Fish Fingers so perfectly golden and crunchy it’s hard to believe they’re BAKED rather than fried! Breaded white fish baked in the oven using a secret method to make them super crispy outside and tender on the inside, with the extra bonus of a mess-free way to coat the fish in breadcrumbs. Clean fingers – yay!
Say bye-bye to the boxes in the freezer aisle. Homemade fish fingers are incredible, SO EASY to make and they’re healthy {226 calories for 3!}
Fish Fingers recipe
Homemade fish fingers made without frying, and without your fingers getting caked with batter and breadcrumbs? YES YOU CAN!
This fish fingers recipe uses a much loved reader reader favourite baked breading technique involving a quick toasting of breadcrumbs in the oven and a single extra-strength dredge batter, by passing the usual flour-then-egg method.
This same breadcrumb baking method is also used in these reader favourite recipes: baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crunchy Chicken Tenders and even homemade Filet-O-Fish.
Just look at this pile of golden fish fingers! Don’t you just want to devour them all??
How to make fish fingers
So getting right to the point (because I know you’re just busting to know how I got them so perfectly golden!), here’s how to make fish fingers my way:
My secret steps
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Toast the breadcrumbs: it’s an extra step but it’s effortless – just spread the breadcrumbs on a tray, spray with oil, then bake for 5 minutes. Fish fingers cooks quickly in the oven (15 min max), faster than the time you need for the breadcrumb to become golden and crisp (no matter how much oil you use). So we give it a little helping hand by toasting it beforehand. This is how you can make anything breaded that’s baked beautifully golden ALL OVER rather than splotchy like this; and
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Single extra-strength dredge batter: no dusting with flour then dipping in egg. I use a single flour-egg dredge batter that provides extra sticking power which we need when we baked things that are breaded.
What goes in Fish Fingers
And here are the ingredients you need.
Best fish for fish fingers
I’ve used Ling – the long shape makes it ideal for cutting into fish finger batons.
Virtually any fish fillets will work here except lean fish that dries out easily, such as swordfish, kingfish, bonito and tuna.
Other popular fish that will work well include: tilapia, cod, basa, catfish, barramundi, bream, snapper, John dory / Silver dory.
See the recipes notes for more suggestions and fish to avoid.
Other ingredients
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Oil spray – There’s less than a teaspoon of oil used in the whole recipe by using oil spray instead of liquid oil. You get even coverage in a way you can never achieve using normal liquid oil. But if you don’t have spray, just substituted with a couple of tablespoons of oil;
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Mayo for batter – this might look like an odd ingredient to use, but there’s logic to my madness! The mayo adds a bit of oil into the dredge batter to help the breadcrumbs brown evenly from the inside as well as the outside. It also adds a touch of flavour;
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Parmesan – adds a boost of umami to the fish fingers, compensating for not frying in oil (because let’s face it – deep frying makes everything taste better. Even Mars Bars, apparently 😂)
Sauce for Fish Fingers
The classic sauce for Fish Fingers is Tartare Sauce which you will find in this recipe along with Thousand Island, Marie Rose and the RecipeTin Family Favourite seafood dipping sauce. All these go equally well with Fish Fingers.
If you’re after a really quick sauce, try one of these:
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Quick creamy lemon – mix together mayo, sour cream or yogurt (or a combo of these) with a squeeze of lemon juice;
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Ketchup and/or Sriracha with mayo, sour cream or yogurt (or any combo of these);
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Ketchup and/or mustard!
The breadcrumb coating is nicely flavoured, so you don’t need a ton of flavour in the sauce. You just want something wet. Even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice would suffice here!
What to serve with Fish Fingers
Here’s a few suggestions for things to serve on the side. I’m sticking with healthy options here to be one theme – but no one ever said no to a side of Cheesy Garlic Bread or homemade Wedges!
And it’s freezer friendly – from frozen!
I know those boxes of frozen fish fingers are tempting for a convenience meal. Take out of freezer, throw it on a tray, bake from frozen.
Well guess what? You can bake homemade fish fingers from frozen too! Sure it takes a little longer to make them from scratch rather than grabbing a box at the grocery store.
But these taste better, they’re way better for you and you know exactly what’s in them. Win, win, win! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Fish Fingers
Ingredients
- 600g / 1.2lb white fish fillets , patted dry (Note 1)
- Oil spray (olive oil or any plain)
Crumb
- 1 1/2 cups (75g) panko breadcrumbs (Note 2)
- 1/4 cup (25g) parmesan
- 2 tsp paprika , optional
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper , each
Batter
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper , each
Serving
- Tartare sauce or other seafood dipping sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Finely chopped chives or parsley , garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Crumbing:
- Toast breadcrumbs: Spread breadcrumbs on tray. Spray with oil, bake 4 minutes until golden. Transfer toasted breadcrumbs into bowl, add remaining Crumb ingredients and mix.
- Increase oven to 220°C / 425°F (fan 200°C). Spray used tray with oil.
- Batter: Mix Batter ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Cut the fish into strips 1.5 x 11 cm / 3/5 x 4.5" (they shink 30% in length).
- Place fish in Batter, gently mix with rubber spatula to coat. Do not leave sitting around (will become watery), coat immediately.
- Breading: Pick up fish with tongs, place in breadcrumbs. Spoon over crumb, use fingers to press to adhere.
- Baking: Transfer to baking tray. Spray with oil, bake 13 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, Tartare Sauce or other Sauce of choice - see here for recipes, any of these great for fish fingers! Also Note 3 for few quick sauce options.
Recipe Notes:
- Classic - Tartare Sauce which you will find in this recipe along with Thousand Island, Marie Rose and the RecipeTin Family Favourite seafood dipping sauce. All these go equally well with Fish Fingers.
- Quick sauces:
- Quick creamy lemon - mix together mayo, sour cream or yogurt (or a combo of these) with a squeeze of lemon juice;
- Pink sauce - Ketchup and/or Sriracha with mayo, sour cream or yogurt (or any combo of these);
- Ketchup and/or mustard!
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
I took this 5 minutes before I hit Publish on this recipe. He’s spotted something of interest…. just not sure what 😂 Whatever it is, it must be really captivating – he’s been out there for ages in the beating hot sun!
Jenny says
This is amazing. Thanks Nagi for sharing this recipe!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Jenny!
Hanna says
How do you coat the crumbs with oil without a spray bottle?
Nagi says
Hi Hanna, just lightly drizzle and toss – N x
Hanna says
Thank you Nagi! I am a novice when it comes to cooking and your site is inspiring me to try cooking more.
Carol says
Will this work with raw shrimp?
Thanks in advance
Carol says
Yes, like the fish fingers
BTW, your recipes have become the family favorites.
Nagi says
Hi Carol, are you referring to the crumbing method? N x
Carol says
Yes, like the fish fingers
BTW, your recipes have become the family favorites.
Les says
Loved this recipe. I used sea bass, It was moist inside and crunchy outside. Loved the Tartar sauce too. Easy weekday meal. I’m thinking of using this batter recipe for chicken and vegetables too. Great alternative for deep frying.
Linda Lubbesmeyer says
I made the fish tonight, and hubby made tartar sauce. It was very good, and easy to do. The only thing I will change next time is to not use as much of the bread crumbs. I think 1 cup would be plenty. I had lots left over, but *just* enough batter to do the fish.
Nagi says
Hi Linda, you could always reduce the amount, I always like to have more than enough so I’m not scrambling last minute if I run out ☺️
Michelle says
So I am really fussy when it comes to seafood, that is I don’t like much of it. I only like limited amount of fish, will this recipe work well with whiting or flake. I really like the look of this recipe. Thanks.
Nagi says
Hi Michelle, yes it will work fine, love to know what you think if you try them! N x
TATIANA ISAKIDIS says
This was lovely! The whole family devoured them and we are not fish-eaters. Made some home made lemon mayo to dip the fish fingers in. Thank you Nagi, for ANOTHER fantastic recipe!
Corey says
SO good! I made these tonight with cod and they were delicious. Only modification was that I used 2 eggs for the batter. This will be a regular in my quick weekday dinners! Thanks again for another great recipe!
Nancy says
This was so good! A very straightforward recipe, delicious results, and I ate more of these than I thought I could! Used the freshest cod fillets that I could find. I also loved the easy sauce suggestions (mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, mmm). Thank you, Nagi!
char says
Yes that is what happened to mine . I use cod that they said was frozen before . Would that have done it ? They were delicious but I would like to have them crispier like yours…
Nagi says
I assume it’s just the fact it was frozen slightly changed the texture of the fish – make sure you pat them dry before using frozen fish 🙂
char says
thanks for getting back to me. I will pat dry the next time . They were delicious !
char says
Good morning ! I just have a question. I made and reviewed these fish fingers and they were delicious ! I do have a question though, although mine were delicious they were not like yours where you could pick them up . What did I do wrong ? They tasted awesome but I would like them like yours….Thanks
Nagi says
Hi Char, what do you mean they weren’t like mine? did they fall apart when you picked them up? If so – that’s the type of fish you’re using. Try something a little more firm 🙂
Nub says
I made these to rave reviews for use in tacos. Delicious, and so great to not need to fry or deep fry to get a proper crunch.
Now looking back the recipe I realised I forgot to put salt in the crumb so added after cooking. Loved it will definitely make again.
I’m new to this site and making my way through the recipes! X
Priya says
I just made these with my grandson. One word…..divine! I couldnt get over how simple it was to make and how crisp and tasty they were.
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Priya!
SandManJono says
How easy is this to make – really pleased with the result as were my hungry family !
Just make sure the fish (I used cod) is not wet before you put in the batter
Nagi says
Thanks for the reminder! Put that direction in for frozen fish, forgot for fresh. Will add it! N x (PS Glad everyone enjoyed it!)
Nan says
The fish fingers were absolutely delicious! We live in a town with three fish plants. They landed haddock that morning, so it was super fresh. I loved the crispy coating. It’s definitely going on our menu rotation. We made some and froze some. Can’t wait to taste the frozen fish too.
Nagi says
Sounds amazing Nan, I’m so happy you enjoyed them!
Narguess says
Hi. I’m having trouble saving to pinterest…any ideas please?
Nagi says
Hi Narguess, I’m not having issues here so it may be your browser or settings – N x
Deya Manning says
Aaahh Nagi,
you’ve done it again 🙂
Nagi says
🙂 Thanks so much
betty watt says
just wanted to know what type of paprika you used smoked sweet hungarian im about to make this for dinner thanks again for your wonderful recipes xo
nagi
Nagi says
Hi Betty, either is fine, however I used sweet here – N x
Michele says
I’ve just made these tonight and they are amazing! I’m just about to throw out my frying pan…no more frying fish ever!!
Bel says
these look awesome, can’t wait to try. Just a quick question, is that fresh grated parmesan that you use or the dried parmesan you can buy off the shelf? Thank you 🙂
Nagi says
Hi Bel, it’s fresh parmesan – you can either buy the grated in the bags or grate yourself 🙂