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Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe

Air Fryer Fish Sticks

iamwinfred
This Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden crunch without the mess of deep frying. Flaky, mild fish inside a beautifully seasoned panko coating - ready in about 10 minutes in the air fryer. No oil splatter, minimal cleanup, and kid-approved.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer at least 5-quart capacity recommended
  • 3 shallow bowls or plates for the dredging station
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or a spatula for flipping
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking spray or EVO oil sprayer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb cod fillets or pollock, tilapia, or haddock; cut into stick shapes
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 120g
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour 60g
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • Cooking spray
  • Tartar sauce or ketchup for serving

Instructions
 

  • Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
  • Set up three shallow bowls: flour in first, beaten eggs in second, panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay, and salt in third.
  • Coat each fish strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Press into seasoned panko until fully coated.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray basket generously with cooking spray.
  • Arrange breaded fish sticks in a single layer without touching. Spray tops with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes.
  • Flip fish sticks carefully using tongs. Spray the new tops with cooking spray. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  • Let fish sticks rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or ketchup.

Notes

  • Pat fish completely dry - This is the most important step. Any moisture creates steam and makes the coating soggy.
  • Don't skip the flour step - The flour layer acts as a glue between the fish and egg, preventing breading from falling off.
  • Press panko firmly - Gently press breadcrumbs onto the fish so they adhere well and stay put during cooking.
  • Cook in a single layer - Overlapping fish sticks will steam instead of crisping. Batch cook if needed.
  • Spray both sides - Spraying before cooking and after flipping ensures even browning on all surfaces.
  • Freezing instructions - Freeze breaded uncooked fish sticks on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Gluten-free option - Use rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Storage - Store cooked fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 26gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 430mgFiber: 1g
Keyword air fryer fish sticks, crispy fish sticks, easy seafood dinner, homemade fish sticks
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