- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat dry the fish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls or plates. Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl.
- Coat the Fish:
- Dredge each piece of fish in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured fish into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Coat the fish pieces evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the fish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Fish Nuggets:
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded fish nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other and leaving space for air circulation.
- Spray the tops of the fish nuggets lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook in Batches:
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking, until the fish is cooked through and the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish and the size of your air fryer. Check for doneness; the fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove the fish nuggets from the air fryer basket and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or aioli.
Tips:
- Fish Varieties: You can use different types of firm white fish for this recipe, depending on your preference.
- Breading Tips: For extra crispy nuggets, you can double coat the fish by repeating the dipping process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs).
- Storage: Leftover fish nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Enjoy these air fryer fish nuggets as a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish nuggets. They make a great appetizer, snack, or main dish!