Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

Crispy air fryer fish sticks is so easy to make using your favorite store-bought frozen brand.  It is a family favorite in our house whether it is for an appetizer, snack, lunch, or dinner.  There is no better way to cook up some crispy frozen fish sticks than by air frying them.  You will never want to bake them in the oven again. Cooking them in the air fryer makes them crispier.  One bite and you will hear the crunch and be so happy. Plus fish sticks cook faster when air fried. 

Cooking frozen fish with a breading or coating in the air fryer is quick and easy. No additional oil is needed which makes it healthier with less fat than deep frying would have. For the best crispy crunchy coating on fish simply buy a bag, get them in the air fryer basket or tray, and in a few minutes you have something tasty.  Enjoy air-fried fish sticks with the best dips like homemade ranch, hot honey, and more.

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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 other 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. 

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER FISH STICKS

All you need for this recipe is the frozen breaded fish sticks. Many other items you cook in an air fryer may need a spray of avocado oil when air fryer. However, these do not. This is because in the ingredients that make up the coating there is also some sort of oil, typically vegetable oil.  Therefore, they will get crispy and golden without any added oil. 

HOW TO COOK FROZEN FISH STICKS IN THE AIR FRYER

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. 

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.  There is no need to worry about watching it preheat to make sure you get it in immediately as the time starts ticking down.  This way you set it and forget it – let the air fryer do the cooking. 

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 WHEN AIR FRYER BREADED FISH IS 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.  

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