Air Fryer Fish Fingers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Fish fingers are a convenient and tasty snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy texture without the need for oil. The cooking time will depend on the type of fish finger, the size and thickness, and how crispy you like them. Frozen fish fingers will take between 8 and 13 minutes to cook at 200°C or 400°F, while homemade fish fingers will take slightly less time, between 8 and 10 minutes. It's important to preheat the air fryer, ensure even spacing between the fish fingers, and flip them halfway through cooking for the best results.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures even heating and helps to achieve crispier results. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 180-200°C (360°F) or 400°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. The duration of preheating can vary, but it typically ranges from 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the air fryer's heating elements will reach the desired temperature, preparing the cooking chamber for your fish fingers.

When preheating, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model. Different models may have unique features or requirements for preheating. Some modern air fryers may even have a dedicated preheat setting, making it more convenient to reach the desired temperature. Always refer to the user manual for precise instructions and safety guidelines.

The preheating process serves a similar purpose to preheating a conventional oven. It ensures that the cooking environment is at the optimal temperature for your food. In the case of fish fingers, preheating helps to create a consistent cooking temperature, which is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.

By preheating your air fryer, you can also reduce the chances of your food sticking to the air fryer basket. This is because the preheating process helps to create a more even cooking surface, preventing hot spots that can cause food to stick or burn.

Additionally, preheating can help improve the overall cooking time of your fish fingers. Since the air fryer is already at the desired temperature, the cooking process can begin immediately, and your fish fingers will cook more efficiently.

Remember, preheating is an optional step, but it is highly recommended, especially if you want to avoid soggy fish fingers. By taking a few extra minutes to preheat your air fryer, you'll be rewarded with a crispier, more delicious final product.

Arrange the fish fingers in the basket

When arranging the fish fingers in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that they are placed in a single layer with no overlapping. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit around 8-12 fish fingers in the basket without overcrowding. It is crucial not to stack or overlap the fish fingers, as this will result in uneven cooking and sogginess.

When placing the fish fingers into the basket, make sure there is some space between each piece. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate effectively and cook the fish fingers evenly. You can spritz the air fryer with cooking spray first if you are concerned about sticking.

If you are using a smaller air fryer or have a larger number of fish fingers, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded. It is better to cook them in smaller batches and ensure even cooking rather than trying to fit too many in the basket at once.

Once you have arranged the fish fingers in the basket with proper spacing, you can proceed with the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically around 200°C or 400°F, and then place the basket inside and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the fish fingers, but on average, they should take around 8-13 minutes to cook.

Cook for 8-13 minutes

Cooking fish fingers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty snack or meal. The cooking time will depend on the type of fish finger you are using, but generally, you should cook your fish fingers for 8-13 minutes at 200°C or 400°F. This will ensure they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

For example, if you are using Birds Eye fish fingers, cook them for 10-13 minutes. For Young's fish fingers, the cooking time is slightly shorter at 12-13 minutes. If you are making your own homemade fish fingers, these will only need 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.

It is important to remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish fingers, so keep an eye on them while they are cooking. Additionally, different air fryer models may have slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

When cooking, be sure to arrange the fish fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one to allow for proper air circulation. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

You can flip your fish fingers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. However, it is not necessary to preheat your air fryer before adding the fish fingers, as this can cause them to thaw and become soggy before cooking.

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in the cooking process to ensure that your food is cooked to your desired level of crispiness and that it is safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to check for doneness when cooking fish fingers in an air fryer:

Visual Inspection:

Firstly, you should always check the visual appearance of your fish fingers. The recommended cooking time for fish fingers in an air fryer is between 8 to 13 minutes, depending on the brand and whether they are fresh or frozen. After this time, your fish fingers should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to burning or drying out the fish fingers.

Internal Temperature:

To ensure that your fish fingers are fully cooked and safe to eat, it is important to check their internal temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the fish finger. The internal temperature should reach 63°C or 145°F. If you don't have a thermometer, an alternative method is to cut open a fish finger and check the flesh. It should be opaque and flaky, with no cold spots.

Texture:

When checking for doneness, it is important to consider the texture of the fish fingers. They should be crispy on the outside and moist or flaky on the inside. If the fish fingers feel soggy or mushy, they may need additional cooking time. However, if they are hard or dry, they have likely been overcooked.

Preventing Undercooking and Overcooking:

To prevent undercooking or overcooking your fish fingers, it is important to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your specific brand and type of fish fingers. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and leave enough space between each fish finger to allow for proper air circulation. Flipping the fish fingers halfway through the cooking process can also help ensure even cooking.

Personal Preference:

Lastly, doneness can also be determined by your personal preference for crispiness and texture. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can cook the fish fingers for a slightly longer time, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer texture, you can cook them for a shorter duration or stop cooking when they reach your desired level of crispness.

Serve immediately

Fish fingers are best served immediately—they're a great, quick option for a snack or meal, and can be served in a variety of ways.

If you're serving fish fingers for children, they're a popular choice for lunch or dinner, and can be served with mashed potatoes, chips, and peas or broccoli. Adults can also enjoy them as a sandwich filling, perhaps with a toasted brioche bun and homemade tartar sauce for brunch.

For a more substantial meal, you could serve fish fingers in a fish finger sandwich with thick white bread or a bread roll, crunchy iceberg lettuce, sliced vine tomatoes, and mayonnaise. You could also add a side of French fries and your favourite dipping sauce.

For something a little different, you could try fish fingers in a soft flour tortilla wrap with lettuce, cucumber strips, and salsa, or even fish fingers, waffles, and baked beans.

If you're serving fish fingers as a snack, they go well with a dip. You could try a caper mayonnaise dip—mix mayonnaise and capers in a small bowl and serve. Other dip options include mayonnaise with chopped gherkins, mustard mayonnaise, spicy mayo with sriracha chilli sauce, tomato salsa, guacamole, or tartar sauce.

Fish fingers are best eaten right after cooking, but you can save leftovers for up to three days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions