Name: Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen fish sticks

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These air fryer frozen fish sticks are a lifesaver for busy days when you need a quick and tasty meal in minutes. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these fish sticks are an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a fast lunch, an easy dinner, or a kid-friendly snack, this recipe is sure to please!

If you love fast and easy meals, then you might need to try these frozen fish sticks in the air fryer! These fish sticks are perfectly cooked and oh so crispy straight out of the air fryer. The perfect quick lunch that everyone will enjoy, especially the kids!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

These fish sticks are so crispy and golden, you won’t believe they’re cooked straight from frozen. The air fryer gives them a texture that rivals deep-fried perfection, without the extra oil.
They’re incredibly easy to make – just pop them in the air fryer and let it do the work. No preheating, flipping, or extra preparation needed.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a no-fuss meal. It’s done in just 9 minutes, making it a lifesaver for hectic days.
Kids absolutely love them! The crispy texture and mild flavor make them a kid-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour.
You can pair these versatile fish sticks with a variety of sides and sauces. They’re great as a main dish or a snack, fitting into any meal plan effortlessly.

Frozen Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

If you know me, you know that I love all things crispy and crunchy, and I can’t stand soggy fish sticks! Now that I cook with my air fryer, I never have an issue with soggy foods anymore. I can make any kind of frozen food nice and crispy, and no one would suspect that it wasn’t freshly made at home!

These crispy fish sticks would be delicious if served alongside these air fryer potato fries! They can be easily added to a meal as a side dish or used as the main dish with plenty of other side options.

This is the perfect dish for picky eaters or for when you just don’t have time to cook anything fresh to eat during a busy week.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

Frozen Fish Sticks – These are the star of the recipe, providing a crispy and delicious seafood option that’s easy to cook.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray – Helps ensure the fish sticks don’t stick to the air fryer basket and get evenly crispy.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

Air Fryer – The key to perfectly crisp and golden fish sticks without needing oil or preheating.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray – Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket.

These are my favorite kinds of meals! The kind of meal that you can dump into the air fryer for a few minutes with no extra work required! It just doesn’t get any easier than that.

Even if you don’t think that you like frozen fish sticks, you should still try this recipe for yourself. You might change your opinion once you see how deliciously crispy these fish sticks are! They are just as good as the kind you would get in any restaurant.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

To make these frozen fish sticks in the air fryer, start by spraying your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.

Put down a single layer of the fish sticks in the basket, making sure to not overcrowd them.

Cook the frozen fish sticks at 400F for 9 minutes.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

Be careful not to overcrowd the fish sticks. If you need more fish sticks, you can cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
No defrosting is necessary, you can cook the fish sticks straight out of the freezer!
For extra flavor, you could add some seasonings to the fish sticks before cooking.

What To Serve with Air Fried Fish Sticks

These frozen fish sticks in the air fryer are good enough to eat just on their own, but they can easily be made into a more filling meal.

These potato skins would pair amazingly with these fish sticks as well as this air fryer seafood medley mix.

You could also serve your fish sticks with a simple side of your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!

Variations and Substitutions

Spice it Up: For a zesty twist, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder on the fish sticks before cooking. Pair with a spicy dipping sauce for added kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free frozen fish sticks for a celiac-friendly or gluten-free alternative. The cooking instructions remain the same.
Add a Lemon Zing: After cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish sticks for a burst of citrus flavor.
Homemade Fish Sticks: If you prefer fresh fish, bread your fish fillets with panko or breadcrumbs and air fry them using the same method for homemade fish sticks.
Kid-Friendly Shapes: Use fish sticks cut into fun shapes or pair them with smiley fries or tater tots for a kid-approved meal.
Low-Sodium Alternative: Opt for fish sticks labeled as low-sodium to reduce the salt content in your dish.
Pair with Creative Dips: Try dipping sauces like honey mustard, aioli, or ranch dressing for a delicious change from traditional options.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place any leftover fish sticks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: To restore crispiness, reheat the fish sticks in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method prevents them from becoming soggy.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F, arrange the fish sticks on a baking sheet, and heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Avoid Microwaving: While you can microwave fish sticks for convenience, they may lose their crispy texture and become soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this method for homemade fish sticks?

Yes! If you’re making fish sticks from scratch, bread the fish fillets with your choice of coating, then air fry them at the same temperature. Homemade fish sticks might need a minute or two less cooking time depending on their thickness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, preheating is not necessary for this recipe. The fish sticks cook evenly and turn crispy without preheating the air fryer.

How do I prevent the fish sticks from sticking to the basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the fish sticks. This ensures they come out easily without breaking apart.

Can I stack the fish sticks in the air fryer?

It’s best to arrange the fish sticks in a single layer. Stacking them may prevent even cooking and reduce crispiness. If you need to cook more, simply make multiple batches.

Are these fish sticks healthy?

Compared to deep-frying, air frying uses less oil and is a healthier way to enjoy crispy fish sticks. Choose low-sodium or whole-grain options for additional health benefits.

What’s the best dipping sauce for fish sticks?

Popular choices include tartar sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing. For a more unique twist, try spicy mayo, honey mustard, or a creamy dill sauce.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you like this recipe, you should try some other similar recipes. These all make delicious and easy meals!

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