Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Fish Sticks are made with tender cod filets and a crunchy panko and parmesan coating. Crispy Fish Sticks are an easy meal that is a healthy main dish and 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 preferred a fresh piece of fish 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. This is the best way to get delcious fish sticks which are crunchy on the outside and a tender inside. You will never have soggy fish sticks again! My homemade air fryer fish sticks recipe requires very little oil and a great way to get my family to eat healthy fish. I serve them the fish with French fries or tater tots and homemade tartar sauce. It's an easy way to make my family happy at dinner time.

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.
• Cooking spray or olive oil - Spray oil or nonstick cooking spray on basket or racks to prevent sticking.
• Panko breadcrumbs - 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 black pepper to flavor the breading on the fish.  Old Bay seasoning is an easy option too as I always keep some in my pantry.
• Eggs -  This is a binder so the bread crumbs stick to the fish. 

See recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.

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. My personal favorite is Bang Bang 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.

For best results, coat the air fryer basket or rack 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. 

Side Dishes to Serve with Fish Sticks

I like to serve my fish sticks with tarter sauce or another favorite sauce. I also like a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of some fresh dill on mine. Here are some easy recipes to serve next to your fish sticks.

• Air Fryer Baby Carrots with Honey Butter
• Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
• Warm Brussels Sprout Slaw

More Fish Recipes To Try

• Cod Fish and Artichoke Piccata
• Cajun Air Fryer Salmon
• Pan Roasted Swordfish with Cherry Tomatoes and Capers
• Baja Fish Taco Bowls
• Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon from Swirls of Flavor

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.

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RECIPE

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Homemade Fish Sticks Recipe (Air Fryer and Oven Methods)

Crispy crunchy homemade fish sticks the whole family will love.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Course: Easy Dinner, Main Course, Seafood

Servings: 4

Calories: 245kcal

Ingredients

• olive oil or 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 or olive oil.
• 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

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 886mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1083IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 3mg

First Published February 2011 ; Updated September 2021

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