Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries Recipe

Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries: A Family-Favorite Recipe

Crispy and golden fish fingers spark joy for anyone craving a classic comfort meal.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can create magic in the kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned white fish transforms into a delightful dish that kids and adults adore.

Kitchen novices can master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crunchy exterior and tender interior make these fish fingers irresistible at first bite.

Paired with golden fries, this meal promises a satisfying experience that brings smiles to the table.

  • Boost Family Mealtime: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love, making dinner enjoyment simple and delicious.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn breading and baking skills that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture or swap dipping sauces to personalize this classic comfort food experience.
  • Quick Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Prepare a complete meal with protein and sides using straightforward steps and common kitchen ingredients, reducing stress and maximizing taste.

Ingredients for Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

Main Protein:
  • Fish Strips: White fish fillets perfect for creating crispy and tender fish fingers.
Breading Ingredients:
  • Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the breading process.
  • Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs adhere to the fish strips.
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crunchy and flavorful coating for the fish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds rich and balanced flavor to both fish and fries.
Frying Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables crispy exterior and golden-brown color for fish and fries.
Potato Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base for creating crispy golden fries.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Tartar Sauce, Ketchup: Classic dipping options for fish fingers and fries.

How to Prepare Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

Step 1: Prepare Fish Coating

Gather a trio of shallow dishes. In the first dish, sprinkle flour. In the second dish, whisk eggs until smooth. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, minced garlic powder, ground onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Coat Seafood Strips

Take each fish strip and gently roll in flour, ensuring complete coverage. Dunk into whisked eggs, letting excess drip off. Roll thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing coating gently to adhere. Place coated strips on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Crisp Up Seafood

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place breaded fish strips into hot oil. Fry until exterior turns golden brown and edges become crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer back to baking sheet.

Step 4: Finish Seafood in Oven

Slide baking sheet with fried fish into preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 5-7 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point and exterior remains wonderfully crunchy.

Step 5: Prepare Potato Strips

Slice potatoes into even, thin strips. Submerge in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towel.

Step 6: Season Potato Strips

Toss potato strips with:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Spread in single layer on baking sheet.

Step 7: Roast Potato Strips

Bake potato strips at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking process to ensure even golden crispiness.

Step 8: Create Delicious Platter

Arrange crispy seafood strips and golden potato strips on serving platter. Accompany with favorite dipping sauces like tangy tartar or classic ketchup.

Helpful Tips for Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

  • Pat fish dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
  • Use fresh white fish like cod or haddock for the best texture and flavor in fish fingers.
  • Choose panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, which creates a lighter and more delicate coating.
  • Soak potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, guaranteeing crispy and golden fries.
  • Keep oil temperature consistent when frying to achieve even golden-brown fish fingers without burning.

Flavor Variations of Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace regular breadcrumbs with spicy Cajun-style breadcrumbs and add cayenne pepper to the coating for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Crusted: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the breadcrumb mixture, using panko for extra crunch and adding crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Asian-Inspired Sesame Crunch: Coat fish fingers with sesame seeds and panko, season with ginger and five-spice powder, serving with a sweet chili dipping sauce for an international touch.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Crisp: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground almonds and gluten-free flour, creating a nutty, crisp exterior perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

Best Pairings for Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

  • Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair the crispy fish fingers with a chilled lemon-infused sparkling water to cut through the richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
  • Creamy Dip Delight: Whip up a quick homemade aioli by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to complement the crunchy texture of the fish and fries.
  • Wine Wave Pairing: Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the golden, crispy elements and provide a refreshing contrast to the fried dish.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a light cucumber and dill salad with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the fish fingers and fries.

Storage Instructions for Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

  • Store leftover fish fingers and fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the fish and fries to maintain their crispiness.
  • Wrap fish fingers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Keep fries separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Spread fish fingers and fries on a baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.
  • Place fish fingers and fries in air fryer basket, cook at 350F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crunchiness.

FAQs on Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries

  • Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cod, haddock, tilapia, or any white fish with firm flesh that holds together well during cooking.

  • How do I ensure the fish fingers are crispy?

Pat the fish dry before breading, use a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and fry at the right temperature to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

  • Is it necessary to soak potatoes before making fries?

Soaking removes excess starch, which helps create crispier fries with a better texture and prevents them from sticking together.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries Recipe

Crunchy Fish Fingers & Golden Fries Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 72-80 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy homemade fish fingers with golden fries promise a delightful culinary adventure straight from your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crunch, this classic comfort meal delivers irresistible flavor you’ll savor with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fish Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) white fish fillets (cod or haddock), cut into strips

Fish Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Potato Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Potato Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare breading components for fish by setting up three distinct stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final station combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat each fish strip systematically through the breading stations: first dredge in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip thoroughly in egg mixture, and finally roll generously in seasoned breadcrumb blend.
  3. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal fish finger preparation.
  4. Heat thin layer of vegetable oil in skillet over medium temperature, creating golden exterior by frying fish fingers for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and bronzed.
  5. Transfer partially fried fish fingers onto prepared baking sheet, then bake for 5-7 minutes to ensure complete internal cooking.
  6. Cleanse potato strips by soaking in cold water for minimum 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch, then thoroughly drain and pat completely dry.
  7. Season potato strips with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, distributing spices evenly across surface.
  8. Arrange seasoned potato strips in single layer on baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for even roasting.
  9. Roast potatoes at 400F (200C) for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden crispness.
  10. Plate crispy fish fingers alongside golden fries, accompanied by preferred dipping sauces like tartar or ketchup for enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

  • Customize breading by using gluten-free flour and panko for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy crispy fish fingers.
  • Pat fish fillets completely dry before breading to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy coating.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and guarantee even, golden-brown fish fingers.
  • Soak potato strips longer than 30 minutes for extra crispiness, changing water midway to remove more starch and ensure perfectly crunchy fries.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32-40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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