Deep-Frying Fish Sticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and air frying. While each method has its own unique set of steps and techniques, one popular question that often arises is whether fish sticks can be cooked in a deep fryer. Deep frying is a cooking technique that involves submerging food in hot oil, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. It is a common method for preparing fish, as it imparts a distinctive texture and flavor. So, can you cook fish sticks in a deep fryer?

Oven-baking fish sticks

Yes, you can cook fish sticks in a deep fryer. However, here are some detailed instructions on how to oven-bake fish sticks:

Preparation

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminium foil and spray the foil with non-stick spray. Place a metal rack on top of the baking sheet and set aside.

Next, cut your fish fillets into evenly sized sticks. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a consistent texture. Place three shallow bowls on your countertop to create a dredging station. In the first bowl, whisk together flour and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and dijon mustard. In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. You can toss the breadcrumbs in olive oil before baking, or spray them with cooking spray for a lighter version.

Seasoning

You can season the fish sticks with salt and pepper, or lemon pepper seasoning. Alternatively, you can add dried herbs such as thyme, basil, or dill to the breadcrumbs for an herb crust. If you like it spicy, add cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the flour mixture.

Coating

Take each fish stick and dip it in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Pat the fish stick gently to ensure the coating adheres. Place the coated fish sticks on the prepared rack, leaving space between them to allow for proper air circulation, which helps them crisp up evenly.

Baking

Spritz the fish sticks with olive oil or butter-flavoured cooking spray. Bake for 6 minutes, then turn the fish sticks over and spritz with oil or cooking spray again. Bake for another 6-10 minutes, or until the fish begins to flake easily with a fork.

Serving

Transfer the cooked fish sticks to a serving tray and serve immediately with tartar sauce, lemon slices, or your favourite sauce. Enjoy!

Storage

You can store leftover fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Air-frying fish sticks

Yes, you can cook fish sticks in a deep fryer. However, this method will require a lot of oil. If you want to avoid using too much oil, an air fryer is a great alternative.

To air-fry fish sticks, first preheat your air fryer if needed (some models may require this). Place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You can spritz or spray them with oil for extra crispiness, but this is optional.

Air-fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes, depending on the desired crispness. For even browning, turn the fish sticks over at the six-minute mark. If your air fryer has racks, make sure to rotate them as well.

The fish sticks are done when they are golden and crispy, and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking in batches, the fish sticks will be done sooner, around the 7-8 minute mark.

Leftover fish sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply put them back in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-5 minutes until crispy and warmed through.

Deep-frying fish sticks

Deep-frying is a great way to cook fish sticks, whether you're using a deep-fat fryer or a deep pan. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy and delicious fish sticks:

Preparation:

First, prepare your fish sticks. You can use store-bought frozen fish sticks, or you can make your own. To make your own, start with slightly frozen fish that's easy to chop into small pieces. Mix your seasonings and sauces with the fish, then shape the mixture into "fingers" about 1.5 ounces each. Place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to cool.

Battering:

Now it's time to create a delicious coating. In one shallow dish, combine flour, and in another shallow dish, combine egg with a bit of water or milk. This wet mixture will help the coating stick to the fish. For the dry mixture, use cornmeal, fine dry breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for an extra crunchy coating. Dip each fish stick first into the flour, shaking off any excess, and then into the egg mixture. Finally, coat each stick generously with the dry mixture.

Deep-Frying:

For deep-frying, you'll need a heavy saucepan or a deep-fat fryer. Fill the pan or fryer with 2 inches of vegetable oil and attach a deep-frying thermometer. Heat the oil to 350-375° F. You can also preheat your oven to 300°F to keep the cooked fish sticks warm while you fry the remaining batches.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the battered fish sticks into the oil in small batches of 2-3 pieces. Fry for about 2-4 minutes per batch, until the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels, flipping them to absorb excess oil on both sides.

Serving:

Deep-fried fish sticks are best served hot and crispy. You can sprinkle them with coarse salt or pepper, or serve them with tartar sauce or malt vinegar for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, golden-brown fish sticks!

Preparing the fish mixture

Yes, you can cook fish sticks in a deep fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing the fish mixture for this purpose:

Firstly, prepare your breading station. Set out three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place some plain flour. In the second, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. You can also add lemon juice to this mixture to help tenderize the fish and enhance its flavour. For the third dish, combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or celery seed for an extra kick.

Next, prepare your fish fillets. Cut the fish into strips, around 3/4" wide. You can use a firm and meaty white fish like cod or halibut, or opt for salmon for an extra boost of Omega-3. Season the fish pieces on both sides with salt and pepper, or a mixture of dried oregano, black pepper, and paprika.

Now you are ready to coat the fish. Take a strip of fish and dip it first in the flour, making sure both sides are coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Pat the fish stick to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process until all your fish sticks are coated.

Arrange the coated fish sticks on an oiled baking sheet. You can use olive oil or cooking spray for this. Be sure to space out the fish sticks so they are not touching, as this will ensure they get nice and crispy. With a brush, lightly dab the tops of the fish sticks with extra virgin olive oil, taking care not to brush off the coating.

Your fish mixture is now ready to be cooked in your deep fryer. Heat enough vegetable or canola oil in your deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches, to a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When the oil is hot, carefully add the fish sticks in batches so they are not crowded in the fryer. Fry for a total of 6-8 minutes, flipping the fish sticks over halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish sticks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Serve your fish sticks with a garnish of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or the main course. They pair well with a variety of sauces and sides, making them a great option for a quick and easy meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your fish sticks:

Sauces

Tartar sauce, ketchup, and mayonnaise are classic choices that complement the flavour of fish sticks without overwhelming them. For those who like a bit of spice, a spicy mayonnaise or sweet chilli sauce can add a nice kick. You can also offer a variety of mayonnaise-based dips or your favourite salad dressing for a more unique flavour profile.

Sides

Fish sticks go well with traditional side dishes such as fries, coleslaw, and a fresh salad. Steamed vegetables or rice are also great options to round out the meal and add some extra nutrients. If you're serving them as an appetizer, consider providing a variety of dips and sauces for your guests to enjoy.

Presentation

When it comes to presentation, you can simply serve the fish sticks on a plate with the chosen sauces and sides. However, for a more elegant touch, try arranging them on a bed of lettuce or arugula, adding a slice of lemon or two for a pop of colour and extra flavour. You can also get creative with your plating by shaping the sauces or adding a garnish, such as chopped parsley or chives.

Cooking Method

The cooking method you choose can also impact the serving suggestions. For example, if you're deep-frying the fish sticks, you might want to serve them with a side of fries for a classic, indulgent combination. On the other hand, if you're air-frying or baking the fish sticks, you might want to offer a lighter option like a salad or steamed vegetables. Ultimately, the choice of sauce, sides, and presentation will depend on your personal preference and the occasion.

Frequently asked questions