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Air Fryer Crispy Fish Nuggets with Lemon Pepper

A pile of golden brown Air Fryer Crispy Fish Nuggets with Lemon Pepper stacked on a white plate.
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Make quick, crispy fish nuggets in your air fryer using a simple lemon pepper coating for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia), cut into 1-inch nuggets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)

Instructions

  1. Pat the fish nuggets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the coating stick and crisp up.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish.
  3. Place the beaten eggs in the second dish.
  4. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Dredge each fish nugget first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip the floured nugget into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  7. Press the nugget firmly into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated on all sides. Place the coated nuggets on a plate.
  8. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the fish nuggets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  10. Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with cooking spray.
  11. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time.
  12. Continue cooking until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  13. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the nuggets again after flipping them halfway through cooking.
  • If you want a gluten-free coating, substitute the flour with rice flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Use firm fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/air-fryer-crispy-fish-nuggets-lemon-pepper/