Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks is a quick homemade recipe using cod fillets and breadcrumbs. These healthy nuggets can be made using fresh or frozen fish. This is a seafood dish the whole family will love!
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Can you cook fish in an air fryer? The air fryer can literally do it all, including making some of the best crispy fried fish. How to cook raw fish, is actually pretty easy and you only need a handful of ingredients.
I cringe when I think about the boxed fish sticks we ate growing up. They are the epitome of convenience food and something my mom could serve to us kids with minimal effort. Luckily, I find making homemade recipes with the air fryer pretty quick and easy.
Table of Contents
Are Fish Sticks Bad For You?
Frozen fish sticks in the grocery store are processed and deep-fried in vegetable oil. They also contain ingredients like maltodextrin and modified food starch. Maltodextrin is highly processed from potatoes and corn. It is closely related to corn syrup solids, which is basically sugar.
Processed food is not usually healthy. Homemade fish sticks are another story. You have direct control of the ingredients you add.
What Kind of Fish to Use
Cod or any white fish will work great for this recipe. You can also use tilapia or pollock if you wish.
Tilapia is farm-raised fish and isn't available in the wild. Some tilapia is genetically modified, I typically don't eat tilapia and prefer wild-caught cod.
Can You Use Frozen Fish?
You can use previously frozen fish, but defrost it prior to air frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Slice the cod into sticks or smaller portions about an inch wide.
- Season panko breadcrumbs with paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
- Dip the cod in all-purpose flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs.
- Place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Spray with olive oil.
- Air fry.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Air Fryer Temperature
I recommend 400 degrees.
How Long to Cook and Cook Time
Cook the fish for 10-12 minutes total, or until the fish has reached your desired level of crisp. Flip the fish halfway through. Crispy fish will need a longer cook time. Monitor the fish, every air fryer brand will cook at varying speeds.
How Long to Cook Frozen Fish Sticks
Frozen processed fish sticks will need 10-15 minutes of cook time on 400 degrees.
How to Reheat Homemade Fish From Frozen
I like to make batches of these and freeze them to have on hand for later. I find the fish only needs 3-4 minutes in the air fryer on 350 degrees to reheat.
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Serve the Fish with These Condiments
Pair the Fish Sticks with These Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Easy Air Fryer Fish
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless cod fillets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs I used panko
- ½ teaspoon salt Add additional to taste if desired.
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- cooking oil I used olive oil.
Instructions
- Slice the cod into 1-inch strips or whatever size you wish. Pat dry.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. I use this oil spray bottle.
- Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl large enough to dredge the fish sticks along with the seasonings.
- Set up a cooking station with the beaten egg, flour, and seasoned breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls large enough to dip the fish sticks.
- Dip the fish in the flour, then egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Keep a moist towel nearby. Breading can get really messy.
- Place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil. Do not stack the fish. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 5 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the basket and flip the fish. Spray with cooking oil. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crisp.
Video
Notes
- Your serving size may vary based on how you slice the fish sticks.
- The amount of flour and breadcrumbs you will need may vary based on the width and height of the fish you use. You may need a little or more or less than what I use in the recipe.
- Spray the fish sticks with oil at a distance to prevent lost breading.
- You can season this fish in a variety of ways. You can also use a half teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning or Creole Seasoning.
- Crispy fish will need a longer cook time. Monitor the fish, every air fryer brand will cook at varying speeds.
Jordan says
This was amazing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my breadcrumbs until after I was done eating the fish sticks. I used cod and turned out great with just flour-egg-flour. It was crispy just as if I fried it minus the grease. Can’t wait to make them again now that I found my breadcrumbs.
staysnatched says
I love that you enjoyed them without breadcrumbs!
Pat says
Can this be done in the oven?
staysnatched says
Sure. I don't do it that way, but you can make it how you make oven-baked fish.
Kathi says
Can't wait to make this recipe. The packaged fish sticks are full of so many additives and things I can't pronounce. I like to cook from scratch and I love my Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker to cook quick, real food. thanks for sharing this recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome and I'm absolutely with you!
Kia C says
First thing I made in my air fryer. Brandi once again has a hit maker and who doesn’t miss a fish stick throwback from childhood, but with real ingredients!?
staysnatched says
YES! Real ingredients are key!
Eunice says
Another winner Brandi! I couldn’t even get a good picture because we were busy eating!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!
Jenna says
These air fryer fish sticks were SO delicious and easy! We can’t wait to make them again!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Daphne says
Made these tonight and they were amazing! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed them!
K. Phillips says
Delicious! Don't overlook the lemon pepper; it adds so much flavor. Also, the leftovers (if you have any) make delicious fish tacos!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Morgan says
This was such an AMAZING recipe! I added the old bay and squeezed fresh lemon juice when done! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I love Old Bay Seasoning!
Richard Jackson says
I made this recipe the other night. Used cod for my fish. Followed the directions and it came out great. Looking forward to cooking some more of your recipes.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy the other recipes!
Michelle says
Now that it’s summer break, my kids cook one dinner each week. My 11 year old chose this recipe. It was so good! He didn’t have a way to spray olive oil onto the breaded fish, so he just mixed some olive oil into the bread crumbs and that worked great. Thanks for this recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Tamika Avila says
Can I sub flour with almond flour?
staysnatched says
I haven't tested it. If you try it please let me know.
Tama says
@Tamika Avila,
Tama says
@staysnatched, It helps when you type a message..
I was going to say I have used coconut flour for breading many times as a replacement for wheat. I don't see why almond flour wouldn't work. Cornstarch is always a good substitute as well.
staysnatched says
If you try it let us know!
Anne says
Have you tried fish filets with a nut crumb instead of breadcrumbs? I've used pistachio on top of a slight dijon smear in a toaster oven but not in the air fryer. Think it would work?
staysnatched says
I haven't use that, but if it's something you can get to adhere, it will likely work just fine.
Tara says
Fish sticks my kids will actually eat! And adults too ;). Super easy and super flavorful. I need quick, easy, and healthy during the week so this fits perfectly into our rotation.
Loving your recipes!!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you all enjoyed them!
Arianna says
I made these fish sticks and added dried dill and some Italian breadcrumbs to the mix. They were so delicious and definitely my go-to for any fish sticks from now on. Definitely beats the frozen stuff!
staysnatched says
Yum! Those modifications sound great!
Pam says
Great recipe! I adjusted the ingredients to make it Keto-friendly. II replaced the flour with an almond and coconut flour mix and used ground pork rinds in place of the breadcrumbs. Yummy!
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing.
Ashley says
Tried this today for a quick and easy meal with some cod I had in the freezer. They turned out great, and the video and instructions were super clear!
staysnatched says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Brandi B. says
Another winner! I don't think I've tried a recipe of yours that I haven't loved! I made these tonight with a side of air fryer fries and some homemade tartar sauce...delicious!
staysnatched says
I love to hear that! Glad you enjoyed it.
Jess says
Thank you for a great recipe, Brandi! Made this last night for fish tacos and wow..the flavor, the crunch, all so good and super easy to put together. I used mahi mahi and i cannot wait to make these again.
staysnatched says
I need to try these for fish tacos!
Tiffani says
Another hit and so simple! I looked at the panko at the store, but I remember thinking, "oh no, the recipe said breadcrumbs and I have those already." It's okay with the breadcrumbs. And I didn't cut my fish into sticks, it's just me, so I cut what I had in half and it turned out pretty good. Will definitely try again with panko.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Heather says
These fish sticks turned out absolutely perfect. I swapped Tajin seasoning for lemon pepper and served them with Skinnytaste Bang bang sauce and avocado corn salad. Yum!!
staysnatched says
I love that seasoning! I will have to try that.
Lulu says
Omg! I bought an air fryer just so I can make your fish sticks recipe! I just could believe how easy they were to prepare and who’s, they were delicious. I used to just buy them frozen but now this recipe is on my meal plan rotation! Thank you, your recipes are quick, easy and very yummy!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Kelly says
These were amazing! SO much better than any frozen fish sticks I've ever had - this is my new favorite way to cook cod. Thank you!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Ashleigh says
Followed the recipe exactly and it was delicious!! Super easy to make, highly recommend if you are looking for a quick, easy and tasty meal!!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Jill says
These turned out amazing. I have a hard time getting recipes like this one get crispy. These cooked up perfectly. They tasted similarly to store bought but 100% better.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Qubilah says
I just whipped these up! They’re crunchy and don’t feel as heavy as the ones you buy in the frozen section! I was craving fish sticks, so I’m glad I found this recipe to help me get my fix.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you were able to get your fix!
Nicki says
This is my 3rd Stay Snatched recipe this week - so good and super easy! Took me less than 20 minutes. Another highly recommended recipe.
staysnatched says
Awesome! You are killing it.
cac says
I agree that you should try to eat wild caught when possible.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you agree!
Marisol McNash says
I actually forgot to spray the my cod with olive oil and it STILL came out really nice. I didn't have any of the breading fall off.
The next day I drizzled some baja sauce over them and reheated for fish tacos. SO GOOD!!!!!
Next time I'll make a little extra so I can freeze them like you mentioned in your reheat instructions.
staysnatched says
Yes! This is great to have on hand!
Jacqueline says
so so so easy. 10/10. I loved these so much I make extra and freeze them, that way they are an even quicker snack, lunch or dinner to go.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Khalida Fazli says
Made this twice now with cod and it's so delicious. My husband agrees. Love this recipe so much and the fact that it's healthier feels so good. 🙂
staysnatched says
So much healthier. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Diana says
This was hands down one of the best things we’ve had in a while!! My husband said it was a 10/10 and to add it to the rotation. Another home run!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Tanya says
A neighbor cave me some cod he got in Alaska and I used the recipe to cook it up. It was a hit with the whole family!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it.
Amanda says
Has anyone made and frozen them? I saw on another site they did that. I was gifted a bunch of cod, made this (gluten free) it was great, was thinking about using the rest for quick meals in the future.
staysnatched says
Yes, there are tips in the post for how to freeze them.
Nicole says
Absolutely delicious! Knew that when I used my butcher box cod that I’d have to use a Stay Snatched recipe. Another easy and tasty staple.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Angie says
Loved this recipe, the fish came out perfect
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Melissa says
Saw you post this on instagram and knew it was going to be tonight's dinner. I switched out the seasoning for cajun since that's what I had on hand (thanks for always giving substitute ideas!). SO GOOD! They were perfectly golden brown and tender with a great crunch! Thank you for always giving a healthy and easy alternative to all my fried favorites!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love that you switched the flavor.
Meggie says
Sooo good- taste is not even comparable to the frozen versions. Prep was quick, and the Lemmon pepper & paprika seasoning was a delicious addition
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the flavor!
Amber says
Made this on Sunday and they turned out awesome. Pretty easy and quick to make. I wasn’t sure how crispy they’d be in the air fryer but they turned out perfect. I loved fish sticks growing up so this is a better alternative for that nostalgic meal.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
shauna awad says
I made these for dinners and froze the leftovers. They came out great. Easy meal and I always appreciate the recipe coming with reheat instructions.
staysnatched says
Awesome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Jacqueline says
These are so good! Quick and flavorful, check your pantry you probably have it all ready.
staysnatched says
A pantry staple recipe for sure!
Katie says
Between giving up eating gluten and remembering that awful chemical taste of the frozen, boxed stuff, I haven’t had fish sticks in YEARS. These were so good and so easy! Used GF flour, GF panko and Butcher Box cod. Will be making again for sure.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Tom says
Your recipe is straight forward and very good. Old Bay for everything Seafood I say. I use Cod a lot and find it to be a really nice fish for this recipe as well as fresh Grouper. Since I fish, I usually have pretty good access to flaky fish from the Gulf Waters. Now, I do find Black Tilapia in Florida Fresh Waters. They will bit on small worms. I wouldn't eat the tilapia that is imported or from Farm raising location and you are right about them not being very healthy for you. thanks for recipe and will
staysnatched says
That sounds good!
Mallory says
These are absolute FIRE. Brandi shared this recipe on IG several times a few weeks ago and my craving for it was so strong. Finally made them and YUM. Way better than childhood fish sticks and incredibly flavorful. I’ll definitely make these again!
Shunta says
My children discovered fish sticks at school and love them so I was thrilled to find a recipe for them from Brandi. The recipe was simple and easy to follow and they LOVED the fish sticks. These were my first fish sticks in probably decades and we all loved them. Flavorful, well seasoned and definitely something we will add into the rotation.