Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks
You’ll love this Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe for its healthier yet still crispy texture, customizable flavors, quick and easy preparation, and versatile serving options, making it a perfect choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Prep time
15 min
Cook Time
8-10 min per batch
Calories
1400
Servings
4
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe
Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional deep-fried fish sticks, this recipe utilizes the air fryer, which requires minimal oil. By air frying instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats and calories, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture.
Crispy Texture: Despite using less oil, these fish sticks still achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior. The combination of breadcrumbs and the air frying method results in a satisfying crunch that rivals the texture of deep-fried versions.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily customize the seasoning of the breadcrumbs to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a simple garlic and parsley seasoning or want to add a bit of heat with some cayenne pepper, you have the flexibility to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. With minimal prep work and a short cooking time in the air fryer, you can have delicious homemade fish sticks on the table in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Serving Options: These crispy air fryer fish sticks are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a classic finger food with your favorite dipping sauce, or use them as the star ingredient in fish tacos or sandwiches. They also make a great addition to salads or pasta dishes, providing a protein-packed and flavorful component to your meal.
More Air Fryer Tips & Tricks
How to Make This Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Ingredients
1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs (you can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for misting
Ingredients
1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs (you can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for misting
Equipment to make Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Tips and tricks for making Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with traditional frying, preheating your air fryer helps create a crispier exterior. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the fish sticks to ensure they start cooking immediately once they’re in the basket.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which helps create a crispier coating on the fish sticks. If you have them available, opt for panko breadcrumbs for the best results.
Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Overcrowding the basket can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy fish sticks. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Lightly Coat with Oil: While air frying requires much less oil than traditional frying, a light coating of oil on the surface of the fish sticks can help promote browning and crispiness. Use a cooking spray or an oil mister to lightly spray the fish sticks before placing them in the air fryer.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking: To ensure even browning on all sides, flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a fork to carefully turn them over, then continue cooking for the remaining time. This helps achieve an evenly crispy coating on all sides of the fish sticks.
Nutrition breakdown ( per serving )
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 33 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands and specific measurements used in the recipe. Additionally, if you adjust the serving size or make modifications to the recipe, the nutritional values may change accordingly.