Craving something crispy yet healthy? My air fryer fish sticks recipe is the answer! With tender cod or salmon fillets wrapped in a crunchy, golden crust, they’re not only delicious but also so quick and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with that homemade touch (but in a fraction of the time it’d normally take to fry!).
These aren’t your average grocery-store freezer fish sticks. Seasoned with Old Bay, parsley, and garlic powder, every bite bursts with flavor. Pair them with homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon—it’s pure fish-stick heaven!
Ingredients List
Fish Stick Ingredients
- 1½ pounds cod or salmon fillets – Cut into 1-inch thick strips, about 5 to 8 ounces per fillet. I used cod from Costco.
- 1 teaspoon salt , divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , plus extra to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Lemon wedges
Additional Tools:
- Propellant-free nonstick cooking spray like avocado oil spray (I prefer brands like Chosen for health benefits)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Preparing and Seasoning the Fish
- Cut the Fish into Strips
Start by patting your fish fillets dry using paper towels; this removes excess moisture, ensuring the breading sticks well. Next, cut the fillets lengthwise into 1-inch by 4-inch strips. This size works perfectly for fish sticks and guarantees even cooking. - Season the Fish
Season the strips with ½ teaspoon salt and a touch of freshly ground black pepper. I like to sprinkle it evenly on both sides of the fish for flavor in every bite. Gently rub in the seasoning with your fingers to make sure it’s well absorbed.
Prepping the Breading Stations
For that perfectly crispy exterior, you’ll need a simple breading process:
- Station 1: Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish , combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour , the remaining ½ teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper . Mix together thoroughly. - Station 2: Eggs
In a second shallow dish, crack and whisk 3 eggs until well beaten. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. - Station 3: Panko Mixture
In a third dish, combine 1½ cups panko bread crumbs , 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning , 2 teaspoons dried parsley , and ½ teaspoon garlic powder . This seasoning combo adds a crunchy texture and tons of flavor to the fish sticks.
Air Frying the Fish Sticks
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before starting the breading process, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the first to the last batch, delivering that crispy, golden-brown finish we’re aiming for.
Breading the Fish—Dry Hand/Wet Hand Method
Using the classic dry hand/wet hand method ensures your hands don’t get too messy, and it makes the breading process much more efficient.
- Dip in Flour
Take a fish strip and, using your “dry hand” (this is the hand you’ll use for dry ingredients), coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. - Dip in Egg
Switch to your “wet hand” for handling the fish in the egg mixture. Dip the flour-coated strip in the beaten eggs, making sure fully submerged for an even coating. - Coat with Breadcrumbs
Finally, drop the egg-coated strip into the panko breadcrumb mixture. Switch back to your “dry hand” to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This is key for that deliciously crunchy exterior! - Repeat the Process
Continue this process for each strip, making sure they’re all evenly breaded.
Air Frying
Once all your fish sticks are breaded, it’s time to cook them!
- Spritz the Basket
Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with a propellant-free nonstick spray (I prefer avocado oil spray, as it’s great for high heat and healthier than traditional oils). This helps prevent the fish from sticking to the basket during cooking. - Add the Fish
Place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure there’s a little space between each piece to allow airflow and even cooking. If necessary, cook the fish sticks in batches. - Cook at 400°F for 8 Minutes
Air fry the fish sticks at 400°F for a total of 8 minutes , flipping them halfway through at the 4-minute mark. This ensures an even golden-brown crust on both sides. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F for safety and perfect doneness—use an instant-read thermometer to check. - Keep Warm if Needed
If cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm by placing the cooked fish sticks on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until the rest are ready.
Serving the Air Fryer Fish Sticks: The Final Step!
Your crispy air fryer fish sticks are now golden brown and perfectly cooked—time to bring it all together for a complete meal!
Serve with Tartar Sauce and Lemon Wedges
- Tartar Sauce
Pair your homemade fish sticks with tartar sauce for that classic dipping experience! You can use store-bought or make your own tartar sauce quickly. All you need is mayo, chopped pickles, a dash of lemon juice, and some fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Mix together, and voilà—your smooth, tangy tartar sauce is ready. - Lemon Wedges
Fresh lemon wedges add a burst of zesty brightness when squeezed over the crispy fish sticks. It’s a simple, fresh way to balance the richness of the fish and breading.
Plating Ideas
To make your meal restaurant-worthy, here’s how I like to plate it:
- Arrange the fish sticks in a line or circular pattern on a large serving platter.
- Fan out a few fresh lemon wedges around the fish sticks for easy grabbing.
- Place a small bowl of tartar sauce in the center for dipping.
For a full meal, serve alongside:
- Coleslaw or a light salad for a fresh side.
- French fries or roasted potato wedges for a classic fish-and-chips-style dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last in my house!), place the fish sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days . - Reheating the Fish Sticks:
To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This will help retain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in a regular oven at 350°F for 10 minutes , flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Congratulations—you’ve made your own batch of deliciously crispy air fryer fish sticks in no time! With that crunchy panko exterior and tender fish center, these are a hit whether served at dinner or as a snack.
The perks of air frying? Not only are they lower in fat compared to traditional frying methods, but the cleanup is super easy too! Plus, with customizable seasoning options, you can tweak the recipe to your liking—add more garlic, swap in paprika, or try different herbs for a whole new flavor profile.
Serve these finger-licking fish sticks with fresh lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce—it’s the perfect balanced combo. Enjoy!