Crispy air fryer fish sticks made with cod or salmon are ready in minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners, easy family meals, or kid-friendly lunches. Coated with panko breadcrumbs and seasoned with Old Bay, these homemade fish sticks are golden brown, flaky, and served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. A healthier alternative to fried fish, they can also be baked in the oven for a simple baked fish sticks recipe.

Ingredients

1½ pounds cod or salmon fillets (4 fillets, 5–8 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1½ cups panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Propellant-free nonstick cooking spray (e.g., avocado oil spray)

For Serving:

Homemade tartar sauce
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prep the Fish

Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Cut each fillet lengthwise into 1 × 4-inch strips (about 12 strips total).
Season the fish with ½ teaspoon salt and a little black pepper.

Prepare the Breading Stations

In a shallow dish, combine flour, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
In a second dish, beat the eggs.
In a third dish, mix panko, Old Bay Seasoning, parsley, and garlic powder.

Bread the Fish

Coat each piece of fish in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in the seasoned panko mixture. (Tip: Use the dry-hand/wet-hand method to avoid clumping.)

Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Spritz the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place fish sticks in a single layer, tops up. Lightly spray the tops with additional spray.
Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish sticks should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Keep cooked batches warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.

Alternate Oven Method

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
Place breaded fish sticks on the sheet, spray tops, and bake 10 minutes. Flip with tongs, spray again, and bake 4–6 more minutes until golden and crispy, internal temperature 145°F.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside, tender inside: Perfectly golden fish sticks without deep frying.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes in the air fryer.
Kid-friendly: A family favorite for lunches, dinners, or snack time.

Tips

Use fresh or thawed fillets for best results.
Pat fish completely dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Use a thermometer to check for doneness (145°F internal).

Variations and Substitutions

Fish options: Tilapia, haddock, or pollock can be used.
Breadcrumb swap: Use whole wheat, seasoned, or gluten-free panko.
Seasoning tweaks: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Dipping sauces: Serve with ranch, aioli, or spicy mayo instead of tartar sauce.

FAQs

Can I freeze these fish sticks?
Yes, freeze before cooking. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, thaw first for even cooking and better breading adhesion.

How do I make them extra crispy?
Lightly spray the breaded fish with oil before air frying or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Serving

Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Pair with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Suggestions

Turn leftovers into fish stick sandwiches or tacos.
Add avocado slices or pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
Mix your own spice blend into the breadcrumbs for a unique twist