Breaded Walleye Fish Fingers

This Walleye Fingers recipe can be oven baked or made in the Air Fryer! The fish fillets are coated in breadcrumbs and cooked until crispy.

When I get a hankering for walleye, I love to whip up a batch of these Breaded Walleye Fish Fingers. I'm telling you, these things are addicting!

I live in a small town in the state of Minnesota that sits on a river. This town is located in a county that is home to over 200 lakes. Minnesota is known for its quantity of lakes and water in general. This means there is plenty of stuff to do on the water; stuff like swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

My brother lives a few blocks down the road and this guy loves to fish. He's got a little fishing vessel that he's affectionately coined 'The Hangry Minnow' and can be found on the lake whether it's -30 or 95 degrees outside. To say that he loves fishing is an understatement.

Whenever I'm able to convince him to share his bounty with me, I love to use it to make fish fingers. They're made with walleye fillets that are coated in an herb breadcrumb mixture and either baked or air fried until crispy.

I love to dip these walleye fingers into some homemade tartar sauce. They're basically like a gourmet version of the fish sticks we all grew up eating.

Jump to:

• What Is Walleye?
• What Does Walleye Taste Like?
• Ingredients For Breaded Walleye Fish Fingers
• How To Make Fish Fingers
• How Long To Cook Fish Fingers
• How To Tell When Fish Fingers Are Done?
• Can Walleye Be Cooked In The Air Fryer?
• How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
• What To Serve With Walleye Fingers
• How Long Does Breaded Fish Last In The Fridge?
• Can Fish Fingers Be Frozen?
• Breaded Walleye Fish Fingers

What Is Walleye?

Walleye is a freshwater fish that's a member of the perch family. It's found primarily in the northern parts of the United States and in certain regions of Canada. In Canada, walleye is known as pickerel.

What Does Walleye Taste Like?

Walleye is revered in Minnesota, we go crazy for this stuff. It's a white fish with a firm texture. The flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and not 'fishy' at all. I find the flavor of walleye to be very clean.

Another thing I love about walleye is the fact that it is super versatile. Walleye can be baked, deep-fried, pan-fried, and grilled. It can be used to make everything from fish and chips to tacos.

Ingredients For Breaded Walleye Fish Fingers

Here's what you'll need to make this recipe.

• 2 lbs. Walleye (or any firm white fish such as cod, haddock, pollack, halibut, or Mahi Mahi)
• 3 Eggs
• 1 cup Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs (or any variety of breadcrumbs if not gluten free)
• ¼ cup Gluten Free Flour Blend (or AP flour if not gluten free)
• 2 tsp. Lemon Pepper
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 2 tsp. Paprika
• ¾ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
• ½ tsp. Pepper
• Cooking Spray

A Few Things

• This recipe is gluten free and uses both gluten free Panko breadcrumbs and a gluten free flour blend. If gluten is not an issue for you, feel free to use any variety of unseasoned breadcrumbs and regular All-Purpose flour.
• Any variety of firm white fish may be used in place of walleye. Cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and Mahi Mahi are all great options.
• Be sure to remove any bones if you are using freshly caught fish.

How To Make Fish Fingers

These fish fingers are so easy to prepare and well worth the minimal amount of effort it takes to make them.

If using frozen fish, it's important to thaw the fish completely and pat it dry with paper towels. Patting the fish will remove any excess water and prevent it from becoming rubbery as it bakes.

The fish is then cut into strips and coated first in eggs and secondly in a bowl of spiced breadcrumbs. The breadcrumb mixture will stick to the fish and create a crispy coating as it bakes in the oven.

1. Completely thaw fish (if frozen) and place it on a plate or baking sheet. Pat both sides of the fish with paper towels.
2. Cut each fish fillet down the middle into long strips. Cut each of those strips into halves or thirds (depending on the size of the fillets). Make sure the strips are relatively the same size and thickness so that they cook evenly.

How Long To Cook Fish Fingers

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spray 1-2 baking sheets (depending on how many you need) generously with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking (I love to use avocado oil).
3. Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and whisk with a fork.
4. In a second bowl, add 1 cup gluten free Panko breadcrumbs (or any unseasoned breadcrumbs if not gluten free), ¼ cup gluten free flour blend (or AP flour if not gluten free), 2 tsp. each of lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add ½ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
5. Dip each fish fillet into the bowl of eggs and toss until coated. Next, dip each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture and toss until completely coated. Place on a baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray. Repeat with the remainder of the fish.
6. Spray the top of the coated fish fillets with cooking spray. This helps the top of the fish to become golden brown as it cooks.
7. Place the baking sheet(s) in the oven and cook for 16-18 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy and the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle another ¼ tsp. of kosher salt evenly over the fish.

How To Tell When Fish Fingers Are Done?

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.

The best way to tell if fish or seafood is done is to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.

The safe internal temperature for fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the temperature, simply stick the food thermometer in the thickest part of the fish.

The breadcrumb coating should be golden brown and slightly crispy. If it has not reached desired crispiness, simply place the fish back in the oven for a few minutes.

It's important not to overcook fish, or it may become tough and rubbery.

Can Walleye Be Cooked In The Air Fryer?

One of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer is fish and seafood. These walleye fingers are a great choice for the air fryer, as the breadcrumb coating becomes golden and crunchy when done.

1. To make these fish fingers in the air fryer, simply follow the recipe as directed.
2. Spray the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol cooking spray.
3. Place a few of the breaded fillets in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Spray the top of the fillets with more cooking spray. This helps them to become golden brown as they cook.
4. Set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 6 minutes on the first side. Flip, and cook for another 6 minutes on the second side.
5. Repeat with the remainder of the fish fillets.

Make sure to check the internal temperature of the fish with a food thermometer if you have any questions.

The safe internal temperature for fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Feel free to cook for an additional few minutes if necessary.

How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

If you ask me, it's illegal to serve a batch of homemade walleye fingers without some homemade tartar sauce for dipping.

Making your own tartar sauce is easy to do and can be made while the fish fingers are baking in the oven.

1. Finely chop 5-6 kosher dill pickles (yields ¾ cup chopped dill pickles).
2. Mince 2 Tbsp. of fresh dill.
3. Place ½ cup mayo, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. dill pickle juice, ¼ tsp. garlic powder, ¼ tsp. sugar, ¼ tsp. kosher salt and ⅛ tsp. of pepper in a small bowl. Mix until completely combined using a fork or small whisk.
4. Add the chopped pickles and minced dill to the bowl. Stir until completely combined.

Of course, you can use bottled tartar sauce, but I say this is the best way to complement the delicate flavor of the walleye.

Check out this post for even more detailed instructions for Homemade Tartar Sauce.

What To Serve With Walleye Fingers

Once the walleye fingers are nice and crispy they are ready to serve!

As mentioned, I recommend dipping them into some homemade or store-bought tartar sauce.

Fish is always made better with some lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

You can feel free to top the fish fingers with some freshly minced dill if you like.

A great way to serve this dish is in the form of a sandwich. Simply toast a bun or some bread slices, slather on some tartar sauce, and top it with a few fish fingers, along with some sliced tomato and lettuce.

Other dipping sauces include fresh herb ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, creamy tarragon sauce, and Thousand Island dressing.

I love breaded fish with any kind of coleslaw. This crunchy coleslaw, kohlrabi slaw, ginger miso coleslaw, Southwest slaw, or blue cheese coleslaw are great options.

A salad like this marinated green bean salad, tomato mozzarella salad, pickled beet salad, or fresh mint pea salad also makes a great pairing.

How Long Does Breaded Fish Last In The Fridge?

Fish is always best enjoyed right after cooked, but any leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Be sure to allow the fish to cool completely before transferring to the fridge for storage.

The breading may lose its crispiness when stored in the fridge.

Can Fish Fingers Be Frozen?

I do not recommend freezing these baked fish fingers, as they would likely become tough.

It's best to enjoy them right after cooking.

Love walleye? Check out these recipes!

• Pan Seared Walleye Sandwich
• Cilantro Lime Fish Tacos

Love fish and seafood? Don't miss these recipes!

• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Mexican Shrimp Rice Bowls
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
• Garlicky Mushroom Risotto
• Air Fryer Fish Tacos
• Baked Pesto Cod and Potatoes
• Dijon Panko Cod

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