These air fryer fish fingers are a fantastic recipe that kids can get involved in too! Homemade fish fingers are not only more delicious and healthier than the store-bought frozen versions, but they also allow you to know exactly what’s going into your meal. This is a great way to provide a healthier and more wholesome option for your family, and it’s much easier to create than you might think. Plus, involving the kids in the cooking process makes it a fun and educational activity that teaches them about healthy eating and how food is prepared from scratch.
One of the best things about these air fryer fish fingers is that you can customize them to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For those following a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to substitute the cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, making this recipe accessible to all. This simple swap ensures that everyone can enjoy this tasty treat, regardless of dietary needs.
Storing any leftover fish fingers is a breeze. Just place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to heat them up until they’re hot and crispy once more. These fish fingers make a great quick and easy lunch or dinner option, especially on busy days when you’re short on time.
These homemade air fryer fish fingers are also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and freeze them for later use. When you’re ready for a meal, simply reheat them directly from the freezer in your air fryer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer fish fingers
2 small cod fillets, sliced
1 cup of cornflakes
Low fat mayonnaise
Ciabatta bread, halved
Tartar sauce to serve
Lettuce leaves
Method
I used two small cod fillets for this recipe, which I sliced into finger-sized pieces and set aside. Fresh, flaky cod works beautifully for homemade fish fingers, but you could also use haddock or another white fish if you prefer.
To create a crunchy, golden coating, I added about a cup of cornflakes into a sandwich bag and crushed them gently with a rolling pin until they formed small, even flakes. Then I poured the crushed cornflakes into a bowl to use as the coating.
Instead of using eggs or batter, I brushed each piece of cod with a thin layer of low-fat mayonnaise. This not only helps the coating stick but also adds a subtle creaminess to the inside of the fish fingers once cooked. I dipped the mayo-coated fish pieces into the cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure they were fully covered.
Next, I placed the coated fish fingers into my air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving the crisper plates in. Be careful not to overcrowd them. I cooked them at 185°C for around 10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure they crisped up evenly. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, you may need to adjust the timing slightly. Just be sure they’re cooked through and golden all over.
To serve, I layered the crispy fish fingers onto halved ciabatta rolls, added a generous spread of tartare sauce, and finished with crisp lettuce leaves for freshness.
These fish fingers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with chunky homemade chips, or wrap them in a warm wholemeal tortilla with salad for a tasty lunch. You can also experiment with the coating. Try using panko, crushed crackers, or adding spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of a kick. Quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying!
Tips for Air Fryer Fish Fingers
1. Choose the Right Fish:
Opt for firm white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or pollock. These hold together well when breaded and cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Cut Evenly Sized Strips:
Slice your fish into uniform finger-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Too thick or thin pieces can lead to undercooked centres or overly dry edges.
3. Use a Proper Breading Station:
Set up three bowls: one with flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This classic dredging method helps achieve a crispy coating.
4. Season Your Coating:
Add herbs, paprika, or parmesan to your breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Season the flour and egg as well for a well-rounded taste.
5. Don’t Skip the Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 3 minutes if you have time. A hot air fryer helps the coating crisp up quickly without drying out the fish.
6. Spray with Oil:
Lightly spray your breaded fish fingers with cooking oil or brush them gently with oil before cooking. This promotes golden, crunchy crusts.
7. Arrange in a Single Layer:
Place fish fingers in the basket in one layer without overlapping to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the coating evenly.
8. Flip Halfway Through:
Turn the fish fingers over halfway through cooking (around 6 or 7 minutes) for uniform browning.
9. Cook Time:
Fish fingers usually take about 12 to 15 minutes at 200°C, depending on their thickness. Check for a golden crust and flaky fish inside.
10. Serve Immediately:
For the best texture, serve the fish fingers straight from the air fryer with your favourite dips and sides.
Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy, tender, and flavourful air fryer fish fingers every time!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer fish fingers you might also like my simple air fryer sea bass recipe.
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