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

Fish sticks are a popular meal, especially for children, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the fish sticks, and how crispy you like them. However, on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook fish sticks in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 12 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and that the outside of the fish sticks hit a hot surface immediately. This helps to create a crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer, first, ensure that the air fryer basket or tray has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent your food from sticking to the surface. Then, turn on your air fryer to a temperature of around 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes.

If you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, preheating is recommended. However, some air fryers may not require preheating, so it is always best to check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Once your air fryer has been preheated, carefully place your fish sticks in a single layer onto the hot tray or basket. It is important to not overcrowd the basket and to ensure there is space between each fish stick to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Don't defrost the fish sticks

There are several reasons why you should cook fish sticks from frozen in your air fryer. Firstly, it saves you time as you don't have to wait for them to defrost. Secondly, it helps you achieve the desired crispy texture without the need for oil or cooking spray.

To cook frozen fish sticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F (or 190°C and 200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping and that there is enough space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish sticks in batches.

Cook the fish sticks for 8 to 10 minutes at the same temperature, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the fish sticks, as well as the make and wattage of your air fryer. For thicker fish sticks, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flipping the fish sticks once during the cooking time will help ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, make sure to cook the fish sticks directly from the freezer, as allowing them to thaw before cooking can result in soggy fish sticks.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious fish sticks straight from your air fryer!

Cook in a single layer

To cook fish sticks in a single layer in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap and leaving enough space between them so they cook evenly. You can spray them lightly with oil for extra crispiness and colour.

Air fry the fish sticks for around 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping them halfway through. They are done when they are crispy and golden.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of fish sticks, the size and model of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness. Always check your food in the last 1-2 minutes to ensure it isn't overcooking.

Adjust cook time depending on your air fryer

When cooking fish sticks in an air fryer, the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model. For example, oven-style air fryers usually take longer to cook food than toaster oven-style air fryers. Therefore, it is important to refer to the user manual for specific instructions pertaining to your air fryer model.

Additionally, the cooking time may depend on the size and thickness of the fish sticks. Different brands offer varying sizes and thicknesses, so it is essential to adjust the timing accordingly. For instance, larger or beer-battered fish sticks may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Moreover, the desired crispiness of the fish sticks can influence the cooking time. If you prefer your fish sticks to be extra crispy, consider extending the cooking time by a few minutes. However, it is crucial not to overcook them, as this may lead to dryness or burning.

To ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness, it is recommended to place the fish sticks in a single layer with adequate spacing between them. This allows hot air to circulate effectively, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fish sticks.

In general, the cooking time for fish sticks in an air fryer typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes at a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). However, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the fish sticks during the final minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Serve immediately

Fish sticks are best served immediately, straight out of the air fryer. This is when they are at their crispiest, and you'll want to eat them before the crisp is gone!

You can serve them with a variety of dips and sides. Tartar sauce is a classic, and you can make your own at home. Ketchup is a favourite for kids, and you can also serve with a slice of lemon, potato salad, or honey mustard dressing.

For a simple version of fish and chips, serve with French fries. You can also cook these in the air fryer, and they go well with the fish sticks. A side salad, coleslaw, homemade soup, rice, or quinoa are all good options, too.

If you want to make a more substantial meal, you can serve the fish sticks in a bun with tartar sauce and cheese for a crispy fish stick burger.

There are lots of ways to serve these crispy, golden treats, and they are a quick and easy meal to prepare.

Frequently asked questions