These air fried fish sticks are a tastier version of this childhood favorite. The garlic and onion coating gives these tender, flaky fish sticks a bit of zing that just pops in your mouth. And they only take 20 minutes! Great for an appetizer, snack, or a busy weeknight dinner.
Crispy Breaded Fish Sticks in an Air Fryer
You don't have to rely on processed frozen food because air frying fish sticks that you make yourself are just as easy as opening up a box. Once you discover how easy it is to make air fried fish sticks from scratch, you'll want to add this to your regular meal lineup. It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, including the time it takes to cut and bread the fish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light Spicy Breading. Frozen fish sticks usually taste like a lot of tasteless breading with a little bit of fish. These homemade air fryer fish sticks have a garlic and onion coating that will make you hungry before you even take your first bite.
Fantastic Flavor. Then, as you take your first bite, you'll notice how much fish there is! They are plump, juicy fish sticks that are full of lean protein. It's a simple meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients and Their Part in the Recipe
These homemade air fryer fish sticks come together with just a handful of simple ingredients that create crispy, golden perfection without deep frying. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here's what you'll need to make this easy and delicious dinner the whole family will love.
- Cod or haddock - Mild, flaky white fish that holds up well when breaded and air fried. Both are classic choices for making fish sticks.
- Salt - Enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
- Black pepper - Adds a subtle hint of spice to the seasoning.
- Flour - Helps the egg stick to the fish and creates the first layer of the breading.
- Garlic powder - Brings a warm, savory note to the breading.
- Onion powder - Adds a mild, slightly sweet depth of flavor.
- Eggs - Act as a binder to help the panko coating stick to the fish.
- Panko - Light, airy Japanese breadcrumbs that give the fish sticks a crispy, golden crunch.
- Cooking oil spray - Helps the coating crisp up in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.
Best Fish for Fish Sticks
Cod, haddock, mahi mahi, pollock, tilapia, halibut, or any firm white fish with a mild flavor is best for making fish sticks.
Can you use frozen fish?
Yes, but you will need to thaw it first. Thaw frozen fish according to the package instructions or in the refrigerator overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations
- Different flavors - substitute the garlic powder and onion powder with Cajun seasoning, paprika, or Old Bay.
- More seasoning - use seasoned panko instead of plain and omit the garlic powder and onion powder.
- Add cheese - Use ¾ cup plain panko mixed with ¼ cup parmesan.
- Without gluten - Use gluten-free panko.
- No Egg - Use heavy cream, yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise instead.
How to Cook Fish Sticks in an Air Fryer
Cooking fish sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy, golden crust without deep frying. With just a few simple steps, you'll have delicious homemade fish sticks ready in no time. Here's how to make fish sticks in an air fryer for the perfect crunch outside and tender, flaky inside.
- Pat fish dry, then cut fish into 1" x 3" pieces. Usually, you can divide each fillet into 3 lengthwise pieces, then halve them, creating 6 fish sticks with each fillet.
- Sprinkle the fish pieces with salt and pepper. (This can be done either before or after slicing)
- In a wide-mouthed bowl, mix flour with garlic and onion powder (or your preferred spices).
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs.
- Pour panko crumbs into a third wide-mouthed bowl. Arrange them in an assembly line for easy breading.
- Dredge fish sticks in seasoned flour.
- Dip into whisked eggs.
- Coat with panko, patting lightly if needed to help it adhere.
Pro Tip: Use one hand for the dry ingredients, flour and panko crumbs, and one for the eggs to make it an easier, cleaner preparation.
- Spray the air fryer basket with an oil spray. I like to use avocado oil.
- Place fish sticks into the basket, making sure there is enough room in between for the air to circulate.
- Spray the tops of the fish sticks with oil.
- Air fry fish sticks for 10 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying tops once turned.
How Long to Air Fry Fish Sticks
Fish sticks air fryer time depends on the thickness of the sticks. It is usually between 7 and 10 minutes. Fish sticks are done when the internal temperature is 145°F.
Cooking Tips for Success
Pat the fish dry - Use paper towels to gently blot the fish before seasoning and breading. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and ensures the fish crisps up in the air fryer instead of steaming.
Cut fish into equal-sized pieces - Try to cut the fillets into uniform strips so they cook evenly. This also helps prevent smaller pieces from overcooking while larger ones are still underdone.
Preheat the air fryer - Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer gives you a head start on crispiness. Let it run for a few minutes before adding the fish sticks for more even cooking.
Don't overcrowd the basket - Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer with space between them so the hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed. This makes a big difference in how crispy they turn out.
Spray the coating with oil - Lightly spray the tops of the breaded fish sticks with cooking oil spray before air frying. This helps them get golden and crunchy all over.
Flip halfway through - Turn the fish sticks halfway through cooking to promote even browning on both sides.
Check for doneness - The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. If using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Best Sauce for Fish Sticks
Tartar sauce is the most popular dipping sauce for fish sticks. It's easy to make, and all you have to do is stir together these ingredients in a bowl:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
Remoulade sauce, sriracha mayo, marinara, roasted garlic sauce, or ketchup are also make great dipping sauces for fish sticks.
What to Serve with Fish Sticks
- Coleslaw
- French Fries for fish and chips
- Garlic Bread made in the air fryer
- Roasted Broccoli
- Simple Green Salad
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers
To store: Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3 days in the fridge.
To freeze: Place the cooked fish sticks on a cookie sheet. Freeze until frozen, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for 3 months.
To reheat: Simply place frozen fish sticks in the air fryer and reheat at 390°F for 7 to 10 minutes or until warmed through.
More Air Fryer Fish Recipes
- Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp are deliciously crunchy.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with mango dipping sauce.
- Air Fryer Salmon with lemon butter sauce.
- Air Fryer Tuna Patties with crispy panko crust.
Find lots of easy air fryer recipes here on 2CM!
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod or haddock - usually about 2 fillets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (you can sub chili powder, cajun or paprika for both powders)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko I used seasoned panko(or you can mix ¾ cup panko with ¼ cup parmesan)
- Cooking oil spray such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Instructions
- Pat the fillets dry then season with salt and pepper. Cut the two fillets into 3 sections lengthwise then halve them so there are 12 pieces. Each piece should be about 1" wide x 3" long.
- In a wide-mouthed bowl, mix flour with garlic and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Pour the panko crumbs into a 3rd wide-mouthed bowl.
- Prepare an assembly line. First dredge the fish in flour then dip into whisked eggs. Finally lay in panko crumbs and cover the entire fish stick. You can lightly pat the panko into the sticks if necessary. NOTE: USE ONE HAND FOR THE DRY INGREDIENTS AND ONE FOR THE EGGS TO MAKE IT EASIER.
- Spray the air fryer basket and place the fish sticks in the basket, making sure they do not overlap and there is room for the air to circulate.
- Spray the tops of the fish sticks with oil.
- Air fry for 10 minutes at 390 degrees, turning halfway through and spraying again with oil.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce and/or cocktail sauce.
- Makes about 10-12 fish sticks enough for 3-4 servings.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on September 19, 2022.
