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–+ servings
homemade fish sticks on a plate with tartar sauce

Homemade Fish Fingers

This Homemade Fish Fingers recipe is the best way to make fish sticks at home. The strips are made using breaded cod or tilapia and served golden brown with tartar sauce. You can bake or air fry this dish.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 - 2 pounds skinless cod fillets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs I used panko; See notes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • cooking oil I used olive oil.

Instructions
 

  • Pat the fish dry. Slice the cod into strips, whatever size you wish. Try to make them even in size so they cook at an even and consistent temperature.
  • Add the flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs to separate bowls large enough to dredge the fish sticks. Add the lemon pepper, paprika, and salt to the bowl with the flour and stir.
  • Set up a cooking station with the beaten egg, flour, and breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls.
  • Dip the fish in the flour, then the egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Keep a moist towel nearby for your hands. Breading can get really messy.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
  • Place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil. Do not stack the fish. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Cook for 5 minutes on 400 degrees.
  • Open the basket and flip the fish. Spray with cooking oil. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

Baked Oven Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the breaded fish sticks. Spray with cooking oil. 
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes (flip halfway through) or until crisp and golden brown.

Notes

Any breadcrumbs will work for this recipe. Panko will give them a little more crunch.
The amount of breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour you will need will vary based on the size of your fish. I like to start with 1/2 cup of flour, 1 egg, and 1 cup of breadcrumbs. You can always add additional servings as you need them. That way you can avoid excess.
Every air fryer and oven will cook at varying speeds. Monitor your fish. Ensure the texture meets your liking and cook it for however long it takes to achieve that.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 3g
Keyword fish fingers recipe, fish sticks recipe, homemade fish fingers, homemade fish sticks
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