Homemade Fish Sticks Air Fryer

These Homemade Fish Sticks Air Fryer are amazing, if you are looking for a batch of crispy fish sticks, this is the recipe for you!

My Air Fryer Homemade Fish Sticks Recipe is amazing, they are so easy to make! They are crunchy and so delicious–forget about the Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks! Today, I will show you how to make them with only 5 Ingredients!

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

If you were looking for a tried & true recipe for homemade fish sticks, this is one of the best recipes.

Using only 5 ingredients, you can create a great batch of air fryer fish sticks for the entire family. These homemade fish sticks are flaky and tender on the inside but crispy on the outside. I know many of you don’t want to go through the hassle of making homemade fish sticks, but I promise you the result is worth it.

Why You’ll Love Making Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

• Air frying fish sticks creates a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making them healthier than traditional deep-fried versions.
• The air fryer cooks fish sticks evenly, ensuring that each bite is perfectly golden and crunchy.
• With the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade fish sticks with less mess and cleanup compared to deep frying.
• Air frying preserves the natural flavors of the fish while still achieving that satisfying crunch, resulting in a delicious meal every time.
• Using the air fryer to make fish sticks is quick and convenient, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option for busy families.
• The air fryer offers versatility, allowing you to customize your fish sticks with different coatings or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks

With a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of homemade fish cakes in the air fryer:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• 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 Cook Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

Here are the simple instructions on how to cook homemade fish sticks in the air fryer:

Prepare The Dredging Stations: In one bowl, mix flour and 1/2 tbsp of Old Bay Seasoning.

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

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.

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.

Air Fryer Homemade Fish Sticks Variations

• Fish Varieties: You can use a variety of fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia. These fish have firm flesh that holds up well to breading and air frying
• Breadcrumbs: For a really crunchy coating, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for crushed corn flakes. Or use Italian breadcrumbs, for added seasoning!
• Egg-Free: If you are allergic to eggs, use olive oil instead.
• Gluten-Free Homemade Fish Sticks: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour and use Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs.

Recipe Tips Air Fryer Homemade Fish Sticks

• Prep the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry before cutting them into strips to ensure the breading adheres well. You can use fresh or thawed frozen fish for this recipe.
• Seasoning: Season the fish strips with your favorite herbs and spices before coating them with breading. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for added flavor.
• Breading Technique: Use a three-step breading process, coating the fish strips in flour, then dipping them in beaten egg, and finally coating them in breadcrumbs. This helps create a crispy outer layer when air fried.
• Baking Powder Trick: Adding a small amount of baking powder to the breadcrumbs can enhance the crispiness of the fish sticks during air frying.
• Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the breaded fish sticks with cooking spray or brush them with oil before air frying. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust without excess oil.
• Arrange Evenly: Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece for uniform cooking.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the air fryer fish sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or aioli, for a delicious meal or snack.

Homemade Fish Sticks Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I Use Frozen Fish Fillets? Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets for this recipe. Thaw them completely before cutting them into strips and breading them.

How Long Do I Cook Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer? Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the fish sticks and the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, it takes about 10-12 minutes at 390°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.

Can I Use Panko Breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. You can also mix panko with regular breadcrumbs for added texture.

How Do I Prevent the Breading from Falling Off? Make sure to pat the fish fillets dry before breading them to remove excess moisture. Additionally, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish sticks to help them adhere better.

Can I Freeze Homemade Fish Sticks? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked fish sticks for later use. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, you can air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Fish Sticks? Fish sticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including tartar sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or homemade aioli. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

Can I Use Different Types of Fish? Yes, you can use different types of white fish for this recipe, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock. Choose firm-fleshed fish that will hold up well to breading and air frying.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Fish Sticks? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal as a breading alternative for gluten-free fish sticks. Make sure to check that all ingredients, including the seasoning, are gluten-free.

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…

Don’t Forget To Pin!