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
- 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.
- 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.
- Bread the fish: Dredge each piece of fish in flour, then egg, and then coat it with the Panko mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
