I like easy and quick recipes that don’t require a lot of prep time or complicated steps. And that’s why I love this fish sticks air fryer recipe.
It’s a simple and delicious way to make fish sticks that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Whether you prefer frozen fish sticks or want to make them from scratch, I got the perfect recipe for you.
And the best part is, you can cook them in an air fryer, which means less mess and healthier results.
In this post, I’ll share with you all the details you need to know about making airfryer fish fingers, including tips, dipping sauce ideas, and side dish suggestions. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Healthy: Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying, as it uses little to no oil. That means you can enjoy crispy fish sticks without the guilt.
Quick and easy: This fish fingers in airfryer recipe requires minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, making it the perfect choice for a quick meal or snack.
Crispy and delicious: The air fryer ensures that the fish sticks come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making for a tasty and satisfying snack or meal.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Fish Sticks Ingredients
For this fish sticks air fryer recipe you will need these ingredients:
- 8 Frozen Fish Sticks
- Cooking Spray (I use olive oil)
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Scroll down to find the recipe for the air fryer fish sticks from scratch.
✨ Making Fish Sticks In Air Fryer
Easily make fish sticks in an air fryer! Follow this simple recipe:
Step 1
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Place the frozen fish sticks in the air fryer in a single layer.
Step 3
Air fry at 400F for 7 minutes. Flip the fish sticks over and air fry for 3-4 more minutes. The coating should become crispy.
That’s it! Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this frozen fish sticks in air fryer recipe.
🌟 Fish Sticks From Scratch
You will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Cod (sliced strips)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated)
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
And here is the air fryer fish sticks from scratch recipe:
- Start by creating the breading station. Add the flour to one bowl, In a second bowl whisk the eggs and salt. In the third bowl- add the cheese, seasonings, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Salt and pepper the cod strips. Then, dip it in the flour, then the egg, and lastly – the panko breadcrumbs mixture.
- Place the fish sticks in the air fryer. I recommend spraying the basket with oil first. Air fry at 400F for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy these tasty fish sticks in air fryer!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this fish sticks in air fryer- make sure to check out these recipes too:
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
💡 Tips
Here are my top tips for cooking fish sticks in air fryer:
1. Try Making Your Own Fish Sticks from Scratch
While this recipe calls for frozen fish sticks, don’t be afraid to try making your own fish sticks from scratch.
Using fresh fish and homemade breading can take your air fryer fish sticks to the next level.
Experiment with different types of fish and seasonings to create a recipe that is uniquely yours. Making your own fish sticks from scratch can be a fun and rewarding cooking project that the whole family can enjoy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer
An important tip to keep in mind when making fish sticks in air fryer is to not overcrowd the basket. That can lead to uneven cooking and can result in food that is not crispy or evenly cooked.
To avoid overcrowding, make sure to only place the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each piece for air to circulate.
If you need to make a larger batch of fish sticks, cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and the best possible texture.
3. Use A Light Coating Of Cooking Oil
While it’s important to spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before cooking the fish sticks, it’s also important to use a light coating of oil.
Using too much oil can make the fish sticks greasy and can also cause the breading to become soggy.
4. Don’t Overcook The Fish Sticks
Overcooking fish sticks in the air fryer can cause them to become dry and tough – and that’s really bad!
To avoid this, just make sure to keep an eye on the fish sticks and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they are cooked through and the breading is crispy.
The exact cooking time will obviously depend on the size and thickness of the fish sticks, so it’s important to check them regularly to avoid overcooking.
👍 Best Dipping Sauces
Tartar Sauce: Tartar sauce is a classic dipping sauce for fish sticks and is made with mayonnaise, pickles, onions, and lemon juice.
It has a creamy and tangy flavor that really complements the crispy and savory breading of the fish sticks.
Cocktail Sauce: Cocktail sauce is another classic dipping sauce for seafood and is made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
It has a spicy and tangy flavor that pairs well with the mild flavor of the fish sticks.
Honey Mustard Sauce: Honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that pairs well with the crispy breading of the fish sticks.
To make honey mustard sauce, simply mix honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together in a bowl. Adjust the ingredients to your liking to achieve your desired flavor.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo: If you like a bit of heat, spicy sriracha mayo is a delicious dipping sauce to pair with your air fryer fish sticks.
To make this sauce, mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice together in a bowl.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dipping sauce that pairs really nicely with this dish.
To make ranch dressing, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, and herbs such as dill and parsley together in a bowl.
Avocado Sauce: To make the avocado dip, blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro together in a food processor until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
👑 Side Dishes Ideas
Here are the best side dishes that pair well with air fryer frozen fish sticks:
French Fries: This is a classic side dish for fish sticks and is easy to make in the air fryer.
Simply cut potatoes into thin strips, toss them with a small amount of oil and seasonings, and air fry them at 400F for 15-20 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
French fries are a perfect complement to the crispy and savory breading of the fish sticks.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that pairs well with the mild flavor of the fish sticks.
To make coleslaw, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with a dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices such as celery seed and mustard.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts make a nutritious and flavorful side dish for fish sticks.
Simply toss the vegetables with a small amount of oil and seasonings, and roast them in the air fryer at 400F for 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to French fries and also pair well with fish sticks.
Simply cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with a small amount of oil and seasonings, and air fry them at 400F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
👪 FAQ
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of fish for this recipe. Cod, haddock, and tilapia are all good options for making fish sticks.
How long can I store the leftover fish sticks?
Leftover fish sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I prevent the fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent the fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray the basket with cooking oil before cooking.
I hope you liked my fish sticks air fryer recipe. It’s so easy to make this dish. Frozen or made-from-scratch fish sticks cooked in an air fryer are the perfect snack or quick meal.
If you have any questions about cooking fish sticks in air fryer – feel free to comment below. Make sure to check out other great and easy air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Frozen Fish Sticks
- Cooking Oil Spray
- Dipping Sauces
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the frozen fish sticks in the air fryer in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400F for 7 minutes. Flip the fish sticks over and air fry for 3-4 more minutes. The coating should become crispy. That’s it! Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
