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Homemade Fish Sticks in Air Fryer – From Scratch

There’s something undeniably comforting about fish sticks. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they evoke memories of childhood meals, yet they can be easily dismissed as mere convenience food. However, making fish sticks from scratch not only elevates this classic dish but also gives you the opportunity to control the ingredients and flavours. When prepared in an air fryer, they become a healthier option, requiring less oil while still delivering that desired crunch. Let’s dive into how to make homemade fish sticks in an air fryer.

Ingredients

For the fish sticks:

• 500g firm white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or pollock)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
• Cooking spray or oil (for extra crispiness)

For serving:

• Tartar sauce or your favourite dipping sauce
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

1. Choose Your Fish: Start with fresh or thawed fish fillets. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with kitchen paper. This helps the coating adhere better.

2. Cut the Fillets: Slice the fish fillets into even strips, roughly 1 inch wide, to ensure uniform cooking. Thicker strips may take longer to cook, so keep that in mind.

3. Season: Sprinkle the fish strips generously with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasoning you desire at this stage.

Step 2: Breading Station

1. Prepare Three Bowls: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and parsley.

2. Coat the Fish:
   • Dredge a piece of fish in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated and shaking off any excess.
   • Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat the fish in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well. Set aside on a plate. Repeat this process for all the fish strips.

Step 3: Air Frying the Fish Sticks

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for approximately 5 minutes.

2. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. This prevents sticking and aids in achieving a crispy finish.

3. Arrange the Fish Sticks: Place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd, as this will affect the cooking process. If you have a lot, consider doing this in batches.

4. Cooking Time: Air fry the fish sticks for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F).

Step 4: Serving

Once cooked, remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm with tartar sauce or your preferred dipping sauce, accompanied by lemon wedges for an added zesty kick. Pair them with a fresh side salad or some homemade chips for a delightful meal.

Conclusion

Homemade fish sticks are a fantastic way to indulge in a nostalgic meal while ensuring quality ingredients. Using an air fryer not only reduces fat but also brings out a wonderful crunch. Whether serving them for lunch, dinner, or as a party snack, these fish sticks are sure to please palates of all ages. Give this recipe a go, and you may find yourself never wanting to buy store-bought fish sticks again! Enjoy your culinary journey into the world of homemade delights!