Air Fryer fish sticks are a simple and easy way to cook up your favorite white fish.
Crispy-coated fish that is loaded with flavor. Grab some lemon to squeeze on or grab your favorite tartar sauce or vinegar and dive in.
Pair with salty fries, chips, or other sides.
Fish Sticks Made In The Air Fryer
Air fryer fish sticks are a healthier alternative as they will help you use less oil and create the perfect crunch factor that hits the spot.
Skip ordering takeout and learn how to make simple and easy fish.
What Do You Need In This Fish Sticks Recipe
Fish. Any white fish will work; we use cod or even tilapia. If you have catfish or bass, you could also use them—fresh or frozen fish works.
Seasoning. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, or Cajun seasoning. These are simple spices that you might already have in your cupboard.
Breadcrumbs. I used Panko breadcrumbs; they will help add a little texture to the crust on the fish.
Egg. The egg is going to be what you coat your fish in. Then you will bread.
Oil. You will use a little oil to spritz or brush on the fish. This will help give the fish a nice crispy texture.
You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe Because:
- They are fun to make!
- Easy to make.
- They are healthy.
- Kids will love it!
Other fish recipes to try:
Easy Fish Tacos Using Alaska Pollock
What Fish To Use For Fish Sticks
Whitefish is best; reach for a cod, tilapia, or other white fish. You will find they all bread well and have a lot more flavor.
How to make Fish Stick in the Air Fryer
Servings: 4
Store 3 days in the refrigerator
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Equipment needed: Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 fillets, frozen
- Sea salt
- Black pepper, grounded
- ¼ cup (or 25 grams) breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (or 50 grams) panko crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 1 teaspoon old bay
- 1 egg
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Thaw fish and let it drain. Use a piece of paper towel and gently remove the excess water.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Grease the basket with cooking spray.
- Combine salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and parsley in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the egg with a fork.
- Cut the fillet into sticks 1 inch wide by 2 inches long with a sharp knife.
- Dunk each piece of fish into the egg bowl, then toss into the crumbs bowl. Make sure to coat each side of the fish.
- Press crumbs gently with a spoon to make sure that it sticks to the fish.
- Place some fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Keep a bit of space in between. Spray with cooking spray.
- Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove and repeat the same with other fish sticks. You might need to cook into 2 or 3 batches.
- Serve with fries and your favorite sauce. I used spicy mayonnaise.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate. You will want to store your fish in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-3 days. It is essential to make sure you store the fish where it can’t take on the flavor of the refrigerator.
Freezing. You can also freeze your fish if you want to meal prep later on. Just freeze for 2-3 months.
How To Reheat Fish Sticks
Then when you go to reheat, you can warm in the oven or air fryer. Just cook until heated through if the sticks were pre-cooked.
What To Serve With Fish Sticks
- French Fries or Homemade Chips
- Coleslaw
- Pasta Salad
- Veggies
- Your Favorite Sauce
- Etc.
Helpful Tips For Making Fish Sticks in Air Fryer
Place fish in a single layer in the basket or tray. This is important; if the fish overlap, they will not cook properly.
Spritzing the fish with oil is going to help create a crispy coating. Otherwise, it can leave your fish coating pale.
If you batch cook your fish, store your leftover fish in the oven at 200 degrees to stay warm while you finish cooking the rest of the fish.
Find more Air Fryer recipes below:
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Cilantro Lime
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 fillets frozen
- Sea salt
- Black pepper grounded
- ¼ cup or 25 grams breadcrumbs
- ½ cup or 50 grams panko crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 1 teaspoon old bay
- 1 egg
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Thaw fish and let it drain. Use a piece of paper towel and gently remove the excess water.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Grease the basket with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and parsley.
In another bowl, beat the egg with a fork.
With a sharp knife, cut the fillet into sticks 1 inch wide by 2 inches long.
Dunk each piece of fish into the egg bowl then toss into the crumbs bowl. Make sure to coat each side of the fish.
Press crumbs gently with a spoon to make sure that it sticks to the fish.
Place some fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Keep a bit of space in between. Spray with cooking spray.
Cook for 5 minutes on one side then flip and cook another 5 minutes on the other side.
Remove and repeat the same with other fish sticks. You might need to cook into 2 or 3 batches.
Serve with fries and your favorite sauce. I used spicy mayonnaise.
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