Description
These Parmesan Fish Nuggets are a deliciously crispy and flavorful baked seafood snack or main course, perfect for a healthy and kid-friendly meal. Made with tender white fish fillets coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, they bake up golden and flaky in just 15 minutes. Serve them with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Nuggets
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
- Optional dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, ranch, or marinara
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coatings: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Fish: Dip each piece of fish into the whisked eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then transfer it to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture gently onto the fish pieces so the coating adheres well. Place the coated nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and golden crispiness on all sides. The fish is done when it’s golden brown, crisp, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the nuggets for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan fish nuggets warm with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch, or marinara for extra flavor.
Notes
- For an even crispier texture, broil the nuggets for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- These nuggets can also be made in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes as a quick alternative method.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Ensure fish pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
