Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Ingredients
For the Fish Sticks:
- 1 lb 450g white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into 1-inch wide strips
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- Cooking spray olive oil or avocado oil
For Serving (Optional)
- Tartar sauce ketchup, or lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Cut into 1-inch wide strips, about 3–4 inches long, to resemble classic fish sticks. Set aside.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- 🔸️Arrange three shallow bowls for breading:🔸️Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.🔸️Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with 1 tbsp water for an egg wash.🔸️Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan (if using).
Bread the Fish Sticks:
- 🔸️Dredge each fish strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place breaded strips on a plate.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- 🔸️Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes (check your model’s instructions). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Fish Sticks:
- 🔸️Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cook in batches if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy:
- 🔸️Transfer the fish sticks to a serving platter. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with tartar sauce, ketchup, or lemon wedges for squeezing. Pair with air fryer fries, coleslaw, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
🔹️Fish Choice: Cod is flaky and mild, but haddock or tilapia work well too. Use fresh or fully thawed frozen fish.
🔹️Crispy Coating: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch; mixing with regular breadcrumbs ensures even coverage.
🔹️Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches for even browning and crispiness.
🔹️Make It Gluten-Free: Swap flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions.
🔹️Kid-Friendly: Omit paprika or Parmesan for a milder flavor kids will love.
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