Air Fryer Fish Sticks
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
425 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Description
Air Fryer Fish Sticks use cut pieces of tilapia that are coated first in flour, then an egg wash, and finally in Italian bread crumbs before air frying. Cooking at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, gives a crunchy coating with a tender fish center. The final paprika dusting adds subtle smoky notes without burning the seasoning. The recipe emphasizes leaving space between fish pieces in the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping by hot circulating air. This method helps avoid sogginess often caused by wet fish or overpacking the basket. The tilapia's delicate texture is balanced by the crunchy breadcrumb crust, making this preparation practical for a quick homemade fish stick snack or meal.
These fish sticks can be served with dipping sauces or alongside vegetables for a balanced meal. They freeze well before cooking if frozen fish is used but should be patted dry to avoid moisture interfering with the coating. The recipe suggests using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as a substitute for gluten-free needs, retaining the crispness of the coating.
Several tips include using a shallow dish for easy dipping, sprinkling paprika after cooking to prevent burning, and cooking thicker fillets longer if needed. Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. The recipe also notes scoring the best oil spray products compatible with air fryer baskets to protect their coating during cooking.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces tilapia fillet approximately 4 fillets, 680g
- 2 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 110g
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 108g
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F / 177 degrees C.
- Cut tilapia into bite-sized chunks.
- Set out three bowls, place flour in one, beat eggs in another, put bread crumbs into the third.
- Working with one piece of fish at a time, dip into flour, then the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs
- Place fish pieces into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer you should be able to fit 12 pieces in each batch.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping over halfway through. When finished, remove from air fryer and sprinkle with paprika.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crisping of fish sticks.
- If using frozen fish, fully defrost and pat dry before coating to prevent sogginess.
- Use a shallow dish for flour to make dipping easier and more even.
- Sprinkle paprika after cooking to avoid burning during air frying.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker fillets to ensure thorough cooking.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version without sacrificing coating crispness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for best quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 425 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 425kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 167mg | 56% |
| Sodium | 521mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 658mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 423IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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