Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe
If you’re searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both wholesome and easy to whip up, look no further than Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers. These golden, crispy fingers are everything you love about classic fish sticks but made with tender, juicy salmon and a flavorful, crunchy coating. Whether you’re serving them to picky kids, enthusiastic dinner guests, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the succulent salmon to the zesty spices in the breadcrumb coating. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love it:
- Salmon fillets (1 pound, skinless, cut into strips): Opt for fresh or thawed salmon for the best flavor and texture—these will be the juicy, protein-packed core of your fish fingers.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides the initial coating that helps everything stick and makes the crust extra crispy.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Acts as the glue between the flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring a perfectly even layer.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, panko or regular): Choose panko for extra crunch or classic breadcrumbs for a finer, more traditional texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle, savory depth and helps the coating turn beautifully golden.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle aromatic kick to the breading.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a hint of smokiness and a lovely pop of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- Olive oil spray or olive oil (2 tablespoons): Choose spray for lighter baking or a drizzle for pan-frying—either way, you’ll get that irresistible crispiness.
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving: The bright acidity and creamy dip make these fish fingers sing!
How to Make Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with olive oil—this step ensures your Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers won’t stick and will crisp up beautifully on all sides.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
It’s assembly line time! Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup lets you move quickly and keeps your coating even and flavorful.
Step 3: Dry and Dredge the Salmon
Pat the salmon strips dry with paper towels. This little trick helps the coating adhere—and gives you that perfect crunch. Dip each salmon piece first in flour, then into the egg, and finally roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mix, pressing gently so every bit is coated.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil
Lay your coated salmon fingers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Give them a light mist with olive oil spray or a quick drizzle. This little touch will help them get that signature golden crust, whether you’re baking or pan-frying.
Step 5: Bake or Pan-Fry
If you’re baking, pop the tray in the oven for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a crispy exterior and tender, cooked-through interior. If you prefer to pan-fry, heat olive oil over medium and cook the fingers for about 2–3 minutes per side until gloriously golden. Either way, your Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers are ready to shine!
How to Serve Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers

Garnishes
A few fresh touches make all the difference! Pile your fish fingers on a platter and add lemon wedges for a bright, zesty squeeze. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill looks gorgeous and adds a fragrant, fresh flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers pair perfectly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crispy oven fries, or a bright, tangy coleslaw. For something lighter, a simple green salad or roasted veggies are delicious and let the fish fingers take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and serve your fish fingers tucked into soft slider buns with lettuce and tartar sauce for irresistible fish sandwiches. Or, fill a wrap with fish fingers, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a quick, portable lunch. They’re even a hit chopped over a salad for a protein-packed twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re just as tasty cold for a quick snack, or you can easily reheat them to restore their crispiness.
Freezing
For easy future meals, freeze the uncooked breaded salmon fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. You can also freeze cooked fish fingers—just let them cool first. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat your Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them soggy. They’ll taste freshly made every time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before breading. This step prevents excess moisture and ensures the coating sticks and crisps up perfectly.
What’s the best way to get extra-crispy fish fingers?
For maximum crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and don’t skimp on the olive oil spray or drizzle. A hot oven and flipping halfway through baking help every side get golden and crisp.
Are Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the familiar shape and mild flavor. You can even involve little hands in the breading process for family fun in the kitchen. Serve with their favorite dipping sauce for extra smiles.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that satisfying crunch and flavor.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mix with chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or even lemon zest for extra zing. The recipe is super flexible and fun to adapt to your taste!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers enough—they’re easy, versatile, and always a hit. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how quickly they disappear from the plate. Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
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Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers recipe offers a delicious, kid-friendly way to enjoy salmon with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan coating. Baked or pan-fried to golden perfection and served with tangy lemon wedges and tartar sauce, these fish fingers are perfect for a quick family dinner or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Salmon and Coating
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or pan-frying)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Breading Station: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the breading station.
- Coat Salmon Strips: Pat the salmon strips dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Dredge each piece first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to form an even crust.
- Bake the Fish Fingers: Place the coated salmon fingers on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help crisp the coating. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Alternative Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the salmon fingers for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serving: Serve the hot salmon fish fingers immediately with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version.
- These fish fingers are great for kids and can be frozen either before or after baking for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh dill or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg