Air fryer fish sticks are a quick and easy snack or dinner that requires no prep. Air frying frozen fish sticks is a great way to get crispy breading without deep frying.

Fish sticks on a platter with lemon and tartar suace.

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Using the air fryer is the best way to make an easy weeknight dinner like these frozen fish sticks. Thanks to hot air, not loads of extra oil, you can whip up a delicious meal even picky eaters won't be able to resist.

You may like to serve these as is, but I really like making my homemade tartar sauce as a dip or spread. Hamburger buns and hot dog buns make great "fish sandwiches". If you don't like tartar sauce, try a slather of my flavorful Creamy Cajun Sauce. Serve some tater tots on the side for an easy meal the whole family will love.

If you love Tex Mex like we do, then you just need some hot tortillas and, oui la, fish tacos are ready. My Chipotle Lime Crema tastes great with seafood!

Ingredients

This is an overview of the recipe. Scroll to the bottom of this post for exact amounts and printable recipe card.

Nonstick cooking spray - I used an avocado oil spray because it's perfect for high temperature cooking. I also think it helps make crispy fish sticks with the perfect golden brown exterior. You can use an olive oil version, or whatever you have on hand. Or you can skip this step, it's optional.

I used one 11.4 ounce box of Gorton's fish sticks. The box says there are 18 sticks in the box, but there was actually 20. This recipe will work with just about any brand or variety of frozen fish sticks. If using fish fillets, adjust as needed.

Tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges.

Directions

1) Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

2) Add the fish sticks and give them a spritz. You can cook them in batches, but I wanted to make an entire box at once so I could feed four people quickly. There was enough space to place them in a single layer without overlapping.

3) Air fryer the frozen fish sticks at 400 degrees F for about 10 -11 minutes, depending on desired crispness. Turn them over at about the six minute mark for even browning. If cooking in batches, the fish sticks will be done around the 7-8 minute mark.

4) Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips

If cooking in batches, cook time can be reduced. Check for desired crispness at the 7 minute mark.

Cooking time may vary. Check the fish sticks a minute or two before time to be sure they are cooking as expected.

I didn't preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you preheat, you might need a minute or two less time.

I usually don't like to overcrowd the air fryer basket, but I find that these fish sticks have a crunchy, hardy breading that browns evenly even when cooked close together.

How to store

Store leftover fish sticks tightly covered or in an airtight container for up to three days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 380 degrees F until heated through, about 5 minutes.

More easy air fryer recipes

A plate with fish sticks and tartar sauce.

📖 Recipe