Name: Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into strips; All-purpose flour; Eggs; Panko breadcrumbs; Grated Parmesan cheese; Garlic powder; Paprika; Salt and pepper; Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier alternative: Crispy fish sticks with less oil and fewer calories.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
Crunchy texture: Perfectly crisp without deep frying.
Kid-approved: Great for picky eaters.
Versatile: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into strips
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Directions

Prepare breading stations: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
Coat fish: Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with the panko mixture.
Preheat air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
Arrange fish sticks: Place coated fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Serve: Enjoy with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Herbed: Mix dried herbs like parsley or dill into the coating.
Cheesy: Increase Parmesan for extra flavor.
Different fish: Use salmon or halibut for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded fish sticks for up to 1 month; cook from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, thaw fish completely before breading.

How do I prevent fish sticks from sticking?

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.

Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

What dipping sauces go well?

Tartar sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo are great options.

Can I make these ahead?

Bread fish sticks and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, mild flavors and crispy texture appeal to kids.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Panko gives extra crispiness but regular breadcrumbs work.

How do I get extra crispy fish sticks?

Double coat in egg and breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, air frying reduces oil compared to deep frying.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a quick, healthier alternative to traditional fried fish sticks, offering crispy texture and tender fish in every bite. Perfect for family meals or snacks, they’re easy to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike.