Name: Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups plain panko bread crumbs (For that irresistible crunch.); 1/4 cup olive oil (Helps the breading crisp up beautifully.); 1/4 cup fine cornmeal (Adds texture; can substitute with more panko.); 2/3 cup flour (A light coating to help the egg adhere.); 2 large eggs (The binding agent in our breading process.); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Adds a tangy flavor.); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Brightens the dish.); 2 pounds cod fillets (A mild, firm-textured fish.); 1 1/4 tsp paprika (Essential for seasoning.); 1 1/4 tsp salt (Essential for seasoning.); 1 tsp dried parsley (Enhances the fish flavor.); 1 tsp dried oregano (Enhances the fish flavor.); 1 tsp onion powder (Enhances the fish flavor.); 1 tsp garlic powder (Enhances the fish flavor.); 1 tsp pepper (Enhances the fish flavor.); 1/2 tsp dried thyme (Adds depth to the flavor.); 1/2 tsp celery seed (Optional ingredient.); 1 pinch cayenne (A little heat to balance the flavors.); Dipping sauces (Tartar sauce, sriracha aioli, ketchup, barbecue sauce, tzatziki sauce, ranch.)

Fish sticks are a nostalgic favorite that conjures up memories of childhood meals, school lunches, and family dinners. With their crispy coating and tender fish inside, these delightful morsels can be enjoyed in various ways – whether baked, air-fried, or fried. This recipe will have you whipping up a batch of homemade fish sticks that are not only delicious but also healthier than their store-bought counterparts. Get ready to impress your family with the ultimate Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried)!

Reasons to Love Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried)

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or types of fish to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: Fish sticks are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a fantastic family meal.
Healthy Options: Baking or air-frying offers lighter alternatives to traditional frying, without sacrificing flavor.
Delicious Dipping Sauces: Pair these fish sticks with your favorite sauces like tartar sauce, ketchup, or sriracha aioli for an extra punch!

Ingredient Rundown

1 3/4 cups plain panko bread crumbs: For that irresistible crunch.
1/4 cup olive oil: Helps the breading crisp up beautifully.
1/4 cup fine cornmeal: Adds texture; you can substitute with more panko if you prefer.
2/3 cup flour: A light coating to help the egg adhere.
2 large eggs: The binding agent in our breading process.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the fish sticks.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish and complements the fish.
2 pounds cod fillets: A mild, firm-textured fish that holds up well during cooking.
1 1/4 tsp EACH paprika, salt: Essential for seasoning the breading.
1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper: A flavorful blend that enhances the fish.
1/2 tsp EACH dried thyme, celery seed: Adds depth to the flavor profile (celery is optional).
Pinch of cayenne: A little heat to balance the flavors.
Dipping sauces: Tartar sauce, sriracha aioli, ketchup, barbecue sauce, tzatziki sauce, ranch – the options are deliciously endless!

What’s in the Gear List

Baking sheet: For oven-baking the fish sticks.
Air fryer basket: For perfectly crispy air-fried fish sticks.
Skillet: For frying if you choose the traditional method.
Mixing bowls: To combine your ingredients.
Whisk: For mixing the egg and other wet ingredients.
Meat thermometer: To ensure your fish is cooked perfectly.

Mastering Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried): How-To

Step 1: Prepare Your Fish

Start by cutting your cod fillets into finger-sized strips. This ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In three separate bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, mix the flour with 1 1/4 tsp paprika, 1 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp each of dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The third bowl will be filled with the panko bread crumbs and cornmeal.

Step 3: Breading the Fish

Dredge each fish strip in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fish in the panko and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

For oven-baked fish sticks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the breaded fish sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

For air-fried fish sticks, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, lightly spray with olive oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For fried fish sticks, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels after frying.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your fish sticks are cooked, serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauces. Tartar sauce is highly recommended for that classic pairing, but don’t hesitate to get creative!

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

Warm Weather: Pair your fish sticks with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a light, refreshing meal.
Cool Weather: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty vegetable soup for a cozy dinner.
Snack Time: Cut the fish sticks into smaller pieces for fun appetizers at parties or game days.
Wrap It Up: Use the fish sticks in a tortilla wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a quick lunch.

Notes on Ingredients

When choosing your fish, cod is an excellent choice due to its mild flavor and firm texture. However, feel free to substitute with haddock, tilapia, or even salmon based on your preference. For the breading, panko gives you that extra crunch, but if you can’t find it, regular breadcrumbs work too. The spices can be adjusted based on your taste, so feel free to experiment!

Storage Pro Tips

Leftovers: Store any leftover fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded fish sticks. Lay them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Batch Cooking: Consider making a double batch so you have some on hand for quick meals or snacks!

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even omit it entirely. The fish sticks will still be delicious!

Can I make these fish sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bread the fish sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just remember that they might need a few extra minutes in the oven or air fryer.

What dipping sauces pair well with fish sticks?

There are so many options! Tartar sauce is classic, but you could also try sriracha aioli, ketchup, barbecue sauce, tzatziki, or ranch dressing. Get creative and find your favorite!

Ready, Set, Cook

With this recipe for Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried), you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of crispy panko breading, tender fish, and your favorite dipping sauces will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, choose your cooking method, and get ready to enjoy a homemade classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!