Fish sticks are a quick and easy meal that can be made even more convenient with an air fryer. Cooking fish sticks in an air fryer is a fantastic method to get crispy, delicious fish sticks without the mess and oil of deep frying.
But how long do you air fry fish sticks? In this guide, we will cover the ideal cooking time and temperature for frozen fish sticks in an air fryer, along with the best tips for how long to cook fish sticks in air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
But before we get there, when is it worth getting out the bleeping air fryer, anyway? First things first. If you have never tried cooking fish sticks in an air fryer, you are seriously missing out! An air fryer is a wonderful tool for creating that perfect outer crunch on your fish fillet with a succulent, flaky inside—no deep frying necessary. And clean-up is super quick and easy, too! Win-win, right?
Thanks to the air fryer, these air-fried fish sticks are even healthier without compromising on flavor. They are not greasy and are light meals that taste amazing. The crispy texture will appeal to kids; you can feel better about your health than a deep-fat fryer.
How Long to Cook Fish Sticks in Air Fryer?
The ideal cooking time for fish sticks in an air fryer is typically between 10 to 12 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This will give you golden, crispy fish sticks with a perfectly cooked interior.
Cooking Time Breakdown:
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Frozen Fish Sticks: 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
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Pre-cooked or Fresh Fish Sticks: 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the brand of fish sticks and the size of the air fryer basket. If your fish sticks are thicker or your air fryer is smaller, you may need to add an extra minute or two.
How to Air Fry Frozen Fish Sticks
Air frying frozen fish sticks is simple and convenient. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand. Here’s how you can achieve perfectly crispy fish sticks every time:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Place the frozen fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
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Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness on all sides.
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Check for doneness. If the fish sticks are golden and crispy, remove them. If they need more time, add 1-2 more minutes.
How Long to Cook Fish Sticks in Air Fryer
But if you are like me and a massive lover of anything air-fryer-related, cooking these fish sticks will be as easy.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks Time and Temp
To get the best results with air fryer fish sticks, follow the general guideline of 400°F for 10-12 minutes. For crispy fish sticks, ensure the fish sticks are not overcrowded in the basket. If you need to cook in batches, that’s fine—just don’t stack the fish sticks.
For thicker fish sticks, you might need to cook them for a few extra minutes. Similarly, for smaller or thinner fish sticks, reduce cooking time by a minute or two.
How to Air Fry Fish Sticks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Air frying fish sticks is a straightforward process, but to get them perfect, follow these steps:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a crispier finish.
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Arrange fish sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between them to ensure they cook evenly.
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Set the timer for 10-12 minutes and air fry at 400°F (200°C).
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Flip halfway through for an even, golden crisp on both sides.
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Serve your fish sticks with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip.
Can You Cook Fish Sticks in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Air frying fish sticks is a healthy and convenient way to cook them. The air fryer cooks them with hot air, giving them a crispy texture similar to deep frying but without the extra oil. This method is perfect for frozen fish sticks as it ensures they cook evenly and come out crispy every time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Fish Sticks?
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Quick and Efficient: The air fryer cooks fish sticks faster than conventional ovens.
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Healthier Option: Less oil means fewer calories compared to deep frying.
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Crispier Texture: The hot air circulation gives the fish sticks a crisp, golden finish.
Frozen Fish Sticks Air Fryer Temp
For frozen fish sticks, the best air fryer temperature is 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the fish sticks are cooked through while achieving a crispy exterior. Always preheat the air fryer before cooking for even results.
Tips for the Best Results
Do Not Overcrowd
When you add numerous fish sticks to the crate, they will not be genuinely fresh. Fry in several batches if needed.
Shake midway
Shake the basket halfway through. This will help them crisp up evenly.
Lightly Spray with Oil
If you want an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the tops of your frozen fish sticks with/ cooking oil before air frying. I sauce them only to freeze and skip this step sometimes, which gives them a little extra crunch.
I have tried a few different versions of fish sticks, and breaded seems to make the crunchiest ones. If using a different kind, the cooking time should be adjusted) One of the great things about an air fryer is that you can check on it without too much loss in heat.
Serving Suggestions
When your fish sticks are all done, serve them up! I like to serve mine with an easy homemade tartar sauce or a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice—tasty! They’re also tasty with a coleslaw side or fresh green salad. For more fun, serve them in a sandwich with lettuce and tartar sauc/’u975hghfge543q4qe. Delicious!
If you like changing things up, you can even serve your fish sticks with different dipping sauces. We eat them (my family, too) with ketchup or honey mustard, sometimes spicy sriracha mayo. They are usually a full meal served with sweet potato fries, which I also make in the air fryer.
Cleanup
What is great about using an air fryer? You lift the basket out, clean it off, and then that’s all. More importantly, the kitchen has no oily pans or grease stains. I like laying a small piece of parchment paper down in the air fryer basket for easier cleanup. This little step saves me time and headaches on those busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long to Air Fry Fish Sticks?
To cook fish sticks in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
2. Are Fish Sticks Precooked?
Yes, most fish sticks are precooked before they are frozen, making them safe to eat once heated. Air frying simply reheats and crisps them up.
3. How Long to Air Fry Frozen Fish Sticks?
Frozen fish sticks typically require 10-12 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking for best results.
4. Can You Cook Fish Sticks in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook fish sticks in an air fryer. This method provides a crispy texture without needing oil, making it a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying.
The Best Way to Cook Fish Sticks in an Air Fryer
Air frying fish sticks is one of the easiest and quickest ways to enjoy a crispy and delicious meal. By setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cooking for 10-12 minutes, you’ll achieve perfectly golden fish sticks that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With minimal prep time and no need for oil, this method is healthier and just as tasty as deep-frying.
And there you have it- my guide to air-frying fish sticks. I’m sharing how to make them from scratch, so hopefully, you like making/eating these as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you have any pointers or flavors of this soup. Until next time, happy frying the air!
I love hearing from you all, so let me know how your fish sticks turned out. What are your go-to dipping sauces for them? Swap some yummy ideas. If you have never made fish sticks in your air fryer before, I suggest you do so. However, this one is a game-changer, and it tastes pretty fabulous.
