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Air fryer fish sticks made from scratch on a round gray plate with a round white bowl of tartar sauce in the center of the plate; a teal and white towel sits underneath the plate

Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Tiffany
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Brining Time 15 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Brine

  • 6-8 cups Cold Water
  • ¼ cup Salt

Fish Sticks

  • 1 ½ pounds Tilapia, Halibut, Haddock, or Cod cut into 4" long pieces that are about ¾" thick
  • 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Brine

  • 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, flipping halfway. If the panko looks dry and is not browning, lightly spray with cooking spray.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 438mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 106IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 2mg