Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy fish stick that's healthier than traditional deep-fried versions and ready in just 25 minutes! These air fryer fish sticks are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality crunch right from your kitchen. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a kid-friendly meal or a seafood lover craving something quick and delicious, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to crispy, flavorful perfection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 pound of white fish fillets, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of flour, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the fish sticks.
- Cut the white fish fillets into uniform strips, approximately 1 inch wide, to ensure even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your first coating station.
- In a second shallow dish, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them until well combined. This will be your egg wash.
- In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the paprika, garlic powder, and a little more salt and pepper. This will be your final coating station.
- Take each fish strip and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured fish strip into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the fish strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the fish. Repeat this process for all fish strips.
- Once all fish strips are coated, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the fish sticks in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for optimal crispiness.
- Once the fish sticks are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the crispy air fryer fish sticks immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Fish: Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia for the best texture and flavor.
- Pat Fish Dry: Before coating, ensure fish strips are thoroughly patted dry to help breading adhere better.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange fish sticks in a single layer with space between them for maximum crispiness.
- Flip Midway: Turning fish sticks halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Experiment with different spices in your breadcrumb mixture like cayenne, dried herbs, or lemon zest for variety.
- Serve Immediately: Fish sticks are crispiest when served right after cooking, so time your sides accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 293kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 32g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 255mg
