In minutes the best air fryer frozen fish sticks are ready to munch on. There is no better way to cook up some crispy fish sticks. You will never want to bake them in the oven again. One bite of and you will hear the crunch and be so happy.
Cooking frozen fish with a breading or coating in the air fryer is quick and easy. Air fry crinkle french fries at the same time for a meal kids of all ages will love. No additional oil is needed which makes it healthier with less fat than deep frying would have. Also, try my seafood recipes for Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets or Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp.
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Fish Sticks vs Fish Nuggets
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between fish sticks and nuggets? Well to put it simply, the shape and size. The main difference between the two is how the breaded whitefish pieces are shaped. Nuggets tend to be square in shape or round. The others are narrow long rectangles, similar to a stick shape, hence the name.
They are often also called fish fingers in England. Since sticks and fingers are about the same size and shape, both can be air fried with the same temperature and minutes that this recipe shows. Ever wondered what exactly is in fish sticks? Generally speaking, they are made with mellow flakey whitefish like cod. Find out more about FISH STICKS & FINGERS.
Why Air Fry Frozen Fish Sticks?
Here are the reasons to love this recipe for air frying your favorite store-bought frozen fish sticks.
- Faster than the oven
- Healthier than deep-frying
- Crispy, crunchy, & golden exterior
- Tastes AMAZING!
Ingredients
All you need for this recipe is frozen breaded fish sticks. No oil or avocado spray is needed. This is because, in the ingredients that make up the coating, there is also some sort of oil, typically vegetable oil. Therefore, the fish sticks will get crispy and golden without any added oil.
This recipe works to air fry your favorite brand. So whether you have any ready-made fish sticks such as Gorton's, Wal-Mart, Trader Joe's, Van de Kamps, or Trident all cook great in the air fryer.
How to Air Fry Fish Sticks
Add the frozen pieces to your air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are in a single layer. It is also best to not overcrowd the basket or tray when air frying. If you can spread them out, that is my recommendation so that the hot air can circle all sides of the breaded fish pieces to cook evenly. This way they don't stick and there are no soggy or undercooked edges.
How Long to Air Fry Fish Sticks
I find it best to put the food in and then set it; therefore, the food can be inside while preheating. No preheating is needed.
Once they are in the air fryer, be ready to cook. Set it to air fry at 400°. Then set it for 10 minutes. If they are spaced out enough there is no need to shake or flip the fish sticks while air frying. They should brown evenly on all sides.
How to Tell They are Done
They will be done when they are flakey hot on the inside and crispy brown on the outside. They will also not be soft or sag when you try and pick them up with tongs. This is how they will be after 10 minutes. They should be light brown with some dark brown edges. For extra crispy fish sticks, set the air fryer timer for 13 minutes.
Once the timer is complete, carefully remove the tray or basket from the air fryer with an oven mitt. Using tongs, plate them for eating. Serve fish sticks with ketchup, tartar sauce, lemon juice, or your favorite dipping sauce. For tasty sauces & dip ideas, check out my recipe recommendations below.
What to Serve with Fish Sticks
These great recipes go well as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Try one or more of these ideas the next time you air fry some fish. For two great dips to serve with fish sticks try HOT HONEY or HOMEMADE RANCH WITHOUT MAYO.
Storage & Reheating
STORE: Make a big batch because they store and reheat easily. Place any leftovers in a Ziploc bag and seal a container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
REHEAT: Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 375° for 3-5 minutes.
PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS RECIPE – #AD:
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Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 24 frozen fish sticks
Instructions
- Add frozen fish sticks to your air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or tray, add only as many as will fit without overcrowding. Be sure to leave some space between each piece and that they are in a single layer.
- There is no need to preheat. Once the fish is in the air fryer, set it to cook. Set to air fryer at 400°. Next set the timer for 10 minutes. For extra crispy, set it for 13 minutes.
- When they are done cooking, carefully remove them from the oven and plate. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dip.
- Enjoy!
Notes
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Patty says
Crunchy is right. I tried to sneak one from my kid's plate while they were cooking and she heard me bite into it. Oops. I now make a few extra for myself and indulge in a favorite as an adult that was not this good when I was a kid. The air fryer is the ONLY way to cook these. Everyone must try this.
Angela says
I admit that I do the same thing. I just gotta have 1 -2 fish sticks too.