Description
Parmesan Fish Nuggets are a delicious and healthy main course featuring firm white fish fillets coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a crispy texture without frying, making it perfect for a nutritious family dinner or a kid-friendly meal. Served warm with your favorite dipping sauce, these nuggets are a tasty way to enjoy seafood.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Nuggets
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the fish nuggets don’t stick and have an easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful coating for the fish.
- Mix Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined; this will help the coating stick to the fish chunks.
- Coat Fish Nuggets: Dip each fish chunk into the egg mixture, then transfer to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure an even and firm coating.
- Arrange Nuggets: Place the coated fish nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to allow even baking and crisping on all sides.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray to promote browning and a crispy texture during baking.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through to ensure they brown evenly and cook through. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Optional Broiling for Crispiness: For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan fish nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- These nuggets can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for a quick alternative method.
- For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
