Captain D Fish Sticks Recipe

This Captain D’s Fish Sticks Recipe is an easy way to bring restaurant-quality seafood to your dinner table without the drive or wait. Homemade, fresh, and crispy, these fish sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for weeknights, kids’ lunches, or game day snacks.

If you’re craving that classic seafood chain flavor without the drive-thru, this Captain D’s Fish Sticks Recipe lets you make crispy, golden fish sticks right at home. Perfect for family dinners, lunchboxes, or a quick snack, these homemade fish sticks bring the crunch and flavor you expect from the restaurant but with fresh ingredients and no mystery fillers.

Today, I served these with my homemade Tartar Sauce and lemon wedges, and my kids devoured them!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari and, of course, my famous Air Fryer Haddock Dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Crispy, golden coating that rivals your favorite seafood chain.
• Made with fresh white fish for tender, flaky bites.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Healthier option when air-fried, cutting down on excess oil.
• Perfect for family dinners, snacks, or lunchboxes — everyone loves them!

Captain D Fish Sticks Ingredients

• Skinless White Fish Fillets: Offers a mild flavor and flaky texture that pairs well with various coatings.
• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the base for dredging the cod fillets before coating them with the breadcrumb mixture, helping to create a crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cod fillets and ensuring a uniform coating for even cooking.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light and crispy coating for the fish sticks when air fried, ensuring a satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Adds a hint of smokiness but also contributes to the golden color of the fish sticks when air fried.
• Optional: Serve with Lemon Wedges or Tartar Sauce

How to Make Captain D Fish Sticks

Step One: In one bowl, mix flour and 1/2 tbsp of Old Bay Seasoning.

Step Two: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In the last bowl, mix the remaining Old Bay Seasoning with panko crumbs.

Step Three: Cut fish filets into desired size sticks. Fully coat a fish stick in the flour, then the egg, and lastly, the panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until you have finished coating all of your fish sticks.

Step Four: Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place 4-5 fish sticks in the basket. Spray the fish sticks with cooking or olive oil. Set air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F, using air fryer setting, and set cook time for 6-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Captain D Fish Sticks Recipe Tips

• Choose the right fish: Use firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for flaky, tender sticks that hold up well.
• Keep fish cold: Chill your fish sticks in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick better.
• Panko breadcrumbs for crunch: Using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crispier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface: Whether air frying or pan frying, leave space between fish sticks so they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
• Season your breading well: Adding spices like paprika, garlic powder, and salt to the breadcrumb mix boosts flavor beyond basic breading.
• Serve immediately: Fish sticks taste best hot and crispy — reheat gently in the air fryer if needed to keep that crunch.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Place leftover fish sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, separate layers with parchment paper.
• Freezing: Cool the fish sticks completely before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat fish sticks in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Captain D Fish Sticks Recipe Faqs

What type of fish is best for fish sticks? Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock work best because they hold together well and have a mild flavor.

Can I bake the fish sticks instead of air frying or frying? Yes, bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I keep the breading from falling off? Make sure to pat the fish dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish. Chilling the breaded sticks for 15 minutes before cooking also helps.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko? You can, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture that’s closer to restaurant-style fish sticks.

Are these fish sticks kid-friendly? Absolutely! They’re mild, crispy, and perfect for picky eaters or lunchboxes.

Can I freeze leftover fish sticks? Yes, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months

Serving Suggestions

• AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES
• AIR FRYER EASY POTATO SKIN RECIPE
• EASY AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO SKINS
• AIR FRYER FROZEN SWEET POTATO FRIES

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes!

• AIR FRYER CHINESE BUFFET CRAB CASSEROLE RECIPE
• AIR FRYER CRAWFISH CAKES
• EASY AIR FRYER BLACKENED TILAPIA
• AIR FRYER CLASSIC FRENCH MUSSELS

Equipment Used

Kalorik 26 QT Digital Maxx Air Fryer Oven with 9 Accessories, Roaster, Broiler, Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Oven, Toaster, Pizza Oven and Warmer. Includes…

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