Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and tender: The air fryer gives these fish sticks the perfect crispy coating while keeping the fish inside tender and flaky.
Quick and easy: Made in just 20 minutes, these fish sticks are fast enough for a weeknight meal or a snack.
Healthier option: Cooking in the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making these fish sticks a lighter alternative to deep-frying.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or breading to suit your taste, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound cod fillets
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels, then cut them into 1×3-inch sticks.
Set up the breading stations:
- Place flour in a shallow dish.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow dish.
- Combine panko, Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, and black pepper in a third shallow dish.
Coat the fish sticks: Coat each fish stick in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it in the seasoned panko mixture.
Air fry: Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange half of the fish sticks in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops of the fish sticks with more cooking spray.
Cook the fish sticks: Cook in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes. Flip the fish sticks over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining fish sticks.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the fish sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar or cocktail sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Different fish: While cod is ideal, you can use other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or pollock.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Lemon zest: Add lemon zest to the panko mixture for a fresh, citrusy twist.
Herb variations: Experiment with adding dried oregano, thyme, or dill to the breading for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover fish sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked fish sticks on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but be sure to thaw them before breading and cooking them in the air fryer.

3. Do I need to use cooking spray?

Yes, using cooking spray helps the fish sticks become crispy and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

4. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.

5. How can I make these fish sticks spicier?

Add chili powder, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for added heat.

6. Can I make these fish sticks ahead of time?

You can prepare the fish sticks, bread them, and refrigerate them for up to an hour before air frying them.

7. What kind of dipping sauce should I serve with these?

Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy mayo are great options for dipping.

8. How do I prevent the fish from overcooking?

Air fry the fish sticks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the basket, to ensure even cooking.

9. Can I air fry other types of seafood?

Yes, you can air fry shrimp, calamari, or other fish fillets using similar breading and cooking methods.

10. Can I add cheese to these fish sticks?

Yes, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the fish sticks before air frying for an extra cheesy finish.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a quick, easy, and healthier take on a classic favorite. Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for a family dinner or a fun appetizer. Whether you’re dipping them in tartar sauce or enjoying them on their own, they’re sure to become a regular on your dinner table!