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Air Fryer Fish Sticks

There is just something so comforting about crispy golden fish sticks and other easy childhood dishes that few grownup meals will ever be able to compete with.

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Want some tasty fish sticks, but don’t want to have to wait ages? Why not try making them in a handy air fryer?

Why not try making your own Tartar Sauce to pair with your fish sticks? Or for something a little different try this Lemon Aioli recipe!

air fryer fish sticks on a white plate

Air Fryer Fish Sticks

We all feel bad admitting that those classic childhood meals are still some of our favorites, even decades after childhood. But there is just something so comforting about fish sticks and those other childhood dishes that few grownup meals will ever be able to compete with.

The good news is that of all those meals we remember from childhood fish sticks are one of the best for you. Fish is packed with omega and healthy oils something we could all probably do with more of in our diets. So, rather than feeling guilty about reaching for those fish sticks in the freezer think of them as more of a hack for getting more fish into your diet.

Even better, cooking fish sticks just got even easier thanks to your air fryer. Now you can really recreate the joys of childhood when the only kitchen appliance you were allowed to use was the microwave.

By cooking your fish sticks in an air fryer, makes them turn out crispy and delicious, but they also avoid the need for an oven tray and having to clean up. With your air fryer, you can recreate one of your favorite childhood meals and remember the fun of cooking as a child!

air fryer fish sticks ingredients on a white platter

Cooking Fresh Fish Sticks Rather Than Frozen

Frozen fish sticks are convenient as they keep for months in the freezer without going bad. Frozen fish sticks are also what we all think of when we remember eating them as a child.

However, fresh fish sticks also have their place. Fresh fish sticks tend to have a much more realistic fish texture and taste. Therefore if you’re in the mood for fish but still want the comforting nature of fish sticks why not try buying them fresh?

You can cook fresh fish sticks in your air fryer in the same way that you would cook frozen sticks. The only difference is that you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow for the fact that they are not frozen.

Make sure to take into account the thickness of your fish sticks as this will determine how long they need to cook. Fresh fish sticks are often chunkier than frozen sticks and so may take just as long to cook.

You can tell when your fish sticks are cooked as they will golden slightly in color. You can also try breaking one apart to check that the fish is soft and flaky inside meaning that it is done.

air fryer fish sticks in the air fryer basket

Can You Use Your Air Fryer To Cook Other Frozen Fish?

Fish sticks are not the only frozen fish that you can cook in your air fryer. Any frozen fish that you would normally cook in the oven can be cooked in an air fryer.

For example, why not try cooking whole pieces of fish such as cod or salmon in an air fryer? Frozen scampi and fish cakes also work great in an air fryer.

With your air fryer, you can enjoy a healthy meal even on those nights when you get home late and really don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen!

air fryer fish sticks piled on a white plate

Quick Side Dishes To Serve With Your Fish Sticks

The whole point of this air fryer fish stick recipe is that it is super quick and simple, making it perfect for those busy days. You, therefore, don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen making a side to go with them.

Here are ideas for side dishes to serve with your fish sticks that take almost no time to make.

  • Frozen Fries Cooked In Your Air Fryer

Nothing pairs better with fish sticks than fries so why not try tossing some fries into your air fryer for crispy fries without any of the grease?

Some of the more expensive air fryers have two compartments, which means you can cook your fries and fish sticks simultaneously. If you only have enough space to cook one at a time don’t worry. Cook your fish sticks first and keep them warm either wrapped in foil or covered with a plate while you cook the fries.

  • Simple Salad

Feel like something a little healthier pair your fish sticks with a simple salad. Grab a bag of ready-cut lettuce, toss in a few sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and any other salad favorites and you have the perfect side!

You could even buy a ready-prepared salad for a meal that takes less than ten minutes to prepare and requires almost no cleanup after!

  • Fish Stick Sandwich Or Burger

Turn your fish sticks Into a sandwich or burger for a complete meal that feels like a real treat!

For a fish sandwich, all you need are two slices of bread, lettuce, a sliced tomato, and tartar sauce. Depending on your chosen sliced bread you might want to toast it to help maintain the structural integrity of your sandwich.

Use the same ingredients to make a fish burger only swap the sliced bread for the burger bun of your choice. You could also try adding onions and cheese to your burger, as well as a squeeze of lemon over your fish sticks.

Looking for more delicious Air Fryer recipes? Try these out:

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer French Fries

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Happy Cooking

Love,

Karlynn

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There is just something so comforting about crispy golden fish sticks and other easy dishes that are quick to whip up.
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Air Fryer Fish Sticks

There is just something so comforting about crispy golden fish sticks and other easy childhood dishes that few grownup meals will ever be able to compete with.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4-6 frozen fish sticks

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 400° if necessary.
  • Cook at 400 ° for 7-8 minutes flip over and cook for another 3-5 minutes until crispy.
  • Remove and serve with a wedge of lemon and your favorite tartar sauce.
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheKitchenMagpie or tag #thekitchenmagpie!

Karlynn Johnston

I’m a busy mom of two, wife & cookbook author who loves creating fast, fresh meals for my little family on the Canadian prairies. Karlynn Facts: I'm allergic to broccoli. I've never met a cocktail that I didn't like. I would rather burn down my house than clean it. Most of all, I love helping YOU get dinner ready because there's nothing more important than connecting with our loved ones around the dinner table!

Learn more about me

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  1. Monica says

    Hi Karolyn, I usually love your recipes. I was disappointed that this one was more of an air fryer method for reheating frozen fish sticks. Would have loved the fish stick recipe.

  2. Tammy says

    Just like the frozen pizza rolls, this is not a recipe so much as it is manufacture’s instructions on how to operate your airfryer – which you should NOT use in a college dorm room.

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