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

Making fish sticks in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying or baking. The air fryer yields the same golden crisp as deep-frying without the mess and strong aroma. It also takes less time than baking, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

White fish, particularly sturdy ones, are ideal for fish sticks. They hold together well during the cooking process and become light and flaky when fried or baked. Some popular options include:

• Cod: Cod is often the first choice for fish sticks and is known for its sturdy yet flaky texture.
• Haddock: Haddock is a good alternative to cod, offering a similar flaky texture and mild flavour.
• Pollock: Pollock is a common choice for fish sticks due to its firmness and affordability.
• Halibut: Halibut is a delicate, flaky fish that can work well for fish sticks.
• Catfish: Catfish is a unique option that can provide a different flavour profile for your fish sticks.

Factors to Avoid

When making fish sticks from scratch, it's best to avoid certain types of fish:

• Swordfish: Swordfish tends to be too meaty and dense for fish sticks. It's also high in mercury, which poses potential health risks.
• Tuna: Tuna, especially the firmer varieties, is generally expensive and better suited for searing as steaks. Canned tuna doesn't hold together well and requires a lot of filler.
• Mackerel: Mackerel has a strong, oily flavour that may be overpowering for fish sticks.

Fresh vs. Frozen

When choosing fish for your fish sticks, don't worry about it being fresh—frozen fish is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using and avoid putting a half-frozen block of fish directly into the fryer.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, select your fish. The best fish for fish sticks is a firm, white fish, such as cod, sea bass, catfish, pollock, halibut, haddock, hake, tilapia or basa. It is important to note that lean fish like tuna and swordfish are not suitable as they tend to dry out. If you are using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Once you have selected and prepared your fish, it is important to remove any excess moisture. Use paper towels to gently pat the fillets dry, and then season with salt and pepper. This process will help to create a firmer fish stick with a crispier texture.

Next, cut the fish fillets into strips. The size of the strips may vary depending on your preference, but aim for a width of around 1/2-inch to 1 inch, and a length of 3 to 4 inches. This size will ensure the fish cooks evenly and creates a good fish stick shape.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You will need three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like—garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or fresh dill are all excellent choices. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, and the third bowl should be filled with dried breadcrumbs. For extra crispy fish sticks, use toasted panko breadcrumbs.

With your dredging station ready, it's time to coat the fish. First, dredge the fish sticks in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg, ensuring the flour is fully coated. Finally, coat the fish sticks with the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all your fish sticks are thoroughly coated.

Once your fish sticks are prepared, place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the fish sticks lightly with oil for extra crispness and colour.

Now, you are ready to cook your fish sticks! Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the fish sticks halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy fish sticks prepared in your air fryer. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of homemade tartar sauce, or dip them in ketchup, mayo, or mustard. Enjoy!

Breading the fish

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by gently patting the fish fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it ensures that the breading will adhere better to the fish. Then, cut the fillets into strips measuring about 1/2-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. You can also cut them into 1x3-inch sticks. Set the fish aside while you prepare the dredging station.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

For the dredging station, you'll need three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can season the flour with salt and pepper, as well as other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. The flour coating helps the egg wash adhere better to the fish. In the second bowl, beat one or two eggs. You can also add some Dijon mustard and lemon juice to the egg wash for extra flavour. The third bowl should contain the breadcrumbs. Go for seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a bigger crunch, or use regular fine breadcrumbs. You can also toast the breadcrumbs in the oven beforehand for extra crispiness. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Step 3: Dredge the Fish

Now it's time to coat the fish! Take each fish stick and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, coat the fish stick with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for each fish stick, placing the breaded fish on a separate plate or tray.

Step 4: Double-Coat for Extra Crispness (Optional)

For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can double-coat the fish sticks. Simply repeat the dredging process, dipping the breaded fish back into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs for a second time. This will give your fish sticks an extra crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Once all your fish sticks are breaded, it's time to place them into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Give the basket a light spray with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Now your fish sticks are ready for the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided in the previous response to cook them to crispy perfection. Enjoy!

Cooking the fish

Now that you have your fish sticks prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step may be optional, depending on your air fryer model, so check your manual for specific instructions.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the fish sticks from sticking to the surface.
• Arrange the fish sticks: Place the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. It's important to leave enough space between them to allow for even cooking.
• Add oil or cooking spray: You can lightly spray the fish sticks with oil for extra crispiness and colour. However, be sure to use pure oil spray and avoid cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage your air fryer.
• Cooking time: Cook the fish sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 9-10 minutes. For thicker fish sticks or fish fillets, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the fish sticks to ensure even cooking.
• Rotate racks (if applicable): If your air fryer has racks, remember to rotate them halfway through the cooking process.
• Check for doneness: The fish sticks are done when they are golden and crispy. For food safety, the internal temperature of the fish sticks should reach 165°F.
• Serve: Remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or ketchup.

Tips for Success:

• To avoid sogginess, it's crucial to preheat your air fryer and ensure that the fish sticks are not overlapping in the basket.
• For optimal crispness, use pure oil spray instead of cooking spray, and apply it to both the air fryer basket and the fish sticks.
• If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm by placing it in an oven set to a low temperature, or simply cook in smaller batches to ensure the fish sticks are served warm and crispy.

Sauces and dips

Fish sticks are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces and dips. While tartar sauce and ketchup are the traditional choices, there are several other options to elevate your fish sticks and take them to the next level.

Tartar Sauce

The classic choice for fish sticks, tartar sauce, is a creamy and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the crispy fish. You can easily make your own by mixing mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice, stone-ground mustard, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Cocktail Sauce

If you're looking for a spicy kick, cocktail sauce is an excellent choice. It's traditionally served with shrimp, but it also works wonderfully with fish sticks. Look for a brand with excellent spice and texture, like the St. Elmo Steak House World Famous Shrimp Cocktail Sauce.

Sweet Chili Sauce

For a sweet and tangy option, sweet chili sauce is a great choice. It's traditionally used for spring rolls, but don't let that stop you from trying it with fish sticks. The sweetness will balance out the savory notes of the fish, creating an intriguing flavor combination.

Buffalo Sauce

For something a little different, try dipping your fish sticks in buffalo sauce. The mild flavor of the fish will be a perfect canvas for the bold, buttery, and vinegary notes of a good buffalo sauce. Serve it with a side of ranch dressing, and you'll feel like you're dining in a chain restaurant!

Mayonnaise-Based Sauces

Mayonnaise-based sauces, such as aioli or a simple mix of mayonnaise and ketchup, are also excellent choices for fish sticks. Garlic Sriracha aioli, in particular, makes a great dipping sauce for fish sticks, adding a creamy and spicy kick.

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is another sauce that can add a nice tang to your fish sticks. It's a classic choice for a reason—the combination of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice is a perfect complement to the crispy fish.

Spicy Options

If you like your food with a kick, there are plenty of spicy sauce options to try. For a simple solution, add some sriracha hot sauce to your ketchup or mayonnaise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a jalapeno tartar sauce for an extra spicy kick to your fish sticks.

So, the next time you make fish sticks in your air fryer, don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and dips. From classic choices like tartar sauce and ketchup to more adventurous options like buffalo sauce and sweet chili sauce, there's a whole world of flavors to explore and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions