Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks for Kids

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, healthy, and kid-friendly meals can be quite a challenge. Parents often find themselves juggling busy schedules, work commitments, and the ever-important task of preparing nutritious meals for their families. Enter Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks – a delightful dish that combines the fun of finger foods with nutritious ingredients. This recipe not only simplifies mealtime but also introduces children to the joys of eating fish, which is packed with protein and essential nutrients. Whether for dinner or lunch, these fish sticks are a surefire way to please picky eaters while ensuring they enjoy a balanced meal.

Looking for a quick and healthy meal option that your kids will love? Try these Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks! This easy recipe combines the fun of finger foods with nutritious ingredients, making mealtime effortless and enjoyable. Using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without excessive oil, keeping meals lower in fat. These fish sticks are not only delicious and kid-friendly but also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your family's diet. Enjoy making these tasty treats together and watch your children's taste buds expand!

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Ingredients

1 lb fresh white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional: lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut each fillet into strips, about 1-1.5 inches wide.

Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.

Bread the Fish: Start by coating each fish strip in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely covered, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Place the breaded fish sticks on a plate or a wire rack.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will help achieve a crispy texture.

Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding (you may need to do this in batches). Spray the tops of the fish sticks lightly with cooking spray.

Cooking Time: Air fry the fish sticks for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4