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Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe offers a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish sticks. Made with tender cod fillets coated in seasoned flour, egg, and flavorful panko bread crumbs, these fish sticks bake to golden perfection in the air fryer. Served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for a weeknight dinner or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 12 ounces cod fillets

Breading

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving

  • Tartar sauce
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the basket of an air fryer with nonstick spray and preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Cut the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut them lengthwise into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long, then set aside.
  3. Make the Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with dried parsley, paprika, and garlic powder for a flavorful coating.
  4. Coat the Fish: Dip each fish strip first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with the seasoned bread crumb mixture. Repeat for all fish strips to ensure each is thoroughly breaded.
  5. Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Working in batches, place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with additional nonstick spray to promote crisping. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even browning. The fish sticks should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. If needed, cook a few more minutes.
  6. Keep Warm and Serve: Transfer cooked fish sticks to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches. Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a delicious dip and fresh zest.

Notes

  • Ensure fish is patted dry to help breading adhere better and crispen up in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results and even cooking.
  • Using panko bread crumbs adds extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Internal temperature of fish should reach 145°F to ensure safe consumption.
  • If you do not have an air fryer, these fish sticks can be baked in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/air-fryer-fish-sticks-recipe/