Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock Tenders

Spencer Airfryer
Apr 1
2 min read

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock Tenders

Light, zesty, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock Tenders are a healthy and delicious option for any meal. Perfectly air-fried, they’re crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients:

1 lb haddock fillets, cut into strips (about 1 inch wide)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Haddock:

Rinse the haddock fillets and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Cut the fillets into tender-sized strips, about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.

2. Set Up the Coating Stations:

Place the flour in one shallow dish.
In a second dish, beat the eggs.
In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.

3. Coat the Haddock Tenders:

Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy finish.

5. Cook the Haddock Tenders:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

Remove the tenders from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.

Pro Tips for Success:

Fresh Lemon Zest: Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best flavor. Avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
Crispier Tenders: Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
Versatile Seasoning: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or extra garlic powder for a bolder flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

These versatile tenders pair wonderfully with:

Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
Sides: Sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Light Meals: Serve with steamed broccoli and quinoa for a balanced plate.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~260
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~14g
Fat: ~10g
Fiber: ~1g

These Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock Tenders are a perfect combination of zesty, crispy, and tender. Whether served as a main dish or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!