Pat the cod sticks completely dry with paper towels and season them lightly all over with salt and pepper. Dry fish is the key to a crunchy coating that actually sticks.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder, mixing well.
Dredge each fish stick first in flour and shake off the excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press firmly into the panko mixture, coating all sides thoroughly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fish sticks gently halfway through and giving them another quick spray of cooking spray on the flipped side. They are done when the coating is golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily.
Serve the fish sticks immediately with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.