These crispy Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks are the perfect quick-fix meal. They're easy to make, convenient, and healthy.
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You've got to try these air fryer frozen fish sticks or fish fingers - they're a total game-changer! They go directly from from freezer to air fryer. They're for hungry kids who can't wait until the dinner is done.
And they're super easy to make for those crazy days when you're running against the clock. Best part? The air fryer gives them this amazing crispy crunch without all the mess and guilt of deep frying. That's a win in my book.
And guess what? They're tender and flakey on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside.
So next time you're stuck for a quick, healthy meal that your family will gobble up, these air fryer fish fingers are your go-to. Give them a shot tonight with a side of air fryer broccoli or French fries, and you'll be serving up a tasty dinner before you know it!
For more air fryer recipes, check my Air Fryer Recipe Collection.
Why You’ll Love Cooking Fish Sticks In The Air Fryer:
- Time Saver: This recipe is a real time-saver. The air fryer does the majority of the work, freeing you up to do other things while your meal cooks.
- Healthy: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it healthier without sacrificing the beloved crispy texture.
- Easy Cleanup: With less oil used, the cleanup is a breeze. No more dealing with a greasy kitchen after a delicious meal.
- Consistent Results: The air fryer provides even cooking, ensuring that every fish stick comes out perfectly crispy and it's the best way to cook these. Once you try it, you may never go back to traditional frying or baking in the oven.
Ingredients
All you need is your favorite brand of frozen fish sticks and some vegetable oil or olive oil spray for this easy meal. Make sure you're cooking straight from frozen for best results. No need to thaw the fish sticks beforehand.
What Brand of Fish Sticks To Use?
I use the Great Value brand breaded fish sticks from Walmart. They're made with a white fish mince. Some brands are made with whole fish like cod, pollock or haddock like Gorton's fish sticks, Van de kamp and Seize the day. Choose a brand of frozen fish sticks based on your preference.
How To Cook Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.
Cooking fish sticks in the air fryer is a breeze. Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Spray air fryer basket with oil spray (not PAM) and place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer with enough space around it.
Tip: Use parchment paper in the Air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
Air fry frozen fish sticks for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the air-fried fish sticks (they'll be hot!) and serve warm with ketchup or your favorite sauce.
*Air fryers come in different sizes and models, and you may need to adjust the cook time accordingly.
Recipe Tips
- Preheat the Air fryer for crispy fish sticks. Some air fryers might not need it, so check your manual.
- Place the fish sticks in a single layer and leave enough room for hot air flow.
- You can flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- If using fish fillets, add an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
- If you work in batches, the remaining batches will need less time once you cook the first batch. So take a peek in the last 2 minutes or so.
What To Serve With Fish Sticks
Dips: As for dips, serve them with tartar sauce, ketchup, spicy mayonnaise, honey mustard, buffalo sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Make a meal: For an easy dinner, serve them with veggie side dishes such as crispy potatoes, potato wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Add a side salad or coleslaw for more variety.
Storing and Reheating
Storage - Fresh fish sticks taste the best. But if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat - To reheat fish sticks in the air fryer, air fry them at 380˚F for 2 to 3 minutes until warm through.
Why are my fish sticks soggy in an air fryer?
There are a few reasons why you'll end up with soggy fish sticks in an air fryer instead of crispy.
- Your air fryer is not preheated. A preheated air fryer makes your frozen food turn out crispy.
- You left the fish sticks out to thaw. This makes the breading soggy and will end up breaking as you cook it. You air fry the fish sticks from frozen.
- You spray cooking oil on the fish sticks. These fish sticks come precooked and spraying oil on them makes them soggy.
Recipe FAQs
You can cook frozen fish at 400˚F or 390˚F. It really depends on the Air fryer. Start with 390˚F and increase if you want more heat.
Cook frozen fish sticks for 8 to 10 minutes. For fish fillets add a couple of minutes more.
They'll be golden in color. You can check with a meat thermometer for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165˚F. There'll be a few cracks in the fish sticks with juices oozing out. It's nothing to worry about and means the fish is cooked.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 frozen fish sticks
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer at 400 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spray Air fryer basket with cooking spray (not PAM) and place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer.
- Air fry frozen fish sticks for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy turning them once halfway.
- Remove from the Air fryer and serve with your favorite sauce. It'll crisp up more as it cools down.
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