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Learn how to make air fryer fish sticks from scratch! Move over Birds Eye, Van de Kamp’s, and Gorton’s. These homemade fish fingers feature a crispy, seasoned cornmeal breading and are bound to become a new family favorite. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare with my simple step-by-step instructions. Don’t forget the tartar sauce!
More air fryer magic! Great recipe and it’s fantastic you gave precise measurements for the breading. 
– Brian
Making fish sticks in the air fryer is easier than you might think! This recipe cooks in 10 minutes, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
🐟 Air Fryer Fish Sticks Ingredients
- 8 ounces fish fillets (227g; I used cod)
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Cooking oil spray
- Tartar sauce and lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Get a printable recipe card below.
White fish works beautifully for fish sticks, and I use cod in this air fryer recipe. Other great options include tilapia, haddock, halibut, and pollock. For a boost of omega 3s, you can also make air fryer salmon fish sticks.
Keep in mind that thicker or thinner fillets may impact the cooking time. To make this recipe gluten free, use a gluten free flour such as King Arthur Measure for Measure. To make keto fish sticks, bread your fish fingers with seasoned pork panko breadcrumbs and use a beaten egg instead of the milk.
➕ How to Cook Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer
Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. Cut the fish fillets into sticks about ½ inch thick (1.3 cm) and 3½ inches long (8.9 cm). If the fish starts to fall apart at this size, cut slightly thicker pieces. Just note that thicker fish sticks will need a longer cooking time.
I find frozen fish fillets easiest to cut, but be sure they’re fully thawed before cooking. Gently pat the fish dry with paper towels before moving on.
In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the milk into a second bowl.
Dip each fish stick into the milk, then lightly coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Aim for a thin, even dusting rather than a thick layer.
Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single, non-touching layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed). Drizzle the melted butter over the fish sticks.
Air fry at 400F (200C) for 10-11 minutes, gently flipping the fish sticks after the first 7 minutes. If you’re using an air fryer oven, place the basket on the top rack. Thicker fish sticks may take 14-15 minutes to cook through.
The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145F (63C) using a meat thermometer. If needed, cook for a few additional minutes.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Fish Sticks Sauce Ideas
I love serving these air fryer fish sticks with lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce. Other great dipping options include:
- Cocktail sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Ketchup
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Ranch dressing
You can also sprinkle them with Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor. So good.
How to Reheat Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer
Homemade fish sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days if needed. To reheat, air fry at 400F (200C) for 3-5 minutes, adding more time as needed until they’re hot and crispy again.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Fish Sticks (Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fish fillets (227 grams; I used cod)
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- cooking oil spray
- lemon wedges and tartar sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. Cut the fish fillets into sticks about ½ inch thick (1.3 cm) and 3½ inches long (8.9 cm). If the fish starts to fall apart at this size, cut slightly thicker pieces. Just note that thicker fish sticks will need a longer cooking time. I find frozen fish fillets easiest to cut, but be sure they’re fully thawed before cooking. Gently pat the fish dry with paper towels before moving on.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the milk into a second bowl.
- Dip each fish stick into the milk, then lightly coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Aim for a thin, even dusting rather than a thick layer. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single, non-touching layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed). Drizzle the melted butter over the fish sticks.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-11 minutes, gently flipping the fish sticks after the first 7 minutes. If you’re using an air fryer oven, place the basket on the top rack. Thicker fish sticks may take 14-15 minutes to cook through.
- The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. If needed, cook for a few additional minutes.Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Store bought frozen fish sticks often come with a long list of ingredients, including additives you may prefer to avoid. These homemade air fryer fish sticks are a simple, wholesome alternative. For kids who are hesitant about seafood, this recipe can be a great place to start. If you’re looking for even lighter options, you might enjoy a steamed fish recipe instead. Fish seasoned with herbs and a squeeze of citrus instead of heavy breading is delicious too. My air fryer jicama fries or kale apple slaw make excellent sides to this meal. Enjoy. Nutrition information is for one serving. Only half of the breading and milk are included in the calculation, since not all of it is used.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Fish Recipes
Looking for other air fryer recipes using fish? Try these next:
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
Another winner, Summer. Not only is your creation approachable and wholesome, it’d work with just about any type of firm-fleshed fish that looks good, or that you happen to have on hand at the moment. As you mentioned, perfect for a compressed weekday evening rushing home from work.
Thank you! The easy meal idea is definitely what I’ve been needing lately!
More air fryer magic! Great recipe and it’s fantastic you gave precise measurements for the breading. Thanks for the post!
Thanks, Brian!