How to Cook Frozen Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

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Skip the oven! Cooking frozen fish sticks in the air fryer gives you golden, crispy breading in just 10–12 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook frozen fish sticks in the air fryer, you’re not alone. Parents everywhere are ditching the oven and asking, “Can you put fish sticks in the air fryer?” The short answer: yes—and it’s honestly the best way to get crispy fish sticks every single time.

Air frying gives you that crunchy, golden texture kids love without the mess (or grease) of deep frying. Whether you’re using frozen fish sticks from your local grocery store (think Gorton’s, Trader Joe’s, or Van de Kamp’s) or making homemade fish sticks from scratch, the hot circulating air in your fryer ensures even cooking in a fraction of the time.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the cooking time, the ideal frozen fish sticks air fryer temp, and some fun serving ideas—because let’s be real, pairing these with french fries, tater tots, or onion rings makes for an easy meal that the whole family will devour.

Note that this recipe is written with regular frozen fish sticks in mind, the kind that look like fingers. If you have larger fish sticks or fish fillets, be sure to read our post on how to cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer instead.

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Why Use the Air Fryer for Fish Sticks?

There are a lot of reasons air fryer fish sticks are better than oven-baked:

• Crispy breading – No more soggy fish sticks from the baking sheet. The hot air gives you restaurant-worthy crunch.
• Less oil – A light spray of olive oil or avocado oil spray is all you need for that fried texture.
• Quick cooking time – Most fish sticks cook in just 10–12 minutes at the right degrees F, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-friendly meal – Think fish sticks + chicken nuggets + tater tots for a freezer-to-table combo that works when you’ve got hungry kids.
• Healthier option – Less fat than frying, but all the crunch.

Frozen Fish Sticks Air Fryer Temp & Cooking Time

So, what’s the magic number? For frozen fish sticks, the general guideline is:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
• Cooking time: 10–12 minutes

Place the frozen fish sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly. Flip halfway through (around the 6-minute mark) for the best results.

If you’re cooking homemade fish sticks (made with white fish fillets, egg wash, and bread crumbs seasoned with onion powder and garlic powder), they’ll take about the same time. Just check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for 145°F for fully cooked fish sticks.

💡 Pro Tip: Always leave enough space in the basket. Crowding leads to steam, which means—yep—soggy fish sticks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

Here’s an overview of the recipe for quick reference:

Preheat the Air Fryer – Some models don’t require preheating, but if yours does, set it to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or a little olive oil or vegetable oil.

Arrange the Fish Sticks – Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Line with parchment paper or aluminum foil if needed for easy cleanup (check your type of air fryer first).

Cook – Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Check the fish sticks at 10 minutes to make sure they’re not overcooking or getting too crispy.

Serve Immediately – Enjoy with favorite dipping sauces and sides for a delicious meal.

The Best Air Fryer Tips for Fish Sticks

• Don’t overcrowd – Making a large batch? Cook in rounds for the best results.
• Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking, and helpful if your frozen fish sticks are extra slim.
• Spray lightly – Too much oil makes breading soggy; just a mist adds crunch.
• Try different brands – From Birds Eye to Great Value, every favorite brand has a slightly different cook time. Keep an eye on your first batch.

Serving Ideas: What to Eat with Air Fryer Fish Sticks

The best part about air fryer recipes is how versatile they are. Fish sticks aren’t just for kids—they can be part of a fun easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Here are some classics choices:

• French fries, sweet potato fries or twice-baked potatoes
• Tater tots or air fryer tater tots
• Onion rings or mozzarella sticks
• A simple side salad with lemon juice and fresh dill
• Steamed veggies or a cold orzo salad for balance

Here are a few creative twists for air fryer fish sticks:

• Fish stick tacos – Wrap in tortillas with slaw and salsa.
• Fish stick sandwiches – Tuck into hamburger buns with lettuce and homemade tartar sauce.
• Fish fingers and chips night – A British-inspired spin for a fun family dinner.

Dipping Sauces for Fish Sticks:

• Homemade tartar sauce with dill pickles and fresh dill
• Cocktail sauce (zippy with horseradish)
• Ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard (favorite things for kids)
• A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

How to Reheat Leftover Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

Got leftover fish sticks? Skip the regular oven—use the air fryer for the best way to bring them back to life.

Preheat air fryer to 375°F and place leftovers in a single layer. Air fry for 3–4 minutes until hot and crispy again. Store any extras in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

FAQ About Cooking Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

Can you put fish sticks in air fryer without oil?
Yes! They’ll still crisp up, but a little spritz of oil helps.

Do I need to flip fish sticks in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning.

What’s the frozen fish sticks air fryer temp?
400°F for 10–12 minutes gives the best results.

How do I avoid soggy fish sticks?
Don’t overcrowd the basket, and always cook in a single layer.

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Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Learning how to cook fish sticks in the air fryer is a game-changer for parents. It’s the easy way to turn freezer frozen foods into a delicious meal in less time. With crunchy breading, fun dipping sauces, and kid-approved sides, these air fryer fish sticks will quickly become one of your favorite recipes for busy weeknights.

So next time you’re staring at a box of frozen fish sticks and wondering what to do, skip the oven. Grab your best air fryer, line the air fryer basket, and get ready for crispy fish sticks that taste better than ever.

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