Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Homemade crispy air fryer fish sticks are a healthier alternative to traditional fried frozen fish sticks, offering all the crunch and flavor without the excess oil. They turn out crispier than frozen fish sticks, and the fresh fish is tender and flaky.

These homemade fish sticks are made with fresh fish fillets coated in a well-seasoned batter and breadcrumb mixture then air-fried to perfection.

Rather than using a traditional egg wash, I combined a lot of flavorful additions to the batter before it gets breaded.

I prefer to use panko breadcrumbs to get crunchy fish sticks. It makes the outside golden brown and the inside moist and flaky.

It’s a game changer to make your own fish sticks that can also be kept in the freezer just like Van de Kamp’s or Gorton’s fish sticks.

They’re easy to prepare and have a quick cooking time, making them an easy dinner and a delicious option for a family-friendly snack.

What type of fish is used in fish sticks?

Fish sticks are commonly made using white fish fillets such as tilapia, cod, halibut, pollock, or haddock. These types of fish are mild in flavor, flaky in texture, and have relatively low-fat content, making them well-suited for breading and frying.

Are fish sticks healthy?

Fish stick nutrition can vary depending on the ingredients used, the cooking method, and portion size.

Generally, fish sticks are a good source of protein but may also contain added ingredients like breading, which increases calories and carbohydrates. In addition, deep frying would contribute to higher fat content.

An air fryer does not saturate the breading in oil and instead cooks food with hot circulating air.

Opting for air frying the fish sticks and pairing them with fresh vegetables can make them a healthier choice.

Fish Internal Temperature

Consuming raw white fish can be risky due to the potential for harmful bacteria and parasites that may be present in the fish.

While some types of fish are commonly consumed raw in dishes like sushi or sashimi, they are typically subjected to specific handling and preparation methods to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

It’s generally recommended to cook white fish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria or parasites are destroyed and the fish is safe to eat.

Ingredients

Brine

• Cold Water
• Salt

Fish Sticks

• Tilapia, Halibut, Haddock, Pollock, or Cod
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Olive Oil
• Large Eggs
• All-Purpose Flour
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon Mustard
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt
• Black Pepper

How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Brine

• Cut fish into 4″ long pieces that are about ¾” thick.
• Add salt and water to a large bowl. Add fish and let sit for 15 minutes.

Fish Sticks

• In a shallow bowl, add panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Stir until coated. Microwave for 2-4 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
• In another shallow bowl whisk together eggs, flour, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Coat each piece of fish in egg mixture and then panko, shaking off any excess after each.

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Add a single layer of fish sticks and cook at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.
• If the panko looks dry and is not browning, lightly spray with cooking spray.

Side Dishes For Fish Sticks

A popular go-to is fish and chips, but there are other healthy and indulgent options to serve with fish sticks.

• Seasoned French Fries: Also known as fish and chips, as mentioned, is a popular dish served in restaurants.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a creamy Caesar dressing can complement the crispy texture of the fish sticks.
• Broccoli: For a healthy, colorful side dish, and has a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory taste of the fish sticks.
• Carrots, Green Beans, Mushrooms, and Bacon: This combination of sides offers a variety of textures and flavors that complement the crispy fish sticks. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Air fry some sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative to regular fries, adding a touch of sweetness to your meal.
• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tanginess to balance the flavors of the fish sticks.
• Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese make for a comforting and indulgent side dish alongside fish sticks. Kids love it too!
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs and spices adds a flavorful and satisfying component to your meal.
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes tossed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs provide a deliciously savory accompaniment to fish sticks.

Sauces

There are many tasty sauces that pair perfectly with fish sticks. Here are some popular choices:

1. Homemade Tartar Sauce: A classic choice for fish sticks, tartar sauce is made with mayonnaise, chopped pickles or relish, lemon juice, and sometimes capers or herbs. It adds a tangy and creamy flavor that complements the crispy fish.
2. Cocktail Sauce: Another classic option, cocktail sauce is typically made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. It’s slightly spicy and tangy, offering a nice contrast to the mild flavor of the fish sticks.
3. Remoulade Sauce: This French-inspired sauce is similar to tartar sauce but may include additional ingredients like Dijon mustard, chopped herbs, and spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper. It has a slightly more complex flavor profile and adds a zesty kick to the fish sticks. It’ll surely become a favorite dipping sauce!
4. Garlic Aioli: Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce that can be flavored with various ingredients such as lemon, herbs, or roasted red peppers. It adds a rich and creamy texture with a hint of garlic that pairs well with the fish sticks.
5. Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sriracha mayo combines mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to create a spicy and creamy dipping sauce that adds a kick to your fish sticks.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerating

Store leftover fish sticks in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing

Whether they’re uncooked or already air-fried, fish sticks can be kept in the freezer.

First, they’ll need to be pre-frozen to avoid the fish sticks from clumping together as they freeze.

Here are instructions for how to pre-freeze fish sticks:

1. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together during freezing.
2. Place the baking sheet with the fish sticks in the freezer and let them pre-freeze for about 1-2 hours.
3. Once pre-frozen, transfer the fish sticks to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Leftovers

Thawed Cooked Fish Sticks

Reheat leftover thawed cooked fish sticks in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.

Frozen Cooked Fish Sticks

To cook leftover frozen cooked fish sticks, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Once hot, add the fish sticks in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frozen Uncooked Fish Sticks

To cook leftover frozen, uncooked fish sticks, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. A higher pre-heated temperature prevents soggy fish sticks. Once hot, add the fish sticks in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Dinner Ideas with Fish Sticks

Here are some dinner ideas using fish sticks as the main ingredient:

• Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw: Fill warm tortillas with crispy fish sticks, spicy slaw, and pickled onions topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Fish Stick Sandwiches: Layer crispy fish sticks on toasted sandwich rolls with chopped lettuce, and a dollop of homemade tartar sauce. Add some pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor and crunch.
• Southern Salad with Fish Sticks: Toss chopped romaine lettuce with avocado crema dressing, corn, black beans, jalapenos, and sliced red onions. Top with warmed fish sticks and drizzle with homemade avocado crema. Add some cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumber for extra freshness.
• Fish Stick Po’ Boys: Fill hoagie rolls with crispy fish sticks, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or remoulade sauce.
• Fish Stick Bowls: Create a bowl with cooked rice or cilantro-lime cauliflower rice as the base, then top with warm fish sticks, coleslaw, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with a garlic-lime sauce on top.
• Crunchy Fish Sticks Taco Board: Arrange a variety of dipping sauces (like salsa and cocktail sauce) along with an assortment of sides (such as lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, green onion, radishes, queso fresco, and tortilla shells) for a fun and customizable fish stick platter that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.

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