Air Fryer Fish Sticks are made with tender cod filets and a crunchy panko and parmesan coating. Homemade fish fingers are an easy and healthy main dish that the whole family will love.
When my kids were younger, they were very picky about the fish they ate. Back in the day, my husband was quite picky about seafood too. Most frozen fish sticks were on their good list while I prefer anything fresh out of the ocean. To make a compromise, I came up with this homemade fish stick recipe otherwise known as fish fingers to my children.
Originally, I would bake the fish sticks in the oven but since then I love cooking them in the air fryer. Air fryer fish sticks are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside all while requiring very little oil!
Don't worry if you don't have an air fryer as I will give the oven method instructions also.
Ingredients Needed for Fish Fingers
- Fish - Typically, I use cod for my homemade fish stick recipe. Cod is a mild, white fish and it is not super expensive. In fact, many times it is on sale at the grocery store. If the cod fish doesn't seem fresh, then I will substitute another white firm fish like halibut, haddock or tilapia.
- Panko Bread Crumbs - Panko gives the fish sticks lots of crunch.
- Flour - A little flour helps the bread crumbs stick to the fish.
- Parmesan cheese - Parmesan adds lots of flavor and a little saltiness that compliments these fish fingers perfectly.
- Seasonings - You can vary what you prefer but I like paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper to flavor the breading on the fish.
- Eggs - This is a binder so the bread crumbs stick to the fish.
Homemade Fish Sticks Cooking Tips
- If you purchase frozen fish, make sure to defrost completely before prepping the fish with egg wash and bread crumbs. It is also a good idea to pat the fish with paper towels so the filets are completely dry.
- Make sure all the pieces of fish are fairly equal in size as this will help them to cook evenly.
- When breading the fish, use one hand for the wet egg wash and the other hand for the dry bread crumb mixture. This will keep the bread crumbs from getting mixed in with the egg eash. Wash your hands in the middle of breading if necessary.
- Whether cooking on a baking pan or in an air fryer, make sure the fish sticks are in a single layer and not overlapping.
- Turn the fish sticks half way through cooking so both sides get golden brown.
- Fish is done when outside is golden brown and the inside can be flaked with a fork.
- Serve the fish sticks with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Oven Baked Fish Sticks
Preheat the oven to 425F.
For optimal crispiness, cook the fish sticks on a baking sheet lined with an oven-safe wire rack sprayed with cooking spray. If you do not have one, line the baking sheet with parchment paper before placing fish on top.
Tips for Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Check your air fryer manual and preheat the unit if necessary. My air fryer model doesn't require preheating.
Coat the air fryer rack or basket with cooking spray.
Don't overcrowd the rack or basket or the coating will not get crispy. It is better to cook in two batches if all the fish sticks cannot fit at once.
More Fish Recipes To Try
- Cod Fish and Artichoke Piccata
- Pan Roasted Swordfish with Cherry Tomatoes and Capers
- Baja Fish Taco Bowls
- Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon from Swirls of Flavor
- Mediterranean Baked Fish from The Forked Spoon
If you are looking for a homemade fish stick recipe that is flavorful, healthy and so easy to make you will love these air fryer fish sticks.
If you like this Homemade Fish Sticks recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
Homemade Fish Sticks Recipe (Air Fryer and Oven Methods)
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 pound thick cut cod filets
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- lemon or tartar sauce for serving if desired
Instructions
Air Fryer Method:
- Spray the air fryer racks or basket generously with cooking spray.
- Cut the cod filets into 3 to 4 inch even sticks.
- In a small bowl, mix togther Panko crumbs, flour, cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat two eggs.
- Dip the fish in the eggs then let any extra drip off and add to the bread crumb bowl and coat on all sides. Do about 3 pieces at a time until all pieces of fish are well coated.
- Place the fish on the rack or in the basket in a single layer . Turn air fryer onto 400 degrees and cook fish sticks for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until fish is golden brown outside and flaky inside.
Oven Method :
- Preheat over to 425 degrees.
- Cut the cod filets into 3 to 4 inch even sticks.
- In a small bowl, mix togther Panko crumbs, flour, cheese, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat two eggs.
- Dip the fish in the eggs then let any extra drip off and add to the bread crumb bowl and coat on all sides. Do about 3 pieces at a time until all pieces of fish are well coated.
- Place fish on a single layer on a baking rack on top of a cookie sheet and coat both with cooking spray. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until fish is flaky and golden brown. The fish sticks should be turned once during cooking with a spatula.
Nutrition
First Published February 2011 ; Updated September 2021
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Joanna
I ate the first fishstick of my life last week, and swore I could make my own. Thanks for sharing this recipe! Now I definitely will!
Ciao Chow Linda
You've got a hit here. They're not panko, but just tonight I made homemade bread crumbs from stale bread. I think I'll follow your lead and make these fish sticks.
Maria
So much better than store bought!
Patsyk
I'm going to have to make these, my boys would go crazy for them!
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The Japanese Redneck
My husband is the ultimate ticky fish eater. I think he would only eat it fried. But, since the Dr. has jumped my case this would be a good alternative for me.
kat
I bet they are so much better than store bought!
That Girl
I was never into frozen fish sticks, but I'm sure yours were far superior to the boxed version.
teresa
definitely best of both worlds! this looks awesome!
RJ Flamingo
Truth be told, the fish sticks out of the box are the only fish I'd eat - until recently, when I did something similar to you. I fooled myself! Now THAT'S sad. LOL! Loving your version. π
Mary
They look really delicious, Lisa. I'm a big fan of fish sticks and I love to have healthier recipes available when I fix them. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Shelby
If I had fish sticks like these growing up then I am sure I would have loved them! These look really yummy!
marla {Family Fresh Cooking}
Love these fish sticks with the parmesan!
Cynthia
Love these!
mamafifi
I will definitely give this recipe a try! We are trying to eat fish more often, and these look much more substantial & appealing then store bought. They would probably taste extra good dipped in some malt vinegar....
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Sally Humeniuk
I love this recipe so much! The fish is super moist and the panko is crunchy and flavorful. A great way to cook "fried" fish for health but also perfect taste!
Jess
Is there anything the air fryer cannot do?! My kids go crazy for fish sticks and these look super easy.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Another great recipe to make in the air fryer. They are just so versatile.
Biana
What a great idea for making homemade fish sticks. They look delicious.
Andrea
These fish sticks look fantastic! Super crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Can't wait to make them for my family.