Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock Tenders

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!