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Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Looking for the crispiest fish sticks ever? Your air fryer makes it happen in just 15 minutes. These turn out perfectly golden and crunchy without a drop of oil. I love how easy it is grab a pack from the freezer pop them in and dinner is practically done. The kids get excited when they hear that air fryer timer go off knowing those crispy fish sticks are almost ready.
Why These Work So Well
The air fryer has totally changed my fish stick game. They cook up in 15 minutes flat perfect for those nights when everyone is starving and patience is running low. No need for oil or even cooking spray the hot air does all the work making them super crispy. Best part? You can cook them straight from frozen no waiting around for them to thaw. My kids actually prefer these to the oven baked ones now saying they taste more like restaurant fish sticks.
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Pick Your Fish Sticks
Any fish sticks you find in the freezer aisle will work great here. I usually grab the breaded ones they get extra crispy in the air fryer. Some brands make thicker fish sticks just give them an extra minute or two and theyll come out perfect. My family loves the ones with the extra crunchy coating but the lighter breaded ones work just as well.
Quick Cooking Steps
- First get your air fryer nice and hot at 400°F let it warm up for about 3 minutes.
- Put your fish sticks in cook them for 8 minutes then flip them over and give them another 4-5 minutes until they look golden and crispy.
- Try one to make sure its hot all the way through if not just add another minute.
Make It A Meal
These fish sticks love to swim in all kinds of sauces. Classic tartar sauce is always good but sometimes I mix up some spicy mayo with sriracha for the grownups. The kids stick to ketchup and honestly that works too. Throw some fries in the air fryer right after for a fun dinner or serve with a fresh salad if youre feeling virtuous. Dont forget a squeeze of lemon it brings everything to life.
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Quick Tips
Give those fish sticks some space in the basket they need room to get crispy. Working in batches takes a few extra minutes but its worth it for that perfect crunch. While flipping isnt strictly needed I usually do it anyway just to get that even golden color all over. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra seasoning on top when they come out just to make them special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to defrost the fish sticks first?
No, cook them straight from frozen. The air fryer is designed to cook frozen foods perfectly. Thawing them first might make them mushy.
- → Why are my fish sticks not crispy enough?
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each piece for proper air circulation. Also, flipping them halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness.
- → Can I cook more than 8 fish sticks at once?
You can cook more, but don't overlap them. Work in batches if needed to maintain crispiness. A single layer is key for the best results.
- → Do I need to spray oil on the fish sticks?
Most frozen fish sticks already have oil in their coating. However, a light spray of oil can make them extra crispy if you prefer.
- → How do I know when they're done?
Fish sticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.