Easy Air Fryer Fish Fingers are crispy, golden, and ready in under 15 minutes. This air fryer recipe uses minimal oil for a healthier crunch, making it a perfect kid-friendly meal or quick snack. Pair them with tartar sauce for a fast and delicious bite!
We also love serving these with a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges and Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Green Beans.
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Crispy air fryer fish fingers are a healthier take on the classic fish sticks, offering a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Once a popular children's meal, these homemade fish fingers have become a favorite for all ages due to their simplicity and taste.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Grouper Cheeks Recipe or Crispy Crab Bites.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Crispy Coating: The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates a perfect crunch.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier choice.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, perfect for family meals. Our Texas Toast Pizza and Broccoli Patties are also family favorites.
Air Fryer Fish Finger Ingredients
- Cod Fillets: Thawed for even cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick to the fish.
- Eggs: Beat them well to use as a binder.
- Panko and Italian Style Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture. Love Panko crusted fish? Try our Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut.
- Cooking Spray: Avocado oil or olive oil adds a nice golden finish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cod Fillets: Substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- Egg: Try buttermilk to coat the fish before dredging in breadcrumbs. It helps the coating stick and adds a slight tangy flavor.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fingers
STEP ONE: Prepare the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Breading Stations
Cut the fillets into finger-sized strips
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
STEP THREE: Bread the Fish Fingers
Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
STEP FOUR: Air Fry the Fish Fingers
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the fish fingers in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
Spray the tops of the fish fingers with cooking spray and cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with ketchup or tartar sauce for dipping. Add lemon wedges if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Ensure the fish strips are well dried before breading.
✔️ DO Lightly spray the breaded fish fingers with cooking spray before air frying.
❌ DON'T: Overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave space between each piece for even cooking and maximum crunch.
Storage
Store leftover fish fingers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes until hot and crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, just make sure to thaw the fish completely before breading and cooking.
Spraying the basket with cooking spray and flipping the fish fingers halfway through cooking will help prevent sticking.
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Fish Fingers
Equipment
- Three Mixing Bowls
- Cooking Spray
- Paper towels
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs cod fillets frozen and thawed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into finger-sized strips.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the fish fingers in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
- Spray the tops of the fish fingers with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping. Add lemon wedges if desired.
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Notes
- Cod Fillets: Substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- Egg: Try buttermilk to coat the fish before dredging in breadcrumbs. It helps the coating stick and adds a slight tangy flavor.
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