Air Fryer Fish Fingers: How Long To Cook?

Fish fingers are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, taking less than 15 minutes to cook. They can be made from frozen, without the need for oil, and can be served in a variety of ways, including with chips and peas, or in a sandwich with lettuce and tartar sauce.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process and can be the difference between soggy and crispy fish fingers. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 180-200°C or 360-400°F. This should take around 2-4 minutes.

Preheating your air fryer ensures even heating and helps to create a crispy exterior. It is especially important when cooking frozen food, as it prevents the fish fingers from becoming soggy. If you don't preheat, the exterior of the fish fingers may cook too quickly, leaving the inside cold and undercooked.

The exact temperature and time will depend on the model of your air fryer, so it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. However, as a general rule, 2-4 minutes at a temperature of 180-200°C or 360-400°F should be sufficient to preheat your air fryer adequately.

Once preheated, you can then place your fish fingers into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each one for proper air circulation.

Don't overlap the fish fingers

When cooking fish fingers in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are not overlapping in the air fryer basket. Overlapping fish fingers will result in uneven cooking and sogginess.

The key to achieving crispy fish fingers in an air fryer is proper air circulation. By not overlapping the fish fingers, you allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece. This ensures that the fish fingers cook uniformly and turn out crispy, rather than soggy.

Additionally, it is recommended to leave enough space between each fish finger. This further promotes proper air circulation and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

If you are cooking a large batch of fish fingers and find it necessary to stack them, it is important to shake the air fryer basket frequently during the cooking process. Shaking the basket will help to redistribute the fish fingers and prevent them from sticking together or to the basket. However, it is still best to avoid overlapping them if possible.

In summary, for the best results when cooking fish fingers in an air fryer, always ensure that they are arranged in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. This will help you achieve evenly cooked and crispy fish fingers every time.

Cook for 8-13 minutes

Cooking fish fingers in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of fish fingers you are using, but on average, it takes around 8-13 minutes to cook fish fingers in an air fryer.

For store-bought frozen fish fingers, the recommended cooking time is between 8 and 13 minutes at 200°C or 400°F. This will vary depending on the brand and the size and thickness of the fish fingers. For example, Birds Eye fish fingers will take between 10 and 13 minutes, while Young's fish fingers will take between 12 and 13 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the fish fingers during cooking to ensure they do not overcook or become soggy.

If you are using fresh, homemade fish fingers, you will need to cook them for slightly less time. The recommended cooking time for fresh fish fingers is between 8 and 10 minutes at 200°C or 400°F.

To ensure even cooking and to prevent the fish fingers from sticking, it is important to leave enough space between each piece in the air fryer basket. You should also flip the fish fingers halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.

After the designated cooking time, the fish fingers should be crispy and golden on the outside and cooked all the way through. If they are not quite done, return them to the air fryer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy perfectly cooked fish fingers that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, without the need for excess oil.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your fish fingers is an important step to ensure they are cooked properly and safely. The recommended internal temperature for fish fingers is 63°C or 145°F. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check this. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish finger. If the temperature reaches 63°C or 145°F, your fish fingers are cooked.

Alternatively, you can cut open a fish finger and check if the flesh is opaque and flaky. The inside should not be cold, and the fish should flake easily. This method is a quick and easy way to check if your fish fingers are cooked without needing any additional tools.

It's important to note that the cooking time for fish fingers may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish fingers, the brand of your air fryer, and the temperature setting. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your fish fingers while they're cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, you can also check if your fish fingers are done by observing their appearance. The fish fingers should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the inside should be hot and flaky. This visual cue, along with checking the internal temperature or cutting open a fish finger, will help ensure that your fish fingers are fully cooked and safe to consume.

Serve with tartar sauce

Fish fingers cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dips and sides, but tartar sauce is a classic pairing that enhances the flavour of the dish. Here are some ideas on how to serve fish fingers with tartar sauce:

Classic Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a traditional condiment for fish fingers, adding a tangy and creamy element that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the fish. You can buy ready-made tartar sauce or make your own by mixing mayonnaise with chopped pickles, gherkins, or capers. Serve the tartar sauce as a dip or spread it on a sandwich or wrap.

Fish Finger Sandwich

For a hearty meal, serve your air-fried fish fingers in a sandwich. Spread tartar sauce on buttered bread, add lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and the fish fingers. You can also add some sliced onions, cheese, or avocado for extra flavour. Top it off with another slice of bread and enjoy!

Fish Tacos

For a fun twist, serve your fish fingers in soft flour tortillas. Add some shredded lettuce, cucumber strips, and salsa for a refreshing flavour. You can also include some tartar sauce in your taco for an extra creamy kick.

Side Options

Fish fingers and tartar sauce go well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with French fries, potato wedges, or potato waffles for a classic combination. A side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette can also complement the dish, providing a healthy contrast to the crispy fish fingers.

Plating and Presentation

When serving fish fingers with tartar sauce, you can get creative with the plating and presentation. For a casual meal, place the fish fingers on a bed of lettuce with the tartar sauce on the side for dipping. For a more elegant presentation, stack the fish fingers on a plate, drizzle them with tartar sauce, and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs.

Frequently asked questions