• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Summer Beverages
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Meal Type » Global Snacks/ Appetizers » Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers

    Published: Feb 1, 2021 | Last Updated On: Aug 28, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers

    5269 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You can’t go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.

    Fish fingers served on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • About Fish Fingers
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Fish Fingers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pro Tips By Neha
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Fish Fingers

    These Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers are a delicious appetizer where batons of boneless fish are mixed with a spicy seasoning, coated with flour and egg, and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

    You can easily bake, or air fry them for a healthier version.

    This yummy appetizer is super crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside and is just what you need to kick off your game or movie night.

    Fish fingers are easy to make and come together in under 50 minutes using simple ingredients.

    You can easily double or triple this recipe.

    Here are some more fish recipes that are my favorite from the blog

    • Furikake Salmon
    • Crispy Fish Tacos With Cabbage Slaw
    • Honey Garlic Fish
    • Spicy Fish Fry
    • Kerala Fish Curry
    • Chettinad Fish Fry
    • Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Spicy Baked Basa

    Ingredients

    Crispy fish fingers ingredients 1
    Crispy fish fingers ingredients 2
    Crispy fish fingers ingredients 3

    Fish – You will need boneless fillets of any white fish cut into fingers (batons). Tilapia, basa, ling, sea bass (barramundi), cod, swai, or haddock work excellently. Use fresh or frozen fish to make this fish finger recipe. If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it before using it.

    Marination – Marination ingredients give a lovely flavor to this dish – I have used freshly squeezed lime juice, ground turmeric, red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and ginger garlic paste to make the marinade.

    You can adjust the red pepper flakes and black pepper as per your taste.

    Batter – Coating the fingers with a batter before frying makes them crispy and crunchy from the outside. I have used a mix of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, rice flour, eggs, and baking soda to make the batter.

    Add lemon zest, onion powder, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, and garlic powder to the batter to make it even more flavorful.

    Bread Crumbs – You will need bread crumbs to coat the batter-covered fish. Crumbs will keep the batter in place, making the fish fingers even crispier. I used panko breadcrumbs, but you can use Italian or regular fine breadcrumbs.

    How To Make Fish Fingers

    Marinate The Fingers

    Start by washing 10 oz (300 g) boneless fish fillets. If using frozen fillets, make sure to thaw them.

    Once washed, wipe them well using a kitchen towel.

    Cut the fillets into batons (fingers) using a sharp kitchen knife, following the natural lines of the fillet. The strips should be approximately ½ inch wide and 2 inches long.

    Transfer the fingers to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

    Add

    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.
    Fish and marination ingredients added to a bowl.

    Mix everything well using your clean fingers and set aside for 10 minutes.

    Mixed well.

    Make The Batter To Coat The Fingers

    Stir together

    • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon rice flour
    • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

    in another medium-sized mixing bowl.

    Batter ingredients added to a bowl.
    Smooth mixture made.

    Add the marinated fish to this mixture and keep it aside for another 10 minutes.

    Marinated fish added to the bowl.
    Mixed well with the batter.

    Fry The Fingers

    Heat 4-5 cups of vegetable oil over high heat in a medium-size skillet.

    Once the oil is hot, set the heat to medium.

    Coat the fish fingers, one by one, with bread crumbs and drop them in hot oil.

    Note – Do not coat the fingers with breadcrumbs, and keep them. Coat them individually and keep dropping them in oil immediately after coating.

    Coating the batter coated fish with breadcrumbs.

    Deep fry the fingers until golden brown on medium heat. Keep flipping them once in a while using a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying the fingers. Fry them in batches. Otherwise, they will not turn out crispy.

    Fish fingers frying in hot oil.

    Once the fingers are browned and crispy, drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

    Serve hot with a dipping sauce.

    Ready homemade crispy fish fingers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the best fish to make fish fingers?

    Any white fish, like cod, haddock, basa, tilapia, catfish, barramundi, etc., works great for making this recipe. Salmon also works fine.

    Avoid using lean fish like tuna, and swordfish as they dry out quickly.

    How to make baked fish fingers?

    If you want a healthier version of this snack, you can bake it instead of deep-frying, and it comes out equally delicious.

    I suggest toasting the breadcrumbs for 5 minutes before coating the fish pieces. The cook time of fish is less, and the crumbs will not brown nicely in that time. Toasting the crumbs lightly before coating the fish with them, ensure they are perfectly browned as soon as the fish is cooked.

    To toast the crumbs, spread them on a baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 5 minutes at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Remove the tray from the oven and let the crumbs cool down slightly. Then use them to coat the marinated fish fingers.

    Once you finish the process of coating, keep the fingers aside. Keep a metal rack on top of a baking sheet and spray it with olive oil or any oil of your choice.

    Place the breadcrumbs-coated fingers on the rack and put the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven.

    Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fingers are nicely browned, and the fish is cooked through.

    How to make fish fingers in an air fryer?

    Arrange the coated fingers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

    Fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 10 minutes.

    Open the basket, shake the fingers once, and then fry them again for another 2 minutes. You will get a beautiful appetizer without a drop of oil.

    How to make pan-fried fish fingers?

    Coat the fish as per the recipe. Now drizzle a few teaspoons of oil in a pan and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is slightly hot, add the breadcrumb-coated fish fingers and cook from all sides till they turn crispy and brown.

    How to grill it?

    Preheat your grill to medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Brush or spray your fish fingers with some oil.

    Cook from all sides until crisp and golden.

    What can be used instead of bread crumbs to coat the fish fingers?

    If you don’t have bread crumbs, use poha (flattened rice) instead. Just grind them coarsely and use them instead of bread crumbs. They are a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed cornflakes to coat the fish.

    Pro Tips By Neha

    Add some shredded parmesan cheese to the marinade for a nice umami flavor.

    Add a little mayonnaise to the batter to make the covering crunchier.

    Make sure to pat dry the fish before marinating.

    Fry on medium heat for the best result.

    Do not use lean fish; otherwise, they will become too dry.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can serve these fingers with a dipping sauce like Tartare Sauce, Mango Chili Sauce, Yum Yum Sauce, Boom Boom Sauce, or Thai Sweet Chili Sauce.

    These also taste great with Mayonnaise, Tomato Ketchup, or Dahi Chutney.

    Storage Suggestions

    You can marinate the fingers and store them in the fridge for about 2 hours. The time you want to serve, coat them with flour and bread crumbs, and deep fry them. Serve hot with your favorite dip.

    You can also freeze uncooked breadcrumb-coated fingers to fry later. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and arrange the coated fingers on the tray in a single layer. Cover the tray with plastic wrap. Freeze them completely (4-5 hours) and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for 15 to 18 months.

    Make sure to thaw these before you deep fry them. Once you thaw them, you must use them immediately; you cannot freeze them again.

    You Might Also Like

    • Egg Biryani served on a plate.
      Egg Dum Biryani
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Make this delicious Keto Crockpot Crack Chicken from scratch. This recipe is low carb, easy to make, and uses very few ingredients.
      Crack Chicken
    • Garlic Shrimp Pasta Aglio E Olio served in a bowl
      Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You just can't go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.

    Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers Recipe

    Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You can’t go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.
    3.60 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, Continental
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Marination & Resting Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 233kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    To Marinate The Fish

    • 10 ounces boneless fish fillets (300 g, fresh or frozen)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste

    To Make The Batter

    • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon rice flour
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

    To Coat The Fish

    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

    To Fry The Fingers

    • vegetable oil
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Marinate The Fingers

    • Start by washing fish fillets. If using frozen fillets, make sure to thaw them.
    • Once washed, wipe them well using a kitchen towel.
    • Cut the fillets into batons (fingers) using a sharp kitchen knife following the natural lines of the fillet. The strips should be approximately ½ inch wide and 2 inches long.
    • Transfer the fingers to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
    • Add salt, lime juice, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and ginger garlic paste.
    • Mix everything well using your clean fingers and set aside for 10 minutes.

    Make The Batter To Coat The Fingers

    • Stir together all-purpose flour, rice flour, cornstarch, eggs, and baking soda in another medium-sized mixing bowl.
    • Add the marinated fish to this mixture and keep it aside for another 10 minutes.

    Fry The Fingers

    • Heat 4-5 cups of vegetable oil over high heat in a medium-size skillet.
    • Once the oil is hot, set the heat to medium.
    • Coat the fish fingers, one by one, with bread crumbs and drop them in hot oil.
    • Note – Do not coat the fingers with breadcrumbs and keep them. Coat them individually and keep dropping them in oil immediately after coating.
    • Deep fry the fingers until golden brown on medium heat. Keep flipping them once in a while using a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying the fingers. Fry them in batches, otherwise, they will not turn out crispy.
    • Once the fingers are browned and crispy, drain them on a plate lined with paper tissues.
    • Serve hot with a dipping sauce.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFswf5_lYWc

    Notes

    You will need boneless fillets of any white fish cut into fingers (batons). Tilapia, cod, swai, or haddock works great. Use fresh or frozen fish to make this fish finger recipe. If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it before using it.
    Avoid using lean fish like tuna, and swordfish as they dry out quickly.
    You can adjust the red pepper flakes and black pepper as per your taste.
    Add some shredded parmesan cheese to the marinade for a nice umami flavor.
    Add a little mayonnaise to the batter to make the covering crunchier.
    Make sure to pat dry the fish before marinating.
    Fry on medium heat for the best result.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 2.9mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2.4mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Snack/ Appetizer Recipes

    • Make this Tiktok viral Pizza Lava Toast using my easy recipe. Serve it for an indulgent breakfast or snack (vegetarian)
      Pizza Lava Toast
    • This tropical Mango Shrimp Ceviche is a perfect light appetizer to serve with tortilla chips during summer parties or get-togethers. Make it using a few simple ingredients using my easy recipe (gluten-free, paleo, whole 30).
      Mango Shrimp Ceviche
    • Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders is a delicious appetizer where lemony zesty chicken is coated with a crunchy coating and topped with a creamy citrusy sauce. It comes together in under 40 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Make it in an air fryer using my easy recipe.
      Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
    • These crunchy, sweet and nutty Honey Roasted Mixed Nuts are the perfect healthy snack to munch on whenever hunger strikes. These come together quickly using simple ingredients (vegetarian, gluten-free)
      Healthy Honey Roasted Mixed Nuts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





    1. Livetheindia

      June 12, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      4 stars
      Seems really easy to cook , its a must try ..Thanks for sharing !!!

      Reply
    2. Rasel mondal

      December 11, 2019 at 6:14 pm

      I like this fish finger nice preparing

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        December 12, 2019 at 5:15 am

        Thanks

        Reply
    3. Gracy

      June 24, 2020 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to make with clear instructions. Loved it.

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        June 26, 2020 at 3:43 pm

        Thanks 🙂

        Reply
    4. Rachna Malik

      July 13, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous recipe so simple to follow and make

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        July 15, 2020 at 5:49 am

        Thanks

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I’m Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I’ve nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink)

    Indian Beverages

    • Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino) is a delicious foamy coffee drink popular in North Indian homes. It is served for all marriage functions, special occasions, or for everyday consumption at home. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino)
    • Make Mango Frooti (a popular sweet and tangy mango drink) at home using my easy recipe. It tastes just like the store-bought one, minus the harmful colors and preservatives (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Frooti Drink
    • Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat) is a Konkani beverage made using dried kokum. It is a perfect drink to sip on hot summer days (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Sambaram (Morum Vellam) is Kerala-style spicy buttermilk made with yogurt, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It is popularly served during Onam Sadhya with the festive spread (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Sambaram (Morum Vellam, Kerala Style Buttermilk)
    • Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
      Kashmiri Kahwa Tea

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP