Forget everything you know about boring, soggy fish sticks from your childhood! These air fryer Parmesan crusted fish sticks are about to revolutionize your dinner game with a crispy, cheesy coating that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky white fish - all without the guilt of deep-frying and in just 25 minutes total!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of white fish fillets, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of paprika, 2 eggs, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the fish sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them until well combined. This will be your egg wash.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.
- Cut the fish fillets into stick-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
- Dip each fish stick into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to coat the fish stick evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded; you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the fish sticks in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve the air fryer Parmesan crusted fish sticks with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Tips
- Pat your fish fillets completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and help the breading stick better.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary to maintain that perfect crisp texture.
- Flip the fish sticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crunchiness on all sides.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices in your breadcrumb mixture - try adding dried herbs like parsley or dill.
- Let the fish sticks rest for a minute after cooking to help the coating set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
