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!

Emily

Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe