Description
These homemade fish sticks are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and easy to prepare using either the oven or an air fryer. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan and spices, they make a perfect family-friendly dinner served with tartar sauce, ketchup, and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds cod or other firm white fish, cut into sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Serving
- Tartar sauce
- Ketchup
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the fish. Pat the cod or preferred white fish dry with paper towels, then cut it into evenly sized sticks for uniform cooking.
- Set up dredging stations. Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.
- Coat the fish sticks. Dredge each fish stick first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Finally, press the fish firmly into the seasoned panko mixture until well coated.
- Arrange and add oil. Place the coated fish sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. To achieve a crispy crust, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Bake the fish sticks. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, carefully turning the fish sticks halfway through to brown evenly. The fish is done when the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve. Serve the hot fish sticks immediately with tartar sauce, ketchup, lemon wedges, and optional fresh parsley for garnish.
- Alternative air fryer method. For air frying, cook the coated fish sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
Notes
- Cod, haddock, pollock, or other firm white fish all work well for this recipe.
- You can cook fish sticks in the air fryer for a quicker, equally crispy alternative.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra crunch, try mixing finely crushed cornflakes with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Leftover fish sticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Kid-Friendly, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
