating: For extra crispiness, you can double coat the fish by dipping it in the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture twice.
- Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Air Fryer Fish Fingers! They’re a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite.