Air fryer fish fingers are the ultimate in crispy, golden deliciousness, cooked to perfection right in your air fryer. Who doesn’t love a good fish finger? These fish sticks are not only tasty but super easy to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal for the family. Learn how to make them!

Crispy air fryer fish fingers are a healthier take on the classic fish sticks, offering a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Once a popular children's meal, these homemade fish fingers have become a favorite for all ages due to their simplicity and taste.
The air fryer method ensures they're cooked to perfection, making them a great option for quick weeknight dinners.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Crispy Coating: The combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates a perfect crunch.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier choice.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, perfect for family meals.
If you like this snack recipe, you may also love our Crunchy Air Fryer Pasta Chips or our Triscuit Pizza.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
- Expert Tips for Success
- Freezing Large Portions of Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- Air Fryer
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
Ingredients
- Cod Fillets: Thawed for even cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick to the fish.
- Eggs: Beat them well to use as a binder.
- Panko and Italian Style Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture.
- Paprika: Adds a mild spice and color.
- Garlic Powder: Adds flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
- Cooking Spray: Avocado oil or olive oil adds a nice golden finish.
For Dipping
- Tartar sauce or ketchup
- Lemon wedges (if desired)
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE: Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fingers
STEP ONE: Prepare the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into finger-sized strips.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
STEP THREE: Bread the Fish Fingers
Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
STEP FOUR: Air Fry the Fish Fingers
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the fish fingers in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
Spray the tops of the fish fingers with cooking spray and cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with ketchup or tartar sauce for dipping. Add lemon wedges if desired.
What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- Cod Fillets: Substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- Egg: Try buttermilk to coat the fish before dredging in breadcrumbs. It helps the coating stick and adds a slight tangy flavor.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free option.
- Spice: Increase the garlic powder and add cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Air Fryer
- Three Mixing Bowls
- Cooking Spray
- Paper Towels
- Knife
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Store any leftover fish fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
For the crispiest fish fingers, ensure the fish strips are well dried before breading. If you prefer an even crunchier texture, lightly spray the breaded fish fingers with cooking spray before air frying.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Freezing Large Portions of Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Freezing fish fingers in large portions is a great way to have a quick, healthy snack ready for kids. Here's how you freeze them.
- Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of cooking.
- Place the breaded fish fingers on a baking sheet in a single layer. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid.
- Transfer the frozen fish fingers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
To Cook from Frozen:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen fish fingers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover breadcrumbs to make Baked Crab Cakes.
- Excess cod can be used to make Homemade Fish Tacos
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Air fryer fish sticks go very well with this Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Pair them with a Garden Fresh Salad.
- Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges as a side dish.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter
- Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
- Fried Grouper Cheeks
- Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Related
More air fryer recipes you will love:
Air Fryer
FAQ
Yes, just make sure to thaw the fish completely before breading and cooking.
Spraying the basket with cooking spray and flipping the fish fingers halfway through cooking will help prevent sticking.
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Fish Fingers
Equipment
- Three Mixing Bowls
- Cooking Spray
- Paper towels
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs cod fillets frozen and thawed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into finger-sized strips.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the fish fingers in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
- Spray the tops of the fish fingers with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping. Add lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Cod Fillets: Substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- Egg: Try buttermilk to coat the fish before dredging in breadcrumbs. It helps the coating stick and adds a slight tangy flavor.
Nutrition
Crispy air fryer fish fingers are a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that the whole family will love. Give this recipe a try and share your results with us. Don't forget to explore our related posts for more tasty and healthy air fryer recipes!
Cod fillets should be thawed properly and kept at a safe temperature. Cook the fish fingers until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) so they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
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