Air Fryer Fish Nuggets Recipe (2024)

Table of Contents

Are fish nuggets healthy? Fish nuggets Ingredients How to air fry fish nuggets How to season fish nuggets How long to air fry fish nuggets When is done How to cook fish nuggets in oven Recipe tips How to store fish nuggets Store in the fridge Store in the Freezer How to Reheat fish nuggets in the air fryer Tools used to make this recipe More air fryer recipes you’ll love More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Air Fryer Fish Nuggets Recipe Ingredients Instructions Notes FAQs References

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Air fryer fish nuggets is a quick homemade recipe using fresh or previously frozen cod fish fillets.

Fish nuggets in air fryer is a terrific dinner or snack that kids and grown-ups will love. The cod fillets are cut into bite-size pieces and finished rolled in panko breadcrumbs and air fry until crispy in these healthy cod nuggets recipe.

You can make this crispy fish nuggets recipe using the air fryer or the oven. There is no need to deep fry fish nuggets anymore since the air fryer does all the work, and you get crispy and delicious nuggets every time.

These air fryer cod fish nuggets are made with real fish, and they are the homemade alternative to the boxes of frozen fish nuggets you find at the grocery store. Make some extra fish nuggets and freeze them for a quick healthy dinner that you can reheat in the air fryer.

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Are fish nuggets healthy?

Homemade fish nuggets are healthier because you have control of the ingredients you use.

The frozen fish nuggets at the grocery store are processed and deep-fried. Processed food is not usually healthy because they are high in sodium, fat and other ingredients that are not good for your health.

Fish nuggets Ingredients

How to air fry fish nuggets

Cooking fish nuggets in air fryer is easy to follow the steps below or print the recipe on the recipe card

How to season fish nuggets

Mix flour and black pepper in a shallow dish and set aside.
Lightly beat eggs and the chopped parsley in a second shallow dish, and set aside.
Mix panko and black pepper in a third shallow dish, and set aside.
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, season with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Dredge the fish pieces one to three at a time in the flour mixture, shake off the excess. Dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then dredge in the panko breadcrumb, set it on a clean plate.

How long to air fry fish nuggets

Place the breaded cod in air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with cooking oil; cook at 400ºF for 5 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily.

When is done

According to the USDA, fish are safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF.

How to cook fish nuggets in oven

Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the fish nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the cod fish nuggets with cooking spray oil and bake for 15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

If the baked fish nuggets have reached an internal temperature of 145ºF and they’re not crispy yet, cook it on broil for a couple of minutes for extra crispiness.

Recipe tips

You can use fresh or previously frozen cod fillets or any white fish fillets.
Ensure fish is completely defrosted.
Place the air-fried nuggets on a cooling rack while you cook the second batch and when you are done, add all the nuggets back into the air fryer basket to warm for a couple of minutes before serving.
Store in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to one month.

How to store fish nuggets

These breaded fish nuggets have the best taste and texture if you eat them immediately. They will be good in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

Store in the fridge

Keep leftovers of air fry cod fish nuggets in an airtight container or a zip bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Store in the Freezer

Line a baking sheet with wax paper, lay cooked fish nuggets, and freeze for two hours. Once solid frozen, transfer to a zip bag and label with the date and name. Freeze for up to a month.

How to Reheat fish nuggets in the air fryer

To reheat fish nuggets in the air fryer, set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for only 3-4 minutes. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and if you do it, adjust the reheating time accordingly.

Tools used to make this recipe

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Air Fryer Fish Nuggets Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Air fryer fish nuggets is a quick homemade recipe using fresh or previously frozen cod fish fillets.

Ingredients

½ cup white whole-wheat flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumb
1 lb. pacific cod, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking spray oil (avocado or olive oil)

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400ºF for 10 minutes
Mix flour and black pepper in a shallow dish and set aside.
Lightly beat eggs and the chopped parsley in a second shallow dish and set aside.
Mix panko and black pepper in a third shallow dish and set aside.
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, season with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Dredge the fish pieces one at a time in the flour mixture, shake off the excess. Dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then dredge in the panko breadcrumb, set it on a clean plate.
Place the coated fish in the air fryer basket spray with cooking oil; cook at 400ºF for 5 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily.
Serve with a side and tartar sauce or any dipping sauce you like.

Notes

You can use fresh or previously frozen cod fillets or any white fish fillets.
Ensure fish is completely defrosted.
Place the air-fried nuggets on a cooling rack while you cook the second batch and when you are done, add all the nuggets back into the air fryer basket to warm for a couple of minutes before serving.
Store in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 427Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 474mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 37g

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.

FAQs

Why is my fish not crispy in air fryer? ›

Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. This allows the fish to get crispy all over. If you don't have an air fryer, you can achieve similar results in a convection oven (see directions in the recipe), but I found that the air fryer delivers a crisper finish faster.

What temperature should you cook fish in an air fryer? ›

Step 3Working in batches, place fish in basket of air fryer and cook at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, or until fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.

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How long do you cook frozen fish nuggets in the air fryer? ›

Place the frozen breaded fish fillet in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren't overlapping. No oil spray is needed.
Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for 12 minutes. Flip the fish fillets over and then continue to cook at 380°F/193°C for another 2-4 minutes or until cooked through and the coating is crispy.

May 11, 2022

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What fish cooks best in air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Fish Fillets

You've got a lot of options when it comes to fish fillets, including air fryer haddock, mahi-mahi, cod, hake, and catfish. The trick, regardless of what kind you use, is to cut your fillets to the exact same size before air frying so that they cook evenly and in the same amount of time.

Keep Reading ›

What do I coat my fish with before frying? ›

For how to fry fish that's just as crispy as what you get at a fish and chips restaurant, dip pieces of fish in a beer batter or several coatings of egg and seasoned flour before you fry it. It will come out a crisp, golden brown.

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How do you know when fish is done in an air fryer? ›

Air fry fish at 390 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Serve air fryer fish with garnishes and ENJOY!

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Should I flip fish in air fryer? ›

In the middle of the cooking process, you'll want to flip the fish, for even cooking. Regardless of whether or not you need to lengthen your cooking time, the process will still be quick. For example, a six-ounce cod filet can cook in as little as 12 minutes.

Read On ›

Can you put aluminum foil in air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Learn More Now ›

Can I use foil in air fryer for fish? ›

In fact, lining your fryer basket with foil can really help when you're cooking something delicate, such as fish.

Tell Me More ›

Can I air fry frozen fish without thawing? ›

Yes, you can air fry frozen fish without thawing. The air fryer method is the best way to cook frozen foods. The air fryer cooks the fish from frozen evenly, with less oil, less time, and minimal cleanup. The fish comes out flaky and juicy on the inside and golden brown with crispy edges on the outside.

Keep Reading ›

Do you air fry fish frozen or thawed? ›

It's absolutely ok to cook frozen fish, just as you would thawed. In fact, they come out juicy and flaky with crispy edges. Cooking frozen fish is a well kept secret to an easy healthy dinner, straight from the freezer. Be sure to cook the fish completely.

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How long to air fry frozen nuggets at 400? ›

Instructions

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400 degrees F (optional depending on Air Fryer).
Put chicken nuggets in the basket or on the tray. Don't overfill the basket!
Air fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 9-12 minutes.

Jan 20, 2023

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Why is my air fried fish mushy? ›

But with any kind of frying, including using an air fryer, patting your fish dry with a paper towel first can ensure that your filets get nice and brown, according to City Fish Market. Ensuring your fish is dry before seasoning and cooking it will help your fish to prevent your fish from taking on a mushy texture.

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Why is my fish skin not crispy? ›

Don't season the fish ahead of cooking as it will draw moisture out of the fish skin, making it wet → compromises crispiness! Hot oil and a light press – Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Look for shimmering oil and little wisps of smoke as a sign it's hot enough.

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Does fish cook well in an air fryer? ›

Absolutely! The air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air evenly around all sides of the coated fish fillets, cooking it quickly and with very little oil—just a spritz of cooking spray! This allows the fish to cook quickly and perfectly golden brown in just minutes, with no messy pot of hot oil!