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

Fish sticks are a classic comfort food that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and cleanup. The air fryer gives fish sticks a crunchy coating, and you need zero oil to cook them. They are a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner and are loved by both kids and adults. The cooking time for fish sticks in an air fryer depends on the size and power of the air fryer, but most fish sticks will be crispy and golden brown in anywhere from 6 to 10 minutes. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook fish sticks in an air fryer, as well as tips for achieving the perfect crunch.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and quickly. Most air fryers need to be preheated, but it's always a good idea to check your manual for specific instructions.

To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F/200°C or 375°F, depending on the model and your personal preference. Then, simply let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. This will give your air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature, ensuring your fish sticks cook evenly and efficiently.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to note that not all air fryers are the same. Some may take longer to preheat than others, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, if you're using an oven-style air fryer, keep in mind that these usually take a bit longer to preheat and cook.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next step of placing your fish sticks in the basket and cooking them. Remember to arrange them in a single layer, leaving enough space between each stick to allow for even cooking and that desirable crispiness we all love!

Oil the air fryer basket

To oil the air fryer basket, you can use a brush to apply oil to the basket or spritz it with oil if you have a pump spray bottle. You can also spritz the tops of the fish sticks with oil lightly. However, it is important to note that most frozen fish sticks come pre-cooked and fried in oil, so you may not need to add any extra oil during the cooking process.

If you choose to add oil to the air fryer basket, be sure to use a pure oil spray, as cooking sprays like PAM can damage your air fryer. Additionally, if you want to achieve an even crispier texture, you can spray the fish sticks themselves with a light coating of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help ensure a super crispy result.

It is also important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the fish sticks. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the user manual for specific instructions and guidelines for your particular air fryer model.

When cooking fish sticks in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook them in a single layer with enough space between them to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and promote even browning and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the fish sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you can achieve perfectly crispy fish sticks that are cooked safely and evenly.

Arrange the fish sticks

To arrange the fish sticks, start by preparing your air fryer basket. You can do this by brushing oil on the basket or spritzing it with oil if you have a pump spray bottle. Then, place the fish sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch and have enough space between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. If your basket is not big enough, you may need to cook in batches.

When placing the fish sticks in the basket, it is important to not overcrowd them. This will ensure that the air can circulate properly and that the fish sticks cook evenly. It is also important to note that the fish sticks should not be stacked. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook in two batches to ensure proper spacing.

Additionally, if you are making homemade fish sticks, you will need to coat the fish in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat them in breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer basket. This will help create a crispy coating. You can also spray the fish sticks with a light coating of oil before placing them in the air fryer for extra crispiness.

Finally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before placing the fish sticks inside. This will help ensure even and faster cooking. By following these steps, you will achieve the best results for crispy and delicious fish sticks.

Air fry the fish sticks

Air-frying fish sticks is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy coating without the need for deep-frying in oil. You can use fresh or frozen fish, and it's a great way to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

First, prepare your fish sticks. Cut the fish fillets into strips about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Then, coat the fish in flour, dip it into beaten eggs, and finally, coat with breadcrumbs. You can spray the coated fish sticks with a little oil at this point for an even crispier finish.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the fish sticks into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each one so that the hot air can circulate. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now you're ready to air-fry the fish sticks! Cook at 375–400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fish sticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve your fish sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or mayonnaise. Enjoy!

Flip the fish sticks

Flipping your fish sticks is an important step in the cooking process. While it is not essential, as the fish sticks will still cook without flipping them, it is recommended to ensure even cooking and colouring. Flipping the fish sticks will also help to make them crispier.

The best time to flip your fish sticks is after the first few minutes of cooking. The exact time will depend on the recipe you are following and your desired level of crispiness. For example, if you are cooking your fish sticks at 400°F/200°C, you should flip them after the initial 3 minutes of cooking and then continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes. Similarly, if you are cooking your fish sticks at 375°F, you should flip them after 3 minutes and then cook for another 3-4 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of fish stick you are using and the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the instructions on the fish stick packaging and your air fryer manual before cooking. Additionally, if you are using a homemade fish stick recipe, the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted accordingly.

When flipping your fish sticks, it is recommended to use a separate utensil, such as a fork or tongs, to avoid cross-contamination. This will help ensure that the fish sticks remain safe to eat and prevent any bacteria from spreading.

After flipping your fish sticks, continue to cook them until they reach the desired level of crispiness. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the fish sticks in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Once they are done, you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

Frequently asked questions