Air-Fryer Fish Sticks: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be cooked in various ways, but have you ever tried making them in an air fryer? Air fryers are a convenient way to make fish sticks crispy and tasty without using lots of oil, making them healthier than the fried version. The hot circulating air in an air fryer makes the fish sticks crispy without needing to be oiled. This method is also quicker than using an oven, taking less than 15 minutes to cook.

How to make fish sticks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook fish sticks in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to make fish sticks in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Frozen fish sticks (any brand or type of fish, such as cod or haddock, will work)
• Oil spray (optional)
• Lemon wedges and/or tartar sauce, to serve

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer. This step is optional and depends on your air fryer model. If you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, it is recommended to preheat it.

Next, place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Ensure there is enough space between them for the air to circulate, so they cook evenly. You may need to cook the fish sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

If desired, spray the fish sticks with a pure oil spray (avoid cooking sprays as these can damage your air fryer).

Air fry the fish sticks at 400 degrees F for 9-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when they are crispy and golden.

Serve the fish sticks with lemon wedges and/or tartar sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, use pure oil spray before air frying.
• Rotate the racks if your air fryer has them.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. Oven-style air fryers usually take longer.
• The internal temperature of the fish sticks should reach 165F.
• You can reheat fish sticks in the air fryer. Air fry for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees F until crunchy and warmed through.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious air-fried fish sticks!

Tips for the best air fryer fish sticks

Air fryer fish sticks are a quick and easy meal to make, and they taste delicious! Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step may be optional, depending on your air fryer, but it is a good idea to do so to ensure your fish sticks cook evenly.

Prepare the Fish Sticks

Place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring they do not overlap and that there is enough space between them. This is important to allow the hot air to circulate and cook the fish sticks evenly.

Cooking Time and Temperature

For "regular" frozen fish sticks, air fry at 400 degrees F for 9-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the fish sticks, so adjust accordingly. If you are making homemade fish sticks or larger, beer-battered fish sticks, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Extra Crispiness

For extra crispiness, spray the fish sticks with a pure oil spray before air frying. Do not use cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage your air fryer.

Rotate and Flip

If your air fryer has racks, make sure to rotate them halfway through the cooking time. It is also recommended to flip the fish sticks after half the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Clean-up

Use a silicone liner, parchment round, or aluminum foil in your air fryer for easy clean-up after cooking your fish sticks.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer fish sticks go well with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. For a side dish, try air fryer French fries, sweet potato fries, green beans, tater tots, or Parmesan broccoli.

Reheating fish sticks in the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an optional step, and it depends on your air fryer. If you use a toaster oven-style air fryer, it is recommended to preheat it.

Next, place your leftover fish sticks inside the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping or touching. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the fish sticks evenly.

Spraying the fish sticks with a thin layer of oil is optional but will make them extra crispy. However, avoid using cooking sprays as these can damage your air fryer.

Air fry the fish sticks for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the fish sticks. Check on them frequently during the cooking process.

Once they are crunchy and warmed through, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!

You can serve reheated fish sticks with a variety of dips and sides, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, lemon wedges, or French fries for a perfect fish and chips dinner.

The best brand of fish sticks for the air fryer

Fish sticks are a perfect snack to cook in an air fryer. They are cooked to perfection in less than 15 minutes, with a crispy exterior and a flaky fish interior. The best part is that you can use any brand of frozen fish sticks, such as cod or haddock, and they will turn out delicious.

• Trident Seafoods The Ultimate Fish Stick – These fish sticks were voted the best in terms of crispiness and texture of the breading, as well as the freshness and flakiness of the fish.
• Van De Kamp's Fish Sticks – These are smaller than your average fish stick, so they will cook faster and are a great option if you are short on time.
• Gorton's Fish Sticks – These are a close second to Trident Seafoods and are especially good if you are looking for beer-battered fish sticks.
• Trader Joe's Brand Fish Sticks – A great option if you shop at Trader Joe's and want to stick to one store.

When cooking your fish sticks, remember to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for even cooking. You can also spray them with a pure oil spray (avoid cooking sprays like PAM) for extra crispiness. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to preheat it before adding the fish sticks.

What to serve with air fryer fish sticks

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer fish sticks:

For the grown-ups:

• Tartar sauce: This is a classic choice for fish sticks and can be made at home or bought from the store. Tartar sauce is a perfect combination of creamy and tangy, making it a delicious dip for your crispy fish sticks.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a burst of freshness to your fish sticks. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of your meal.
• Potato salad: Potato salad is an excellent side dish to accompany fish sticks. It adds a creamy texture and a hearty flavor to your meal.
• German cucumber salad: If you're looking for something light and refreshing, a German cucumber salad is a great choice. It's a crisp and tangy side dish that pairs well with the fish.
• Air fryer French fries: For a classic combination, serve your fish sticks with a side of crispy French fries. It's a match made in culinary heaven!
• Air fryer potato wedges: If you're looking for a heartier option, potato wedges are a great choice. They're perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.

For the little ones:

• Ketchup: For the kids, ketchup is a classic choice. It's sweet, tangy, and sure to be a hit with the younger crowd.
• Honey mustard dip: This sweet and tangy dip is a fun alternative to traditional condiments. It's perfect for dipping and will add a unique flavor to the fish sticks.

For everyone:

• Twice-baked potatoes: This side dish is a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. It's a comforting and hearty addition to your meal.
• Chili crunch or chili oil: For those who like it spicy, chili crunch or chili oil adds a kick to your fish sticks. It's a great way to elevate the flavor and add some heat.
• Spicy fruit chutney: Fruit chutney is an unexpected yet delicious pairing with fish sticks. The sweetness of the fruit and the spiciness of the chutney create a unique flavor combination.

Frequently asked questions