Looking for a healthier way to enjoy crispy fish sticks? This homemade air fryer fish sticks recipe is the answer! Air frying offers a fantastic alternative to deep frying, as it requires significantly less oil, making these fish fingers much lower in fat and calories. Perfect for anyone who is watching their diet but still wants that satisfying crunch, this recipe delivers crispy, golden fish sticks without the excess grease. Enjoy a nutritious, delicious snack or meal with this easy-to-make air fryer fish sticks recipe!
Today, I want to share my favorite method for cooking crispy fish sticks without the need for deep frying.
These fish sticks come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. Plus, they're freezer-friendly, making them a convenient option to have on hand for a quick lunch or snack. Not only are they a hit with kids, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish sticks, all while maintaining that irresistible crunch and flavor.
Serve these air fryer fish sticks with bang bang sauce, remoulade sauce, or sriracha mayo for a delicious twist.
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Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Sticks:
To make air fryer fish sticks, you'll need:
- White fish: Such as cod, pollock, haddock, or hake.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick.
- Milk: Adds moisture.
- Flour: For the base coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness.
- Paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Mixed together to season the fish.
- Avocado oil: Lightly coats the fish to help it crisp up in the air fryer.
How to Make Homemade Fish Sticks from Scratch:
- Prepare the Fish: First, pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Then, cut them into 1-inch strips. Season the fish with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the Breading: Put the panko breadcrumb in a large ziplock. Use a rolling pin to finely ground the breadcrumb. Set aside. Set up three dishes and put them in the right order. In a first bowl, add all-purpose flour.In a second bowl, lightly beat an egg and add milk. Stir to combine. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumb with paprika, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oil.
- Coat the Fish with Flour: Coat the fish strips in the flour; shake off excess flour.
- Deep the Fish in the Egg Wash: Dip the fish sticks in the egg and milk mixture, allow the excess to drip off.
- Step 5: Toss the fish fingers into the breadcrumb mixture; gently pressing to coat.
- Fry Fish in the Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil. Place the fish sticks on a basket in a single layer. Cook the fish sticks for about 6-9 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish and the quality of your air fryer, flipping halfway through.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Fish Sticks:
Here are some tips for making the best air fryer fish sticks:
- Dry the Fish Well: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps the coating stick better.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Give your air fryer a few minutes to preheat before adding the fish sticks. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Don't Overcrowd: Place the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you crowd them, they won't get as crispy.
- Lightly Spray with Oil: Give the fish sticks a quick spray of cooking oil to help them get golden and crispy.
- Flip Halfway: For even cooking, flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time.
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the fish sticks are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the fish sticks sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps them stay crispy.
FAQs:
You can use cook these fish sticks in the oven. Simply follow the same preparation and breading steps then cook them in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Yes, you can. These fish fingers are freezer-friendly. Here's how to freeze the breaded fish sticks.
1. Let the fish sticks cool down at room temperature but no longer than two hours.
2. Place the fish sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover with a plastic wrap and freeze for about 2-4 hours or until firm.
3. Transfer the fish sticks into an airtight container or ziplock. Properly stored, they can last up to 18 months.
You can reheat the frozen fish sticks in a preheated air fryer at 390°F for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The best egg substitutes in fish sticks or fried food are water, milk, buttermilk, or melted butter.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Ingredients
- ½ pound white fish (such as cod, pollock, haddock, or hake)
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumb
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil
Method
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch strips. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Put the panko breadcrumb in a large ziplock. Use a rolling pin to finely ground the breadcrumb. Set aside.
- In a first bowl, add all-purpose flour.In a second bowl, lightly beat the egg and add milk. Whisk to combine.In a third bowl, mix all of the breadcrumb mixture ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Coat the fish sticks in the flour; shake off excess flour. Dip the fish sticks in the egg and milk mixture, allow the excess to drip off. Toss the fish into the breadcrumb mixture; gently pressing to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil.
- Place the fish sticks on a basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness, the internal temperature should register at 145°F.
Jessica Formicola says
My air fryer is my new favorite kitchen tool!
Diana Reis says
I love the way these come out. Nice and homemade but no messy oil. Perfect family friendly treat.
Michelle says
Love how these fish sticks are made from scratch! They look super delicious!
Mary says
Love how easy these are to make! So much better than the ones from a box!
Rika says
Thanks, Mary! I am glad that you liked it.
sarah says
I need to get myself an air fryer! These look perfectly crispy!