Description
These Parmesan Fish Nuggets are a delicious and crispy baked seafood treat, perfect for a quick and easy main course. Made with flaky white fish coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, they bake to golden perfection and are perfect served with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
For Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare egg wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk the two large eggs until well combined; this will help the coating stick to the fish pieces.
- Make the breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful crust.
- Coat the fish: First, toss each piece of fish in the flour to lightly dust it. Then dip each piece into the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat each piece in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated fish nuggets evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow even cooking.
- Apply olive oil spray: Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the nuggets to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Check for doneness: Fish nuggets are done when they turn golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan Fish Nuggets warm with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added freshness. Optional dips like tartar sauce, ketchup, or yogurt-based dips work great with these nuggets.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, use panko breadcrumbs.
- These nuggets can alternatively be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
- Pair the nuggets with your favorite dips such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or a creamy yogurt-based dip for a tasty accompaniment.
