Air Fryer Fish Sticks

This delicious and healthier version of fish sticks uses an air fryer to create a crispy, crunchy coating without the excess oil. Try these homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks out for a tasty and guilt-free meal!

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Skip the boxed, pre-made fish sticks in the freezer aisle of the grocery store and make these air fryer fish sticks instead! This super easy recipe makes the most flavorful, crispy and flakey fish stick. Way better than store bought frozen fish sticks and you’ll be surprised how simple the are to make.

These are a really kid-friendly recipe too. I mean, who would turn down a crispy fish stick dunked in their favorite dipping sauce? I know I wouldn’t! We even use these fish sticks to make our fish stick tacos. They’re just so tasty, I can’t get enough of them. So grab your favorite kind of white fish the next time you’re at the store and make a big batch of homemade fish sticks.

Why You’ll Love these Air Fryer Fish Sticks

• There are no preservatives, artificial flavors or fillers in these fish sticks! Just real, wholesome ingredients that taste delicious and are good for you.
• You can make fish sticks from scratch in under a half hour. I don’t know if that makes you excited, but it sure makes me excited!
• Fish is a really lean meat that is full of essential nutrients. A healthy way to get in lots of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Sticks

• Fish – I like to use wild cod, sea bass or haddock filets for this fish sticks recipe. Tilapia works well too!
• Bread crumbs – Plain breadcrumbs and Italian breadcrumbs will both work. Use whichever you have on hand to make these air fryer fish sticks!
• Eggs – Use eggs to create an egg wash that will help the bread crumbs adhere to the fish sticks.
• Flour – Mix the all purpose flour with the seasonings to create an easier way to adhere the seasonings to your fish sticks.
• Paprika – This is my favorite seasoning to use on fish! It’s subtle but adds so much flavor to these fish sticks.
• Salt – Use some salt to help bring all of the flavors together.
• Garlic powder – A dash of garlic powder is the perfect finishing touch for the breading on these homemade fish sticks.

How to Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks

1. Pat the thawed fish fillets dry with a paper towel and set them on a plate lined with paper towel. Then cut the filets into strips the size of fish sticks.
2. In a medium bowl whisk the eggs together, set aside.
3. In another medium bowl add the all-purpose flour, paprika, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Stir well until combined.
4. Add the Panko breadcrumbs to another bowl, shallow enough to easily cover the fish sticks.
5. First dredge this fish in the flour mixture and shake off any extra flour. Then dip the fish into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture, making sure the whole fish stick is covered in panko. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Transfer the fish to the air fryer basket making sure the fish sticks do not overlap, you may have to cook in batches. Spray the top of the fish sticks with olive oil.
7. Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit about 8 minutes, turning half way, until golden and crisp.
8. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!

How to Store Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Allow leftover fish sticks to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container.

FRIDGE: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

FREEZER: You can freeze these fish sticks too! Whether baked or unbaked, they’ll store for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Heat from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through.

Why are my fish sticks soggy in an air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer can help if you’re ending up with really soggy fish sticks. You also may have overloaded the air fryer basket, so the hot air isn’t able to circulate around the fish sticks well. All air fryer models are a bit different too. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time in order for them to cook to a perfectly crispy texture.

How do you keep fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer?

You need to spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray before placing the fish sticks inside. Avocado oil spray and olive oil spray work best, but anything you have on hand will help keep the fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Fish Sticks

These delicious fish sticks pair beautifully with fun sides! For a kid friendly meal, serve with some mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. But you can also serve with some creamy coleslaw and crispy air fryer potato wedges!

Of course, you can’t forget the dipping sauce. Some ketchup is always tasty, but homemade tartar sauce is just drool-worthy with these fish sticks.

Who knew fish sticks in the air fryer could be so yummy! I hope you enjoy every crispy bite of this delicious recipe.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love!

• Don’t want to fire up the grill? Then make these amazing Air Fryer Burgers instead!
• Make your corn dogs taste like they came straight from the fair with this Air Fryer Corn Dogs recipe.
• These Air Fryer Tater Tots are the perfect side dish for many different meals.
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken is so tasty, you won’t even be able to tell it wasn’t deep fried!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Enjoy a healthier take on fish sticks with this air fryer recipe that creates a crispy, crunchy coating without extra oil. These homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks are perfect for a tasty, guilt-free meal!

Prep:15 minutes mins

Cook:8 minutes mins

Total:23 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 ½ pounds fish filets wild cod, sea bass or haddock filets, if frozen thawed
• ▢ 2 eggs beaten
• ▢ ½ cup all purpose flour
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ olive oil spray

Instructions

• Pat the thawed filets dry with a paper towel and set on a plate lined with paper towel. Cut the filets into strips the size of fish sticks.
• In a medium bowl whisk the eggs together, set aside.
• In another medium bowl add the all-purpose flour, paprika, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Stir until combined.
• In another medium bowl add the Panko breadcrumbs.
• First dredge this fish in the flour mixture, shake off any extra flour. Then dip the fish into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture, make sure the whole fish stick is covered in panko. Place on a baking sheet.
• Transfer the fish to the air fryer basket making sure the fish sticks do not overlap, you may have to cook in batches. Spray the top of the fish sticks with olive oil. Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit about 8 minutes, turning half way, until golden and crisp.
• Serve immediately with tartar sauce.

Tips

Allow leftover fish sticks to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container.

FRIDGE: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

FREEZER: You can freeze these fish sticks too! Whether baked or unbaked, they’ll store for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Heat from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 311kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 23g (8%), Protein: 34g (68%), Fat: 8g (12%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 180mg (60%), Sodium: 360mg (16%), Potassium: 693mg (20%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 265IU (5%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 67mg (7%), Iron: 2mg (11%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.