Crunchy Parmesan Panko Fish Fingers: A Golden Baked Recipe

My kitchen experiment with golden crunchy baked fish fingers sparked unexpected culinary magic that surprised everyone at dinner.

Crispy panko coating delivers an irresistible texture perfect for seafood lovers seeking something beyond traditional recipes.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style dish with minimal preparation time.

Fresh white fish fillets become magical when combined with nutty parmesan and light breadcrumbs.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults adore equally.

Serving these delectable morsels alongside a zesty dipping sauce completes the entire dining experience.

You’ll want to make extra because these fish fingers disappear faster than you might anticipate.

Why Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko Are A Winner

• Upgrade Comfort Food: Transform classic fish fingers into a gourmet experience with crispy parmesan panko coating that elevates the entire dish beyond ordinary meals.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal ingredients that guarantee delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, providing a nutritious protein option that's fun to eat and easy to prepare.
• Versatile Serving Options: Adaptable to multiple occasions from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, serving perfectly with various dipping sauces and side dishes like salad or roasted vegetables.

What Goes Into Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• White Fish: A mild and flaky fish that works perfectly for creating tender and light fish fingers.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: A combination that provides a golden, extra crispy exterior with a rich, savory flavor.

• Egg, Mayonnaise: A creamy mixture that helps the breadcrumb coating adhere to the fish.
• Flour, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a delicate flavor profile.

• Cooking Oil: Used for toasting breadcrumbs and lightly spraying fish fingers to promote even browning.
• Lemon Wedges: A fresh, tangy accompaniment that brightens the fish's flavor.

How To Bake Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

Step 1: Toast Breadcrumb Coating

Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray. Lightly spray with oil and bake until golden.

• Grated parmesan
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Transfer the toasted mixture to a wide bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Batter Base

• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 3: Slice and Coat Fish

Cut white fish into finger-sized strips. Gently fold each strip into the batter using a rubber spatula, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Crumb the Fish

Using tongs, transfer battered fish strips into the toasted breadcrumb mixture. Carefully spoon crumbs over each piece, pressing gently to help coating adhere.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F. Lightly oil a baking tray.

Arrange crumbed fish fingers with space between each piece. Spray lightly with additional oil.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake fish fingers for 13-15 minutes until crisp and beautifully golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot fish fingers immediately.

Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips For Perfect Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• Toast panko breadcrumbs beforehand for extra crunchiness and deeper golden color.
• Use firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for best texture and even cooking.
• Pat fish dry with paper towels before battering to ensure crispy coating and better adherence.
• Switch mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising taste.
• Add dried herbs like parsley or dill to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced flavor profile and aromatic finish.

Fun Twists On Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• Mediterranean Herb Fish Fingers: Replace paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and basil. Add lemon zest to the crumb mixture for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Crunch: Mix cayenne pepper and dried cajun seasoning into the panko crumbs. Serve with a spicy remoulade sauce for extra kick.
• Asian-Inspired Crispy Fingers: Swap parmesan for sesame seeds, add grated ginger to the batter. Serve with sweet chili or soy dipping sauce for an eastern touch.
• Coconut Crusted Tropical Version: Mix shredded coconut into panko breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of ground coriander for complexity. Pair with mango salsa for a Caribbean-style experience.

Tasty Sides For Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Slaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw with fresh lemon and orange zest perfectly complements the golden fish fingers, cutting through their richness with bright, refreshing flavors.
• Match with Cool Herbed Aioli: Homemade garlic aioli blended with fresh dill and chives creates a creamy, herbaceous dipping sauce that enhances the fish's delicate texture and crunchy coating.
• Serve alongside Crisp White Wine Spritzer: Light, chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio with a splash of sparkling water provides a clean, acidic counterpoint to the rich, baked fish fingers, elevating the entire dining experience.

Storing Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fish fingers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled fish fingers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Spread fish fingers on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Cook at 180°C / 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crunchiness.

Common Questions About Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers With Parmesan & Panko

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like cod, haddock, or pollock are ideal due to their mild flavor and firm texture that holds together well during baking.

• Can I use gluten-free alternatives?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• How do I prevent the fish from becoming dry?

The egg and mayonnaise batter helps keep the fish moist, and avoid overcooking by checking at the 13-minute mark and not exceeding 15 minutes of baking time.

• Is it necessary to toast the panko breadcrumbs?

Toasting enhances the golden color and adds extra crunch to the fish fingers, creating a more flavorful and textured coating.

Golden Crunchy Baked Fish Fingers with Parmesan & Panko Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden fish fingers dance with parmesan and panko, creating a delightful crunch that elevates seafood to new heights. Perfectly seasoned and baked, these irresistible morsels invite you to savor a delectable meal that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish:

• 1.2 pounds (600 grams) white fish fillets

Coating Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (75 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray
• Tartare sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Chopped chives or parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and toast panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray for 4 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue.
2. Remove toasted breadcrumbs and mix with parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Increase oven temperature to 220°C and lightly oil the baking tray.
4. Create a creamy batter by whisking egg, mayonnaise, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Slice fish into uniform strips approximately 1.5 x 11 cm for consistent cooking.
6. Delicately coat each fish strip in the prepared batter, ensuring complete coverage using a gentle folding technique.
7. Transfer batter-coated fish into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a robust, even crust.
8. Arrange crumbed fish fingers on the prepared tray, leaving slight spacing between each piece for optimal crispiness.
9. Lightly mist fish fingers with oil to enhance golden color and crunch.
10. Bake for 13-15 minutes until exterior is crisp, golden, and fish is perfectly cooked through.
11. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Toasting panko breadcrumbs beforehand boosts their golden color and creates an extra crispy texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Ensuring fish strips are uniform in size guarantees even cooking and consistent crunchiness across all pieces.
• Using mayonnaise in the batter adds moisture and helps the breadcrumb coating stick more effectively, preventing crumbs from falling off during baking.
• Choose firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for best results, as they maintain structural integrity and provide a delicate, flaky texture when baked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg