Air Fryer Fish Fingers: The Perfect Quick-Fix Meal

Fish fingers are a quick and easy meal to prepare, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The cooking time for fish fingers in an air fryer depends on whether they are homemade or store-bought, and whether they are fresh or frozen. Frozen fish fingers can be cooked straight from frozen and typically take between 8 and 13 minutes to cook at 200°C or 400°F. Homemade fish fingers take slightly less time to cook, with a recommended cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes. For store-bought frozen fish fingers, the cooking time varies between brands, with Birds Eye fish fingers taking 10 to 13 minutes and Young's fish fingers taking 12 to 13 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process for fish fingers. While some recipes suggest that preheating is optional, it is highly recommended to ensure even heating and crispier results. It also helps to prevent your fish fingers from becoming soggy by ensuring that the temperature is high enough before adding your food.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 180-200°C (or 350-400°F). Allow it to heat up for 2-4 minutes. This short amount of time will ensure that your air fryer is ready to cook your fish fingers to perfection.

Some air fryers may have a specific "preheat" setting, which you can select before adjusting the temperature. If your air fryer does not have this setting, don't worry—you can still preheat it by turning it on and setting the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the preheating time may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your air fryer. As such, it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. However, the general process of preheating remains the same: turn on your air fryer, set the temperature, and allow it to heat up for a few minutes.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with the rest of your fish finger recipe. Remember to follow the other tips and tricks for cooking fish fingers in an air fryer, such as ensuring proper air circulation by not overcrowding the basket and flipping your fish fingers halfway through the cooking process.

Don't defrost fish fingers before cooking

You can cook frozen fish fingers in an air fryer without defrosting them first. In fact, defrosting fish fingers before cooking them in an air fryer is not recommended, as this can cause the breading to become wet, leading to soggy fish fingers.

How to Cook Frozen Fish Fingers in an Air Fryer

To cook frozen fish fingers in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C for around 3 minutes. Then, place the frozen fish fingers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping and that there is space between each piece for proper air circulation.

Cook for around 8 minutes at 200°C, flipping the fish fingers halfway through. Depending on the size and thickness of the fish fingers, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer until they have reached your desired level of crispiness.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Don't overlap or stack the fish fingers when cooking.
• Flip the fish fingers once during the cooking time.
• Don't leave the frozen fish out on the counter for longer than necessary before cooking. For optimum results, cook the fish directly from the freezer into the air fryer.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness

When cooking fish fingers in an air fryer, it's important to ensure they are cooked thoroughly without becoming overcooked or soggy. One way to check the doneness of your fish fingers is by using a meat thermometer. This will help you achieve the desired level of crispiness on the outside while ensuring the fish is cooked properly on the inside.

To use a meat thermometer effectively, follow these steps:

• Read the Manufacturer's Instructions: Before using any appliance, it's important to consult the manufacturer's instructions. These can vary between different thermometers, so it's essential to understand the specific instructions for your device.
• Insert the Probes Correctly: After preheating your air fryer and seasoning your fish fingers, insert the probe of the thermometer into the centre of the fish finger. Ensure you insert it into the thickest part of the finger for the most accurate readings.
• Set Up the Wireless Thermometer: Most wireless thermometers come with a mobile application or a digital receiver. Input all the necessary information, such as cooking time and desired temperature.
• Place the Fish Fingers in the Air Fryer: Once you have set up the thermometer, place the fish fingers into the air fryer and start the cooking process.
• Monitor the Temperature: One of the significant advantages of using a wireless thermometer is the ability to monitor the temperature constantly without opening the air fryer and losing heat. Keep an eye on the display device to track the internal temperature in real time.
• Remove and Rest the Fish Fingers: Once your desired temperature is reached, remove the fish fingers from the air fryer and allow them to rest. This will ensure that the fish fingers are cooked perfectly and are tender and juicy.

Using a meat thermometer is a precise way to check the doneness of your fish fingers. By following these steps, you can ensure that your fish fingers are cooked to your desired level of doneness while maintaining food safety. Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your meat thermometer for the most accurate guidance.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When cooking fish fingers in an air fryer, it's important to remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fish fingers.

The hot air circulating in the air fryer is what cooks the food, and if the basket is overcrowded, the hot air won't be able to circulate properly. This will result in some areas of the fish fingers not getting enough heat, leading to uneven cooking.

Additionally, overcrowding can cause the fish fingers to steam rather than crisp up. This is because the moisture released from the fish fingers will not be able to escape, leading to a soggy texture.

To avoid overcrowding, it's best to cook fish fingers in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can typically fit between 6 and 12 fish fingers in the basket without overcrowding. If you need to cook more, it's better to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

By giving the fish fingers enough space, you allow the hot air to circulate effectively, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fish fingers every time.

Flip halfway through cooking

Flipping your fish fingers halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring they cook evenly and emerge crisp and golden on both sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can usually fit between 6 and 12 fish fingers in the basket, but be sure to leave enough space between each fish finger for proper air circulation. Overlapping or stacking the fish fingers will result in soggy, unevenly cooked fish.

When cooking frozen fish fingers in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 2-4 minutes. Then, cook the fish fingers for 8-13 minutes at 200°C/400°F, flipping them halfway through. If you are using Birds Eye fish fingers, the recommended cooking time is between 10-13 minutes. For Young's fish fingers, the cooking time is slightly shorter, between 12-13 minutes.

If you are cooking homemade fish fingers, you will need to cook them for slightly less time, usually between 8-10 minutes at 200°C/400°F. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3-4 minutes, then place the frozen fish fingers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece. Cook for 4 minutes, flip them with a fork, and then continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

To check if your fish fingers are fully cooked, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 63°C/145°F. Alternatively, cut open a fish finger and check if the flesh is opaque and flaky.

Frequently asked questions