Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Looking for a fun and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Our Crispy Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer paired with a Homemade Tartar Sauce are the perfect solution! These fish sticks are wonderfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. They’re also easy to make, using fresh ingredients and simple steps. The homemade tartar sauce is a tangy, creamy delight that perfectly complements the fish sticks, making this meal a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 5-6 Glass containers/bowls (to create the assembly line of ingredients)
Ingredients
For the Fish Sticks:
- 1 pound white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ground oatmeal or oat flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
For the Tartar Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Fish Sticks
Prepare the Fish:
- Cut the fish fillets into strips about 1 inch wide.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow dish, place the flour.
- In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Fish:
- Dredge each fish strip in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the fish into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
- Finally, coat the fish with the panko/oatmeal breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry the Fish Sticks:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't touch.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fish sticks with cooking spray.
Cook:
- Air fry the fish sticks for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Serve the fish sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as our homemade tartar sauce, ketchup, or a yogurt-based dip.