Air fryer Fish sticks are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Learn how to make these healthy fish sticks at home super easy with flaky cod and panko breadcrumbs in just 20 minutes.
Make your own version of fried fish sticks at home, and you get in control of what kind of ingredients goes into the mix, the seasonings, and as well the type of oil you use.
Cook fish fingers in the air fryer or oven to get crunchy fish sticks with less fat than deep-frying them. You can also make fish nuggets in the air fryer.
If you love frozen fish sticks, you can make more than you need and freeze them for a quick dinner. The instructions on storing fish sticks and how to reheat them in the air fryer or using the oven are down on this blog post.
Are fish sticks good for you
There are two kinds of frozen fish sticks at the store: the fillet of white fish cut into strips and deep-fried in vegetable oil. The other kind is the minced meat formed into strips with some additives to imitate the texture of real fish fillet and deep-fried in vegetable oil. Both are high in sodium.
It is better to make your fish sticks at home with the ingredients and the flavor you want and, of course, with less oil using the air fryer.
Fish sticks Ingredients
How to air fry fish sticks
Cooking fish sticks in the air fryer makes them healthier and crispier than ever. After you prepare the fish stick, place them in the air fryer and let the air fryer do its magic.
How to season:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400º Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Mix flour and black pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, lightly beat eggs and the chopped parsley and set aside.
- In a third shallow dish, mix panko and black pepper and set aside.
- With a paper towel, pat the fish dry, season with salt-free seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Dip the fish strips one at a time in the flour mixture, shake off the flour excess. Dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Coat with the panko, set on a clean plate.
How long to air fry fish nuggets
Place the coated fish sticks in the air fryer basket spray with oil; cook at 400ºF for 6 minutes on each side.
When is done
Fish is safe to eat when it has reached an internal temperature of 145ºF.
You can test the texture of the fish sticks by pressing them gently with a fork. The flesh should flake easily, and the liquid that comes out should be opaque.
How to cook fish sticks in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flour and black pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, lightly beat eggs and the chopped parsley and set aside.
- In a third shallow dish, mix panko and black pepper and set aside.
- With a paper towel, pat the fish dry, season with salt-free seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Dip the fish strips one at a time in the flour mixture, shake off the excess flour. Dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess of eggs drip off. Coat with the panko.
- Arrange the sticks on a single in the lined baking sheet, spray the strips with cooking oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and fish flake easily.
Recipe tips
- Make sure to cook the fish sticks in a single layer with some space between them. The sticks will cook more evenly and crispy because the hot air can circulate better.
- Don’t use aerosolized oil like Pam because this kind of cooking spray oil has ingredients that can damage the coating of the air fryer basket.
- For extra flavor, you can add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to change up the flavor by putting different seasonings or spices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to a month in the freezer.
- Reheat in the air fryer to 400ºF for 3-5 minutes.
What to serve with fish sticks?
These fish sticks will be perfect for serving with fries for classic fish and chips at home—roasted vegetables like this air fryer cauliflower steaks or this air fryer broccoli.
Perfect for making fish taco bowls with instant pot brown rice or quinoa and green salsa or guacamole.
Fish sticks dipping sauce
Tartar sauce: whisk together mayo, diced pickles, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Homemade guacamole: Avocado, lime, cilantro, diced red onion salt, and pepper to taste. Add jalapeño if you desire.
For a hot sauce: Mix mayo and Sriracha or hot sauce.
How to store fish sticks
Place fish sticks into an airtight container or Ziplock bag: label and date. Seal well and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Fish sticks taste their best when fresh from the air fryer or the oven. Homemade fish sticks can be store in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated in the air fryer or the oven for a quick dinner or appetizer. If you have leftovers or make them ahead, refrigerate them within 2 hours after cooking them.
Store in the Freezer
To store fish fingers in the freezer, arrange the cooked fish sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them until solidly frozen for about 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag: label and date. Freeze for up to 1 month.
How to reheat fish sticks
You must reheat and enjoy your fish sticks within 2-3 days and heat them through before serving. And you should not reheat them more than once. Below is the temperature to reheat them in the air fryer or using the oven.
Reheat in the air fryer
To reheat any leftover fish sticks in the air fryer
- Place fish fingers inside the air fryer and cook to 400ºF for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Take the fish stick out of the air fryer and enjoy!
Reheat in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF degrees.
- Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy!
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Click the links below to see or buy the items used to make this recipe
(Affiliate links)
Air fryer.Perfect for making fried food with little to no oil and also gives you the convenience of a small convection oven.
Mixing bowls.This set has a cover, which makes it double function as a mixing bowl and storage container.
Instant Meat Thermometer: Takes the temperature in just 2 to 3 seconds.
MORE AIR FRYER SEAFOOD RECIPES
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- Homemade Air Fryer Fish Nuggets
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Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Make your own version of fried fish sticks at home, and you get in control of what kind of ingredients goes into the mix, the seasonings, and as well the type of oil you use. Cook fish fingers in the air fryer or oven to get crunchy fish sticks with less fat than deep-frying them.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup white whole-wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 cup panko breadcrumb
- 1 lb. pacific cod, cut into 2-inch strips
- ½ teaspoon salt-free seasoning (I use dash)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray oil (avocado or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400º Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Mix flour and black pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
In a shallow dish, lightly beat eggs and the chopped parsley and set aside.
In a third shallow dish, mix panko and black pepper and set aside. - With a paper towel, pat the fish dry, season with salt-free seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Dip the fish strips one at a time in the flour mixture, shake off the flour excess. Dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Coat with the panko, set on a clean plate.
- Place the coated fish pieces in the air fryer basket spray with oil; cook at 400ºF for 6 minutes on each side or until fish flake easily.
- Serve with a side and dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the fish sticks in a single layer with some space between them. The sticks will cook more evenly and crispy because the hot air can circulate better.
- Don’t use aerosolized oil like Pam because this kind of cooking spray oil has ingredients that can damage the coating of the air fryer basket.
- For extra flavor, you can add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to change up the flavor by putting different seasonings or spices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to a month in the freezer.
- Reheat in the air fryer to 400ºF for 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 401Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 520mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 37g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
