• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Laura Fuentes
  • Healthy Eating
  • Cookbooks
  • Recipes
  • About
  • #MOMLIFE
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Eat Healthy
  • Fasting
  • Meet Laura
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Eat Healthy
  • Fasting
  • Meet Laura
  • Contact
×

Air Fryer Fish Sticks 

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Want to know how long to cook frozen fish sticks in the air fryer? This air fryer fish sticks post explains it all!

From air fryer temperature settings to how long to cook frozen fish sticks below, you’ll learn how to achieve that crisp golden glow in the air fryer that kids (and adults) love!

large pile of air fried fish sticks on a cutting board with a lemon wedge

Can You Cook Frozen Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer?

Good news, fish sticks in the air-fryer take a fraction of the time to cook compared to the oven and taste even better! The air circulation in the air-fryer is superior and makes the fish sticks taste as good as fried without the oil and the mess. 

I can’t say it for every kitchen gadget, but recipes like this and my Air-Fried Salmon or PB & J Uncrustables PROVE air-fryers are worth the money and counter space. 

frozen fish sticks in an air fryer before cooking

How Long to Air Fry Frozen Fish Sticks

After preheating your air-fryer for 5 minutes at 400F, place the fish sticks in an even layer in the basket. Cook for 8 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes or until crispy. 

These directions apply to store-bought still frozen and homemade fish sticks that were not previously baked. 

fish sticks in an air fryer after cooking

Can You Reheat Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

Reheating fish sticks in the air-fryer is a great way to revive the crispy texture without drying them out. Place the fish sticks directly in the basket with the crisper plate at 360F for 5 to 6 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

For excellent fish sticks, follow the recipe below AND check these tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfect! 

Use the crisper plate
Most air fryers include an insert plate that lifts the food from the bottom to allow air circulation and heat. Make sure to use this insert for maximum crispiness. 

Layer evenly
For the fish sticks to cook evenly and have a crispy exterior, they should be placed in a single layer and evenly spaced apart. 

Don’t use cooking spray
Cooking sprays such as PAM will leave a residue, and it’s not recommended for use inside an air-fryer. If you wish to coat the fish sticks with additional oil to increase the crispiness (most fish sticks don’t need this), use a spray bottle filled with oil. Alternatively, make sure to spray the fish sticks outside the air fryer and then place them in the basket.

For larger fish sticks
If the fish sticks appear larger than the standard 1 to 1 ½-inch thick, you may need to cook them a few minutes longer. This is often the case with the wider fish sticks (think chicken strip size).

Check the internal temp

If the fish sticks still look undercooked after 12 minutes, check for an internal temperature of 165F using a meat thermometer. 

How to Serve Your Air-Fried Fish Sticks 

Of course, you’ll need some tartar sauce or ketchup to go with your fish sticks, but if you’d like to pair these with some quick and easy sides, you can try a quick Side Salad, these Spicy Green Beans, Sweet Potato Salad or even Carrot Raisin Salad!

Print

Air Fryer Fish Sticks 

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Want to know how long to cook frozen fish sticks in the air fryer? This air fryer fish sticks recipe explains it all!

  • Author: Laura Fuentes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 8–12 frozen and breaded fish sticks

Instructions

  1. For best results, preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F then…
  2. Place the frozen fish sticks in an even layer in the air fryer basket with the crisper insert. 
  3. Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes. Use kitchen tongs to flip the fish sticks over and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes or until cooked through, and the coating is crisp and golden brown. 

Equipment

Air Fyer

Buy Now →
packed lunches ebook on a tablet

101 Packed Lunches eBook

Buy Now →

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 316
  • Sugar: 1.9 g
  • Sodium: 458.3 mg
  • Fat: 18.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24.7 g
  • Fiber: 1.7 g
  • Protein: 12.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 31.9 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @MOMables on Instagram and hashtag it #momables

More Kid-approved

  • Creamy Garlic Chicken
  • 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
  • Creamy Mac and Cheese Without Milk

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm Laura.
I inspire moms to live a healthy lifestyle while juggling their family and work with fresh recipes and practical advice.

More about me →

Let's Be Social!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram YouTube
Download The Busy Mom's Guide to a Healthier Life

Fresh Favorites

  • Authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo
  • Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • 20+ Low Carb Lunch Ideas
  • Crispy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Trending Now

  • Teen Girl Gift Ideas for New Drivers
  • Paleo Chili Recipe | All Meat Veggie Chili
  • How to Roast Vegetables
  • Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Women

Footer

^ back to top

Browse

  • Recipe Index
  • Weekly Meal Plan
  • Clean Eating Program

Download the Busy Mom's Guide to a Healthy Life

laura holding meal plan guide in front of prepped food

Useful Links

  • Contact
  • Permissions
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2023 LAURA FUENTES · DESIGN BY FUENTES MEDIA