Air Fryer Fish Sticks
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My air fryer fish sticks are a healthier take on classic fried fish sticks. Crunchy on the outside and tender in the middle, they work with most fish and make a high-protein dinner idea.
Fish sticks were one of the few fried foods we had regularly growing up, and they quickly became a household favorite- often to the point of fighting over the last one. As an adult, I wanted to recreate that familiar comfort food, but without deep-frying!
After testing them in the oven, on the skillet, and in the air fryer, I found that the air fryer delivers the best results with none of the oil. The fish sticks turn out evenly cooked, truly crispy on the outside while staying soft and flaky on the inside. I love how quickly they cook, and my partner and sister reckon they taste just as good as the ones we all enjoyed growing up!
Table of Contents
Why make my air fryer fish sticks recipe
- Fast. I’m talking under 15 minutes from prep to plate.
- A family favorite. Adults and kids alike will fawn over these fish sticks. I guarantee it.
- Crispier than the oven. The air fryer circulates heat in a small space, helping to guarantee the ultimate crunchy exterior.
- Works with frozen fish sticks. I know a few of you will ask if frozen fish sticks work, so I tested that, too. Spoiler alert: it does.
Key ingredients
Here’s what goes into air fried fish sticks, along with my kitchen notes. The complete list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Fish. I tested a few options for this recipe, and I found that salmon or white fish (especially tilapia or cod) yielded the best, most ‘traditional’ flavor. Pictured here, I’m using salmon.
- All-purpose flour. I prefer to sift it first to remove any clumps.
- Seasonings. I used a mix of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Eggs. To dredge the fish so the breading sticks and gives the fish sticks a golden color.
- Panko breadcrumbs. I also tried regular breadcrumbs, but I didn’t like the coarse, crumbly texture. If all you have are regular breadcrumbs, pulse them in the food processor for a few seconds to make them finer.
- Nonstick cooking spray. Just a dash to help with color and texture.
How to make air fryer fish sticks
Step 1- Set up stations. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper; in a second, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the bread crumbs and seasonings.
Step 2- Dredge. Dip each fish stick in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten egg mixture, and finally in the breading. Ensure each one is fully coated.
Step 3- Air fry. Lay the fish in the basket, spray with cooking spray, and air fry on both sides until crispy.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Keep them in a single layer with space in between. I find this is the best way to guarantee crispy fish sticks. If there isn’t enough space, the heat won’t circulate, and you’ll be left with pockets of soggy breading.
- Adjust the cooking time. I made this recipe with fish strips about ½ inch wide and 3-4 inches long. If your strips are thicker, add 1-2 minutes to the air-frying time.
- Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F.
- Using frozen fish sticks? I do this all the time! Simply lay them in a single layer in the basket and air fry at 375°F for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Fish taco hack. You can use this very recipe in my air fryer fish tacos.
How to store leftovers
To store: Let the fish sticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To freeze: Store the leftover fish sticks in a freezer bag for 3-4 months. I like to separate the stacks between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Reheating: Place the fish sticks in a preheated air fryer and air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. If reheating from frozen, add 1-2 minutes of air frying.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
“Air fryer fish sticks are a simple way to enjoy a familiar comfort food with less oil and the same crisp texture. Using the air fryer keeps them light and satisfying, making them an easy, family-friendly option that still feels nourishing.” – Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fish I used salmon, but any firm white fish works
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- In one shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each fish strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, coating evenly. Press into the panko mixture to ensure a crispy coating.
- Arrange fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately.v
Notes
- Fish options: Salmon, tilapia, cod, and whiting are all fantastic options.
- Tips: See my recipe tips above for making the best fish sticks.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
More crispy air fryer seafood
If you love these fish sticks, here are some of my other air fryer dinners with maximum crunch.
- Air fryer coconut shrimp– Maximum crunch but minus the deep frying, this is a fun appetizer or high-protein dinner.
- Air fryer fish and chips– Yes, you can make a complete takeout fakeout meal in the air fryer. Like these fish sticks, most fish work.
- Air fryer tilapia– Crisp, tender, and perfectly flaky, this is one of my most popular air fryer dinners.
- Air fryer halibut– Light, crisp, and naturally buttery, this is the fish I cook for those who don’t like fishy flavors!
