Crispy Fish Sticks in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh cod fillets (or haddock)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Tartar sauce and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long, keeping them roughly the same size.
- Season the fish strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Set up three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan (if using) in the third.
- Dredge each fish strip in flour and shake off the excess. Dip into the beaten egg and let the excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko mixture to coat all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the coated fish strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the coating is deep golden and the fish flakes easily when pressed.
- Let rest for 1 minute before serving. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
Always pat the fish completely dry before coating — this is the single most important step for getting the breadcrumbs to stick and the crust to stay crispy through cooking.