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Toss that old box of freezer-burned frozen fish sticks. These made-from-scratch air fryer fish sticks are where its at! They’re crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-cheesy good!
Look, we all have one thing in common. We all have that old box of fish sticks stuffed way back in the freezer that no one ever touches. Maybe you bought them as an impulse buy, or to remember your childhood, only to make them and realize how lackluster they are.
Well, it’s time to throw out that box and make a batch of my air fryer fish sticks. To me, these are so good, they practically redefine what fish sticks are! They’re coated in a crunchy, cheesy, parmesan crust and air fried to perfection. Served with a Cajun tartar sauce (or you can opt for the regular tartar sauce), you’ve got yourself a perfect meal sans freezer burn!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Tilapia – this fish is mild in flavor so you can really dress it up and the fish won’t overpower it. You can use any other light, white fish if you do not like tilapia, such as cod or haddock. Just look for thicker pieces so it’s easier to cut into sticks.
- Breadcrumbs – plain or Italian-seasoned will work just fine.
- Parmesan – shredded or grated parmesan.
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Cajun seasoning – this gives the coating an extra kick in flavor.
- Mayo – this will help the breadcrumb mixture stick and create a nice, thick, flavorful coating.
- Sour cream – gives the mixture a little tang.
- Dijon mustard – really helps balance out the flavors!
How to Make Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Make the tartar sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the tartar sauce and put it in the refrigerator while you make fish sticks.
- Prepare the fish. Slice fish into 3” by 1/2” strips.
- Dredge the fish. Create a dredging station to make it easier. Add breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan to one bowl. Add garlic powder, black pepper, cajun seasoning, mayo, sour cream, and Dijon mustard to a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Dip the fish into the bowl with mayo, then roll in the breadcrumb and parmesan mix. Repeat with all fish sticks.
- Air fry the fish sticks. Place the breaded fish sticks into the basket of the air fryer. Do not stack fish sticks on top of one another. Set air fryer to 390 degrees and air fry for 5 minutes on one side, flip, then 5 more minutes on the other.
FAQs
You could definitely make these in the oven. Just line a baking sheet with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. To get the exterior browned and crispy, I suggest turning on the broiler at the very end. Keep an eye on it!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These are best eaten day of but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for max 2 days. To reheat, warm through in the air fryer again or toaster oven.
Serving Suggestions
Always serve them with slices of lemon! Freshly squeezed lemon juice really does wonders for these already perfect fish sticks. Also, you can NOT skip the tartar sauce!
You can pretend to be a traditional Brit by serving with a side of Garlic Fries for a fish and chips situation. Or, if you prefer a salad, might I recommend an easy tomato salad? A bit different than a leafy green salad but equally fresh!
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (907 g) tilapia
- 1 cup (108 g) plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ cup (56 g) mayo
- ¼ cup (58 g) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Cajun tartar sauce:
- ½ cup (112 g) mayo
- 2 dill pickle spears, minced
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun tartar sauce. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk well to combine. Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour prior to serving.1/4 cup (56 g) mayo, 2 dill pickle spears, 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Cut fish into 3” by 1/2” strips. *The easiest way to make these uniform in size that I found was cutting the filet down the center, then cutting each half in half again length-wise, then finally cutting in half width-wise.2 pounds (907 g) tilapia
- Create a dredging station. Add breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan to one bowl. Add garlic powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, mayo, sour cream, and Dijon mustard to a separate bowl and whisk to combine.1 cup (108 g) plain breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/4 cup (58 g) sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Dip the fish into the bowl with mayo, then roll in the breadcrumb and parmesan mix. Repeat with all fish sticks.1/2 cup (112 g) mayo
- For easy clean up, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil and place fish inside. If you prefer not to line with anything, that is okay too. Spray fish lightly with canola oil. Depending on the size of the air fryer this may take 2 batches. Do not stack the fish sticks or crowd them!
- Set the air fryer to 390 °F (199 °C). Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Serve with tartar sauce. Enjoy!
Can I use panko or are regular dried bread crumbs preferred ? Am dying to make these ! Thank you 😊
you can definitely use panko for these!