If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make air fryer fish sticks, your air fryer is the perfect appliance for the job! In just minutes, you can whip up a batch of hot and crispy fish sticks that are healthier than traditional fried fish. Plus, since the air fryer cooks with minimal oil, they’re a lot less greasy than their deep-fried counterparts. So if you’re in the mood for some seafood snacks, read on!
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Why make fish sticks in the air fryer?
Making air fryer fish sticks is a great way to play with new recipes, flavors, and cooking methods. Fish is delicate so it’s hard to handle sometimes on the stovetop or grill without it falling apart. But in an air fryer, you can cook more than one piece of fish at once thus making them suitable for busy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Cod fillet
- Panko bread crumbs
- Golden breadcrumbs
- Lemon zest
- Egg
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Black pepper
- Spray oil
How to cook fish sticks in air fryer
- Begin the recipe by slicing the fish into even pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the fish.
- Get three-wide bowls, into the first one place the egg, into the second one place the ½ tsp of salt and all-purpose flour and into the final one place the panko breadcrumbs, golden breadcrumbs, lemon zest, dried parsley, 1 tsp of salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Dip each fish piece into the all-purpose flour, then the egg wash, then roll in the crumb mixture until completely coated.
- Place fish sticks slowly into the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding them or they won’t crisp up properly! Spray with spray oil and cook in the air fryer, flipping halfway through.
FAQ’s
What sauce should I serve air fryer fish sticks with?
You can serve fish sticks with any sauce, I particularly like tartar sauce. A solid recipe would be: ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, 4 teaspoons lemon juice, zest of one small lemon.
What other seafood can I use?
Any type of firm white-fleshed fish will work. Halibut, grouper, mahi mahi, are all good choices. You don’t have to limit yourself just to the ocean either – farmed tilapia works beautifully as well! Just be sure not to overcook – the fish may dry out and become chewy if you leave it in your air fryer too long.
What other seasonings could I use to make this recipe my own?
This recipe is super versatile! You can use any seasoning mix for a flavorful twist on the classic fish stick. Italian-style bread crumbs, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning – anything that sounds good to you! If you want to keep things simple then just a dash of salt and black pepper works well.
Is there an alternative coating to use?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs or would prefer a different type of seasoning mix to coat your fish with then try substituting crushed cornflakes or even ground-up Rice Chex cereal as long as they’re gluten-free (not all recipes made with Rice Chex are gluten-free). These coatings will give your fish sticks an even crunchier and delicious outer texture which I think is ah-mazing.
*Note: If using cornflakes, you’ll want to add about ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and a dash or two of salt for flavor.
Can I double/triple this Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe?
Yes! If you’re cooking for a crowd then definitely go ahead and double or even triple this recipe.
How long do I cook fish sticks in air fryer?
I recommend cooking the air fryer fish sticks at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make baked fish sticks instead?
Sure! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 12-14 minutes then broil until golden brown.
What do you serve this dish with?
We like to eat these air fryer fish sticks on their own with a side of veggies or french fries/chips and tartar sauce, but you can also serve them over pasta or rice if desired.
Can I freeze these Air Fryer Fish Sticks?
Yes, frozen fish sticks can definitely work! This is an ideal recipe for making ahead and storing in the freezer. To reheat just defrost and add back into your air fryer for about 3 minutes at 390°F until heated through.
How can I make this air fryer fish sticks recipe healthier?
You can try replacing the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg, and use whole-wheat panko bread crumbs for extra fibre.
The next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, why not try to make Air Fried Fish Sticks? They’re simple to make and taste great. Plus, they’re a healthier option than traditional fish sticks that are deep-fried in oil. So give them a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed! Stay tuned for more air fryer recipes.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 oz Cod fillet
- 1 Egg
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Golden breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by slicing the fish into even pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the fish.
- Get three-wide bowls, into the first one place the egg, into the second one place the ½ tsp of salt and all-purpose flour and into the final one place the panko breadcrumbs, golden bread crumbs, lemon zest, dried parsley, 1 tsp of salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Dip each fish piece into the all-purpose flour, then the egg wash, then roll in the crumb mixture until completely coated.
- Place fish sticks slowly into the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding them or they won't crisp up properly! Spray with spray oil and cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes on 380°F, flipping halfway through.
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