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Homemade Fish Fingers in Air Fryer: A Delicious Recipe

Fish fingers are a classic British dish that evoke fond memories of childhood meals and family gatherings. Simple, crispy, and utterly delicious, they are a go-to for many when looking for a quick meal. While traditional fish fingers often involve frying in oil, using an air fryer allows us to achieve that golden, crispy texture with a fraction of the fat. Today, we will guide you through making homemade fish fingers in an air fryer, complete with a tasty recipe that promises to be a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

For the Fish Fingers:

• 500g firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 150g breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce or your choice of dipping sauce
• Side salad or chips

Method

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Begin by ensuring your fish fillets are properly prepared. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture. Cut the fish into finger-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch wide, to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Setting Up Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three separate bowls:

1. In the first bowl, place the plain flour and season it with salt and pepper.
2. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until well combined.
3. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper for added flavour.

Step 3: Breading the Fish

Take each piece of fish and first coat it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat this process for all the fish pieces.

Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the fish fingers will cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy exterior.

Step 5: Cooking the Fish Fingers

Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil or use a cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded fish fingers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook them in batches.

Cook the fish fingers in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should be golden and crispy once done.

Step 6: Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the fish fingers from the air fryer. Serve them hot with lemon wedges on the side and your choice of dipping sauce. A bit of homemade tartar sauce pairs perfectly, or go for a classic ketchup or mayonnaise—whichever you prefer!

Tips for Perfect Fish Fingers

• Variations: Feel free to add herbs and spices to your breadcrumb mixture. Dried parsley or dill can enhance the flavour beautifully.
• Fish Alternatives: While cod and haddock are traditional choices, you can also use other fish like tilapia or even salmon for a different taste.
• Freezing: These fish fingers freeze well. To freeze, place the breaded fish fingers in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen for a few extra minutes in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Homemade fish fingers made in the air fryer are an easy, healthier alternative to the frozen variety. With their delightful crunch and succulent fish filling, they make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a fun family lunch. Enjoy making this classic dish with a modern twist, and watch as they become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!

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