Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Once you’ve crafted homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks, you won’t look back on deep frying! They pair perfectly with a side of homemade tartar sauce or classic ketchup. “Indulge guilt-free with our Air Fryer Fish Sticks!” Delight your taste buds with a crispy, golden exterior and succulent, perfectly cooked fish inside. Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures a healthy, hassle-free meal that satisfies cravings. Elevate your dining experience with these deliciously crispy, air-fried fish sticks—your guilt-free guilty pleasure!”

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At the end of this post is a recipe card and a disclosure of Amazon affiliate links.

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My Air Fryer is a culinary game-changer, becoming my go-to every few days. It effortlessly crafts delicious dinners like Air fryer Potato Cakes, Air Fryer Frozen French Fries, and Air Fryer Naan Pizza. Surprisingly versatile, it masters a whole chicken flawlessly. Not just for meats, it excels at veggies too—Air Fryer Eggplant, Air Fryer Onion Petals, and desserts like Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies are Air Fryer staples!

The Air Fryer is my potato and fish-cooking hero—it imparts an incredible taste! The juicy, flaky perfection of Air Fryer Salmon & Veggies is a testament. Among my blog’s favorites, the Cheesy hash browns recipe shines. Now, I’m excited to share my beloved Air Fryer fish sticks recipe; it’s sure to win your heart too!

About Fish Sticks In Air Fryer

Air frying fish sticks are a top favorite of mine! Crafting them from scratch is a breeze and yields a far superior flavor compared to store-bought options. I cut fresh fish into bite-sized pieces, then dip them in a unique blend of coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chili, flour, egg, and dried breadcrumbs, creating a mouthwatering, perfectly crispy coating.

How To Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Creating Air Fryer fish sticks offers two fantastic methods. The first, as demonstrated in this recipe, involves a thick breading with flour, a unique blend of coriander leaf paste, eggs, and breadcrumbs, ensuring extra crispiness.

Alternatively, for a simpler approach, coat the fish with oil and seasoned breadcrumbs. Both methods yield golden, crispy perfection that your family will eagerly enjoy. Let’s dive into my method for achieving that irresistible, super-crispy texture and golden color!

The Ingredients

For Marination:
500 gms – Basa/Bhekti Fish cut in sticks
Black Pepper Powder
Salt to taste
2 Tbsp – Lemon juice

For Green Paste:
250 gms – Coriander Leaves
1 medium – Onion cut into cubes
4 to 5 – Green chili
2 inch – Ginger
6 to 7 – Garlic cloves
1 tbsp – Cooking Oil
1 tsp – Sugar
Salt to taste

For Breading:
Panko or plain Bread crumbs for coating

For Egg Wash:
2 – Eggs
1/2 tsp – Salt
1/2 tsp – Black pepper powder

For Fish Marination Paste:
3 tbsp – All-purpose flour
1 – Egg

For Frying:
Oil for air frying

• Fish: For this recipe, almost any fish is suitable, excluding lean varieties like tuna and swordfish that may dry out. While I opted for cod, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of options, such as barramundi, catfish, pollock, basa, halibut, haddock, hake, ling, or any whitefish of your preference.
• Breadcrumbs: Opt for dry breadcrumbs to achieve the pinnacle of crispy, golden finger sticks—optimal results come from using toasted breadcrumbs. Create your own by processing stale bread in a food processor until coarsely ground. Toast the crumbs on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 280°F (140°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Flour: I rely on all-purpose flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices.
• Veggies: I have prepared a special, unique blend of coriander leaves, onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. This paste takes the fish sticks to another great, delicious level. Though this step is optional.
• Eggs: Required for egg wash.

Find a comprehensive list of ingredients and their quantities in the recipe card provided below.

Check Out Air Fryer Fish Sticks Video:

How To Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks

1. Wash barramundi, bhetki, or basa, whatever you like or is available, nicely, and keep it in a bowl or plate.
2. For marination: Now marinate the fish with salt to taste, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Marinate both sides.
   
3. Now keep it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
4. For coriander paste: Take onion cubes, ginger, garlic cloves, green chili, salt to taste, sugar, and cooking oil into a grinder.
5. Grind into a very smooth paste. Take it out in a bowl.
6. Now, in that bowl, add one beaten egg and 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
7. Now mix it nicely and make a smooth paste.
8. Now take out the marinated fish again; we will marinate with the coriander paste we made.
9. Marinate both sides nicely.
10. Now we will keep this marinated fish in the fridge for an hour.
11. Now beat two eggs for egg wash. Add a little salt and pepper to the egg wash.
12. In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place bread crumbs in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and a mixture of coriander paste, which is optional, but if you make it, it will take the dish to another level of yumminess.
13. Dip the marinated fish into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating.
14. Take out and roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to adhere.
15. Repeat the process one more time and ensure it is evenly coated with bread crumbs on all sides.
16. Give the fish sticks a nice rectangle shape.
17. Prepare all the fish sticks like this.
18. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
19. Lightly spray the air fryer basket or air fryer tray with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of olive oil. Place parchment paper if you like.
20. Place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
21. Brush or spray cooking oil on fish sticks. Cook the fish sticks in the air fryer for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
22. Once the fish sticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.

    

23. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

    

Expert tips for success

• For optimal outcomes, arrange the fish sticks in a single layer with sufficient spacing in the basket, allowing air to circulate effectively. Ensuring they do not overlap is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect crispiness. Avoid simply tossing them into the basket.
• To enhance crispiness, apply a coat of pure oil spray to the fish sticks before air-frying. However, refrain from using cooking sprays like PAM, as they may cause damage to your air fryer.
• I suggest flipping the fish sticks halfway through the cooking duration. If your air fryer is equipped with racks, be sure to also rotate them for even cooking.
• The suggested timing in this recipe applies to standard fish sticks or fish fingers. If you’re preparing beer-battered or larger frozen fish, it’s advisable to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
• The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of Air Fryer you use. Oven-style air fryers typically require a bit more time. Additionally, some Air Fryers may require preheating, so it’s advisable to consult your manual.
  

  Recipe-Frequently Asked Questions

  What is the recommended air frying time for fish sticks?

  In an Air Fryer, frozen fish sticks typically require around 25–30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Is it possible to warm up fish sticks using the Air Fryer?

  Certainly, reheating fish sticks in the Air Fryer is effective and yields great results! Simply air fry them for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit until they become crunchy and thoroughly warmed. This method is also excellent for reheating fries!

  Serve it with

  Pair these crunchy fish sticks with ketchup, tartar sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce, and include some lemon wedges on the side. Here are a couple of other family favorites that go well with fish sticks:

• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges With Feta Dip
• Creamy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Honey Mustard Sauce
  

  Leftovers

  Store any remaining fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. When reheating, simply place them in the Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit until they regain crispiness and are thoroughly warmed.

  
  Some other air fryer recipes you will like on my blog are – Crispy Cheese pizza smashed potatoes air fryer, Chicken Sausage Pizza (No-Knead) Recipe, Paneer Tikka Pizza (No-Knead Pizza).

  
  Note: A rough estimate of nutrition is provided.
  

  We Love to hear back from you and appreciate your success stories!
  Have you tried this “Recipe”? Please feed us with your ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star ratings and comments below.

  Recipe Card 

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  Air Fryer Fish Sticks

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  • Author: Sanchita Dey
  • Total Time: 1 Hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Fish Sticks 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  Once you’ve crafted homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks, you won’t look back on deep frying! They pair perfectly with a side of homemade tartar sauce or classic ketchup. “Indulge guilt-free with our Air Fryer Fish Sticks!”

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  Ingredients

  Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

  For Marination:
  500 gms – Basa/Bhekti Fish cut in sticks
  Black Pepper Powder
  Salt to taste
  2 Tbsp – Lemon juice

  For Green Paste:
  250 gms – Coriander Leaves
  1 medium – Onion cut into cubes
  4 to 5 – Green chili
  2 inch – Ginger
  6 to 7 – Garlic cloves
  1 tbsp – Cooking Oil
  1 tsp – Sugar
  Salt to taste

  For Breading:
  Panko or plain Bread crumbs for coating

  For Egg Wash:
  2 – Eggs
  1/2 tsp – Salt
  1/2 tsp – Black pepper powder

  For Fish Marination Paste:
  3 tbsp – All-purpose flour
  1 – Egg

  For Frying:
  Oil for air frying

  Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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  Instructions

  1. Wash barramundi, bhetki, or basa, whatever you like or is available, nicely, and keep it in a bowl or plate.
  2. For marination: Now marinate the fish with salt to taste, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Marinate both sides.
  3. Now keep it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  4. For coriander paste: Take onion cubes, ginger, garlic cloves, green chili, salt to taste, sugar, and cooking oil into a grinder.
  5. Grind into a very smooth paste. Take it out in a bowl.
  6. Now, in that bowl, add one beaten egg and 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
  7. Now mix it nicely and make a smooth paste.
  8. Now take out the marinated fish again; we will marinate with the coriander paste we made.
  9. Marinate both sides nicely.
  10. Now we will keep this marinated fish in the fridge for an hour.
  11. Now beat two eggs for egg wash. Add a little salt and pepper to the egg wash.
  12. In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place bread crumbs in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and a mixture of coriander paste, which is optional, but if you make it, it will take the dish to another level of yumminess.
  13. Dip the marinated fish into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating.
  14. Roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to adhere.
  15. Repeat the process one more time and ensure it is evenly coated with bread crumbs on all sides.
  16. Give the fish sticks a nice rectangle shape.
  17. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  18. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of olive oil.
  19. Place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  20. Cook the fish sticks in the air fryer for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
  21. Once the fish sticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
  22. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

  As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just click on the below images to purchase.

  

  Notes

  • For optimal outcomes, arrange the fish sticks in a single layer with sufficient spacing in the basket, allowing air to circulate effectively. Ensuring they do not overlap is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect crispiness. Avoid simply tossing them into the basket.
  • To enhance crispiness, apply a coat of pure oil spray to the fish sticks before air-frying. However, refrain from using cooking sprays like PAM, as they may cause damage to your air fryer.
  • I suggest flipping the fish sticks halfway through the cooking duration. If your air fryer is equipped with racks, be sure to also rotate them for even cooking.
  • The suggested timing in this recipe applies to standard fish sticks or fish fingers. If you’re preparing beer-battered or larger frozen fish, it’s advisable to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
  • The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of Air Fryer you use. Oven-style air fryers typically require a bit more time. Additionally, some Air Fryers may require preheating, so it’s advisable to consult your manual.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Resting Time - 1 hour 20 minutes:
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
  • Method: Air-fry
  • Cuisine: American

  Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 fish sticks
  • Calories: 270Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 345mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 42mg

  Note: A rough estimate of nutrition is provided.

  

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