Air-Fryer Fish Sticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Fish sticks are a popular dish, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer fish sticks are a quick and easy snack or dinner that can be made from scratch or store-bought. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish sticks, as they are cooked using hot air instead of oil.

To make fish sticks in an air fryer, you will need fish fillets, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The fish is cut into smaller pieces, dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then placed in the air fryer basket. The air fryer is preheated to a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fish sticks are cooked for around 10 minutes, depending on the desired crispness.

Air fryer fish sticks can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or ketchup. They can also be served as a sandwich or burger with a side of fries, salad, or roasted vegetables.

How to make fish sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (any type of fish works except for lean fish such as tuna and swordfish)
• Breadcrumbs (dry and toasted for extra crispiness)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, fresh dill)

Optional Ingredients for Serving

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Ketchup
• French fries
• Salad
• Buns for fish sandwiches

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the fish fillets by patting them dry with paper towels, then cutting them into strips that are about 1/2-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long.
• Set up a dredging station by placing flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes. You can season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice.
• Coat each fish stick first in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup.
• Place the coated fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the fish sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired crispness and the model of your air fryer.
• Serve the fish sticks with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or ketchup, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips:

• If using frozen fish sticks, there is no need to defrost them before air frying. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For extra crispiness, spray the fish sticks with oil before air frying.
• To ensure even cooking, make sure the fish sticks are not overlapping in the air fryer basket and leave enough space between them for air to circulate.

The best type of fish to use

When it comes to choosing the best type of fish for your air fryer fish sticks, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to opt for a white fish, as these tend to have a milder flavour and a flakier texture. Skinless fillets are also preferable, as the skin may not crisp up as nicely in the air fryer.

Some popular choices for fish sticks include cod, haddock, halibut, pollock, catfish, basa, hake, and ling. These fish have a firm texture that holds up well during cooking and they are not too lean, which helps to prevent them from drying out. Lean fish like tuna and swordfish are generally not recommended as they can become dry and less juicy.

If you're looking for a fish with a more distinct flavour, you could try using salmon. Salmon has a richer taste and is a good source of healthy fats, but keep in mind that it will give your fish sticks a very different flavour profile from the traditional white fish variety.

For the best results, choose a fish that is fresh, meaty, and cut into strips that are about 1/2-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. You can also use frozen fish, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.

How to make tartar sauce

Yes, you can make fish sticks in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to get crispy fish sticks without deep frying. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Frozen fish sticks (any brand or variety)
• Oil spray (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Tartar sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer (optional, depending on the model).
• Place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the fish sticks with oil (if desired) for extra crispiness.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.

Now, let's get into how to make tartar sauce from scratch. It's a simple process that will elevate your fish sticks or any other seafood dish.

Tartar Sauce Recipe:

Making tartar sauce is incredibly easy, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. All you need to do is combine the ingredients and stir! Here's a detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, light, or plain yogurt)
• 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (or 3 tablespoons for a smaller batch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill (or use parsley)
• 1 teaspoon capers, chopped (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice, or more to taste
• 1/2-1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers, dill, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and pepper.
• Stir the ingredients until they are well blended and the sauce becomes creamy.
• Season with a pinch of salt and additional pepper, lemon juice, or pickles to taste.
• For the best flavor, cover and chill the tartar sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Your tartar sauce will last about a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It's the perfect companion for your air-fried fish sticks, crab cakes, roasted vegetables, and more!

What to serve with fish sticks

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your fish sticks and create a delicious meal:

Classic Sides

For a traditional take on fish sticks, serve them with French fries and coleslaw. This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser and offers a balance of crispy and creamy textures. If you're looking for convenience, go for frozen crinkle-cut fries, which have a fun cafeteria feel and pair perfectly with the tartar sauce typically served with fish sticks.

Healthy Alternatives

If you're looking for healthier options, consider air-fried sweet potato fries. They offer a great balance of flavour and nutrition, and their natural sweetness pairs well with the savoury fish. For an even healthier option, go for roasted Greek potatoes, which are packed with flavour and fibre, leaving you satisfied without feeling bloated.

Comfort Food

For a comforting, indulgent meal, serve your fish sticks with creamy buttered mashed potatoes. The crispy fish sticks and smooth, buttery mash create a delightful contrast in textures. This combination is sure to satisfy your soul and your taste buds!

Salads and Vegetables

Fish sticks can be served with a variety of salads and vegetables to balance out the meal. Try a Mediterranean couscous salad with crunchy vegetables, salty olives, and creamy feta cheese. Or, for a keto-friendly option, go for cheesy cauliflower rice with roasted sugar snap peas. If you're short on time, steam some broccoli florets in the microwave and sprinkle with lemon and parmesan cheese for a quick, tasty side.

Sandwiches and Tortillas

For a fun twist, serve your fish sticks as sandwiches or tacos. Hamburger or hot dog buns can be used to create "fish sandwiches," especially when paired with tartar sauce or a creamy Cajun sauce. Alternatively, wrap your fish sticks in hot tortillas for a Tex-Mex-inspired fish taco, complete with a chipotle lime crema.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget the dipping sauces! Tartar sauce is a classic choice, and you can make your own at home for a more gourmet experience. Cocktail sauce, ketchup, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also pair well with fish sticks.

With these ideas, you can create a well-rounded and tasty meal centred around fish sticks. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourites!

How to store and reheat fish sticks

To store fish sticks, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

To reheat fish sticks in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 380°F. Then, place the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the fish sticks are crispy and heated through before serving.

Alternatively, you can reheat fish sticks in the oven. Place the fish sticks on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions