Air Fryer Fish Fingers are a quick, healthy, and crispy alternative to traditional fried fish fingers. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or a satisfying snack, these fish fingers are golden and crunchy on the outside while tender and flaky inside. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try for air fryer enthusiasts.
What Are Air Fryer Fish Fingers?
Air Fryer Fish Fingers are strips of white fish coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They’re lighter than deep-fried versions but just as crispy, making them a healthier and delicious choice for kids and adults alike.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Uses minimal oil for a guilt-free treat.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy coating with tender fish inside.
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Fish Fingers
- White Fish Fillets (400g): Cod, haddock, or tilapia work well.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a crispy coating.
- Plain Flour (1/2 cup): Helps the coating stick.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as a binder.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds color and mild spice.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (optional): To crisp up the coating.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or plate
Instructions to Make Air Fryer Fish Fingers
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and cut them into finger-sized strips. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Set up the breading station
In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the fish fingers
Dip each fish strip into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the fish fingers
Place the breaded fish fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the fish fingers from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dips or sides.
What Goes Well With Air Fryer Fish Fingers
- Tartar Sauce: A classic pairing for fish.
- Lemon Wedges: Adds freshness and acidity.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and creamy side dish.
- French Fries: A traditional accompaniment for fish fingers.
- Green Salad: For a lighter meal.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For a spicy kick.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Fish Fingers
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fillets yield the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensure the fish fingers cook evenly.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker coating.
- Serve Immediately: Fish fingers are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Easy Variations of Air Fryer Fish Fingers
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Spicy Fish Fingers: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs.
- Herb-Crusted: Mix chopped parsley or dill into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Parmesan Crust: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Panko Crust: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
Best Practices to Store Air Fryer Fish Fingers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked breaded fish fingers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets for air fryer fish fingers?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks and cooks evenly.
How do I make fish fingers extra crispy in the air fryer?
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded fish fingers with cooking oil before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Can I make fish fingers gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make gluten-free fish fingers.
How do I reheat fish fingers in the air fryer?
To reheat fish fingers, place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Final Words
Air Fryer Fish Fingers are a deliciously crispy and healthy alternative to traditional fried fish fingers. With their quick preparation and customizable flavors, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Try this recipe and enjoy the ultimate homemade fish fingers without the guilt!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Air Fryer Fish Fingers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: British
Description
Air Fryer Fish Fingers are strips of white fish coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They’re lighter than deep-fried versions but just as crispy, making them a healthier and delicious choice for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- White Fish Fillets (400g): Cod, haddock, or tilapia work well.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a crispy coating.
- Plain Flour (1/2 cup): Helps the coating stick.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as a binder.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds color and mild spice.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (optional): To crisp up the coating.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and cut them into finger-sized strips. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Set up the breading station
In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the fish fingers
Dip each fish strip into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the fish fingers
Place the breaded fish fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the fish fingers from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dips or sides.
