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

Fish sticks are a classic comfort food that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-frying. Air-fried fish sticks have the same golden crisp as deep-fried ones without the oil and lingering aroma. They are also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces, making them a great option for busy weeknights or when feeding picky eaters. With an air fryer, you can cook frozen fish sticks straight from the freezer or make them from scratch with fresh, meaty fish.

How to get the perfect golden brown colour

Achieving the perfect golden brown colour on your fish sticks requires a few key steps. Firstly, ensure your fish sticks are evenly spaced in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the fish sticks from getting that desired golden colour.

Secondly, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving the perfect colour and texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding the fish sticks. This ensures even and faster cooking, helping you get that beautiful golden brown colour.

Another important factor is flipping the fish sticks halfway through the cooking process. This ensures both sides of the fish sticks get equal exposure to the hot air, resulting in an even colour and crispness. Depending on the thickness of your fish sticks, you can cook them for 8 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.

To enhance the colour and crispness even further, you can spray the fish sticks with a light coat of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This adds a bit of fat to the exterior, helping to fry the crust and giving your fish sticks that perfect golden brown colour.

Lastly, while the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your fish sticks, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed. Every air fryer is unique, and some cook at different temperatures. By following these tips and adjusting as you learn what works best for your air fryer, you'll be able to achieve that mouth-watering golden brown colour we all love on our fish sticks!

The best fish to use for fish sticks

When it comes to choosing the best fish for fish sticks, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to select a fish that is sturdy enough to hold together during the cooking process. Secondly, you'll want a fish that will give you that light and flaky texture inside when fried or baked. Lastly, personal preferences for taste and texture also matter.

In general, meaty and firm white fish are the preferred choice for fish sticks. This includes fish like cod, pollock, haddock, halibut, and catfish. These fish tend to have a mild flavour and hold together well during cooking, resulting in a flaky texture that is desirable in fish sticks. Cod, in particular, is known for its versatility and mild flavour, making it a popular choice for fish sticks.

While you can use other types of fish, such as salmon, wahoo, or even pink fish like catfish, they may not yield the same classic fish stick flavour and texture. Some fish, like swordfish, should be avoided due to their high mercury content and dense texture. Tuna is also not ideal because certain kinds are high in mercury, and canned tuna may not hold together well without fillers.

When making fish sticks at home, it is best to use skinless, firm white fish fillets. You can cut these into strips or sticks and coat them with a breading of your choice before air frying or baking. This way, you can ensure the ingredients' quality and customize the flavour and texture to your liking.

How to prevent fish sticks from sticking to the basket

To prevent fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use parchment paper or grease the basket with oil. If you choose to use parchment paper, ensure that it is air fryer-safe and has holes for the warm air to pass through. This will ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Another option is to grease the basket with oil. You can do this by spraying or rubbing vegetable oil on the lower racks. It is recommended to use a bottle of good-quality oil instead of an oil spray, as the chemicals in spray cans can leave a residue that will build up and cover the non-stick surface.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finally, preheating the air fryer can also help prevent sticking. Most brands of air fryers recommend preheating to ensure even cooking.

How to make tartar sauce

To make tartar sauce, you will need mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, capers, Dijon mustard, chopped shallots or scallions, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chopped onion, but this is optional.

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well. Season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

The tartar sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. It is the perfect dipping sauce for your air-fried fish sticks!

Cooking the Fish Sticks

To cook fish sticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/205°C for 5 minutes. Place the frozen breaded fish sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded or stacked on top of each other.

Cook the fish sticks for 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy. You do not need to add any oil.

Serve the fish sticks hot with the tartar sauce, and enjoy!

How to reheat fish sticks

Reheating fish sticks in an air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, ensure your fish sticks are not frozen, as you should cook frozen fish sticks for a longer period of time. If you are using frozen fish sticks, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400˚F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, take your fish sticks out of the fridge and leave them to reach room temperature. This will ensure that they heat up more evenly and efficiently.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded or overlapping. Spray the fish sticks with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. This will help to crisp up the exterior of the fish sticks.

Now, you are ready to reheat the fish sticks. Air fry at 350˚F to 400˚F for 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the power of your air fryer and the thickness of the fish sticks. Flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and extra crispiness.

Your fish sticks are ready when they are heated through and have reached an internal temperature of 165˚F. Serve them hot to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions