Easy Baked Fish Finger Recipe From Scratch
Just like frozen fish fingers, this baked fish finger recipe is a huge hit with the kids (and adults), the only difference being that this one is made from scratch so that you have complete control of the ingredients. A big bonus is that you can make a big batch of these little fishy bites and pop them in the freezer too, making them just as handy as that blue box we all loved growing up.
Servings: 4 serves
Calories: 292kcal
Ingredients
- 3 large Cod fillets or other firm white fish (see notes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain all-purpose flour see notes
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs see notes
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or try smoked paprika or cajun seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- optional extras: finely grated parmesan added to the breadcrumb mixture, chopped parsley for serving, lemon wedges, and tartare sauce for serving.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celcius). Spray a wire rack with a nonstick spray and place it over a baking sheet (see photos in post).
- Slice the cod fillets into long strips similar in size to what you would find in a frozen fish finger. Try to make all of the strips even in size.
- Add the paprika and salt to the flour and mix well to combine. Add this flour mixture to a plate.
- Whisk the eggs and pour them onto a separate plate.
- Add the breadcrumbs to their own plate, as well.
- Taking each cut piece of fish fillet one at a time, use a pair of tongs to dip first into the flour mixture and coat, then into the egg mixture and coat, and then into the breadcrumb mixture and coat (see notes).
- Shake off any excess and set it on the prepared wire rack. Repeat this with the rest of the fish, making sure they do not touch on the wire rack.
Cooking In The Oven
- Place the baking sheet with the wire rack of fish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through, and the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Cooking In The Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celcius).
- Follow the instructions up until the fish sticks are covered in the breadcrumb mixture and then place them onto the rack inside the preheated air fryer
- Bake the fish fingers in the air fryer for 5 minutes, before flipping and baking for another 5 minutes.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Notes
Firm White Fish
Any type of firm white fish works well such as Cod, Ling, Barramundi, Snapper, Dory, Bream, Tilapia, and Basa (although look into the origins of the last two fish before using).
Flour
You can use white or whole wheat flour depending on your preference.
You can also sub in a gluten-free flour of choice if you have one you like.
Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are best as they are already very crispy.
If you are using another kind of breadcrumb it would be best to lightly toast them in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to cool, and then using as is suggested in the recipe. This will allow for a crunchier fish finger once baked.
You can also sub in a gluten-free rice-based breadcrumb, such as Orgran, which can usually be found in the health food section of the grocery store.
Coating the Fish In Breadcrumbs
An easy way to coat the fish in breadcrumbs is to place it in the center of the plate that holds the breadcrumbs and use your hands to pile the breadcrumbs up the side and over the top of the piece of fish to ensure even coverage.
Freezing
The fish fingers can be frozen prior to being cooked. See the post for more details.
Serving suggestions
There are lots of serving suggestions within the post (use the advanced menu at the top of the page to navigate quickly).
For a simple serving suggestion: serve with lemon wedges, tomato sauce, tartare sauce, mayo, or a mixture of mayo, greek yogurt, and lemon.
Nutrition
Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 452IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg