Craving crispy, golden fish sticks without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! These Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever bought the frozen kind!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Option: Get that crispy texture without all the oil of deep frying.
  • Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist these crispy fish sticks.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cod Fillets: The star of the show, providing a mild, flaky base for our fish sticks.
  • Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
  • Eggs: Acts as the glue to help the breading stick.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a base layer for the breading.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to super crispy fish sticks!
  • Black Pepper and Paprika: Adds a kick of flavor to the breading.
  • Tartar Sauce and Lemon Wedges: For serving, because what’s a fish stick without a good dip?

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the breading for a spicy kick.
  • Cheesy Twist: Mix some grated Parmesan into the Panko for extra flavor.
  • Herb-infused: Throw some dried herbs like dill or parsley into the breading mix.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Fish

Cut the cod into strips and season with salt. Pop them in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Get three shallow bowls ready: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with your seasoned Panko mix.

Step 3: Bread the Fish

Dip each fish strip in flour, then egg, then coat it well in the Panko mixture.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket and the breaded fish with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Pat your fish dry before cutting and breading for the crispiest results.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed.
  • For extra crunch, try double-breading your fish sticks.

How to Serve

Serve these crispy delights hot out of the air fryer with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side. They’re great as a main dish with a side salad or as part of a fun fish and chips dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked breaded fish sticks for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for the best crispy results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! Any firm white fish like haddock or pollock works great. Just adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner fillets.

How do I know when the fish sticks are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should flake easily with a fork.

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I serve with these besides tartar sauce?
Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping!

These Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a healthier twist. They’re crispy, flavorful, and so simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy, golden Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with tender cod fillets coated in a seasoned Panko breading, these fish sticks are perfectly crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re an easy and delicious meal that both kids and adults will love.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds cod filets, skin removed (675g)
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40g)
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (90g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Tartar sauce for serving
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fish: Cut the cod filets into strips, about ½ to 1 inch wide, and 3 to 4 inches long. Season all over with 1½ teaspoons of salt. Refrigerate until ready to dredge.
  2. Set up breading station: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. In a third shallow bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Bread the fish: Dredge each piece of fish in flour, then egg, and then coat it with the Panko mixture.
  4. Prepare air fryer: Spray the basket of an air fryer with olive oil cooking spray. Place half of the breaded fish pieces in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray the fish well with the olive oil spray.
  5. Cook the fish: Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip the fish pieces and spray the other side well with olive oil spray. Cook for 4 to 6 more minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature of each piece reaches 145°F.
  6. Finish and serve: Repeat to cook the remaining half of the fish. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • If using frozen fish, thaw it first and pat the fillets very dry with paper towels to prevent soggy fish sticks.
  • Cut fish into equal pieces for even cooking.
  • Add extra seasonings like Old Bay, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the breading mixture for more flavor.
  • Replace ¼ cup of the panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest results, or keep warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispy results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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