Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden fish stick that's not greasy or heavy - but light, crunchy, and packed with flavor! These air fryer fish sticks are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering restaurant-quality crunch with a fraction of the oil. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a seafood lover craving that satisfying crunch, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by patting the white fish fillets dry with paper towels and cutting them into uniform stick-shaped pieces, approximately 3-4 inches long.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
- Dredge each fish stick first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking, then arrange fish sticks in a single layer without overcrowding, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Check internal temperature of fish sticks, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove fish sticks from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow coating to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Tips
- Pat fish fillets completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use fresh, high-quality white fish like cod or halibut for best results
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed for even browning
- Experiment with seasoning your breadcrumbs - try adding garlic powder or dried herbs
- Let fish sticks rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the coating set
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure fish reaches safe internal temperature of 145°F
- For extra crunch, consider adding a small amount of panko breadcrumbs to your coating mix
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 262kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 173mg
