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Air Fryer Fish Sticks: Crispy, Quick & Delicious Recipe

Air Fryer Fish Sticks: Crispy, Quick & Delicious Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

This Air Fryer Fish Sticks recipe offers a crispy, quick, and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite with less oil and mess. Perfectly golden and tender on the inside, these fish sticks require minimal prep and cook in just minutes, making them an ideal snack or meal for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen fish sticks (approximately 2025 sticks)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Optional for Serving

  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Tartar sauce, for serving
  • Ketchup, for serving
  • Malt vinegar, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Optional Thawing: For best results, slightly thaw the fish sticks by leaving them on the counter for 10-15 minutes. Avoid thawing completely to maintain texture during cooking.
  2. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  3. Prepare Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the fish sticks from sticking and to help develop crispiness.
  4. Arrange Fish Sticks: Place the fish sticks in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps properly. If needed, cook in batches.
  5. Air Fry: Cook the fish sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes. This timing balances a crispy outer crust with a warm flaky interior.
  6. Flip: Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-6 minutes), flip the fish sticks to promote even browning on all sides.
  7. Check for Doneness: Fish sticks should be golden brown and crispy outside, fully heated through inside. Verify the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  8. Adjust Time If Needed: If your fish sticks are thicker or cooked directly from frozen, add a few extra minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
  9. Remove and Serve: Carefully take the fish sticks out of the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, ketchup, malt vinegar, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor.

Notes

  • Thawing slightly improves texture but is optional; you can cook frozen fish sticks directly with a slight increase in cook time.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Serve immediately for the best crispy texture, as fish sticks tend to soften if left sitting.
  • Using olive oil or cooking spray helps prevent sticking and creates a golden crust without excess oil.
  • Check internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure food safety.
  • You can customize serving options with your favorite dipping sauces to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air fryer fish sticks, crispy fish sticks, quick fish recipe, healthy fish sticks, easy snack, frozen fish sticks air fryer