Crispy Peri Peri Fish Bites (Print Version)

Crispy, golden fish nuggets seasoned with zesty peri peri spice that can be baked, air fried, or deep fried for the perfect appetizer or quick meal.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Nuggets

01 - 300 g boneless white fish, cut into cubes
02 - ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 tablespoons dried parsley
05 - 1 egg
06 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ For the Fish Spice Mix

07 - 1 teaspoon vinegar
08 - 1-2 teaspoons peri peri seasoning
09 - 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ For Serving (Optional)

13 - Tartar sauce or dip of your choice
14 - Extra peri peri seasoning for sprinkling

# Instructions:

01 - In a bowl, combine the fish cubes with vinegar, peri peri seasoning, ginger garlic paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the fish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the fish and toss gently to coat evenly.
02 - In one bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and dried parsley. In another bowl, whisk the egg with milk until well combined.
03 - Dip each seasoned fish piece first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate. (You can freeze the nuggets at this stage if desired.)
04 - You can deep fry, air fry, or bake the fish nuggets depending on your preference.
05 - Heat oil in a deep pot to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C). Carefully add the fish nuggets in batches and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
06 - Place the fish nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
07 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp.
08 - Serve the hot fish nuggets with tartar sauce or your favorite dip. For extra flavor, sprinkle with additional peri peri seasoning before serving.

# Notes:

01 - You can substitute crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if you don't have panko breadcrumbs.
02 - These nuggets can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before cooking. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
03 - Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia works best for these nuggets.