Air Fryer Cod Fish Sticks (Homemade) | CookOS

Air Fryer Cod Fish Sticks

Name: Air Fryer Cod Fish Sticks (Homemade)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless cod fillets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg (beaten); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I used panko); 1/2 teaspoon salt (Add additional to taste if desired.); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning; cooking oil (I used olive oil.)

Air Fryer Cod Fish Sticks are a quick homemade seafood dish made with skinless cod fillets, panko breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings that cook to crispy perfection in an air fryer without deep frying.

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🌍American 🥗Pescatarian 🏷️Air fryer cod 🏷️Air fryer fish 🏷️Air fryer fish sticks Air fryer frozen fish sticks

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Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Staysnatched

Ingredients

1 pound skinless cod fillets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg (beaten)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I used panko)
1/2 teaspoon salt (Add additional to taste if desired.)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
cooking oil (I used olive oil.)

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Instructions

1
Slice the cod into 1-inch strips or whatever size you wish. Pat dry.
2
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. I use this oil spray bottle.
3
Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl large enough to dredge the fish sticks along with the seasonings.
4
Set up a cooking station with the beaten egg, flour, and seasoned breadcrumbs in 3 separate bowls large enough to dip the fish sticks.
5
Dip the fish in the flour, then egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Keep a moist towel nearby. Breading can get really messy.
6
Place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil. Do not stack the fish. Cook in batches if necessary.
7
Cook for 5 minutes on 400 degrees.
8
Open the basket and flip the fish. Spray with cooking oil. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crisp.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut fillets into uniform sticks (roughly 3×1 inch) so they cook evenly; uneven pieces may overcook on one end.
Pat cod dry with paper towels before breading to help the coating adhere and crisp up better.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs—they stay crunchier and brown more evenly in the air fryer.
Don't skip the oil spray: a light coating of cooking oil on the breaded sticks ensures a golden, crispy exterior.

Substitutions

All-purpose flour → cornstarch (lighter, crisper coating)
Panko breadcrumbs → regular breadcrumbs (milder crunch, less color)
Olive oil → avocado oil or vegetable oil (same result)
Lemon-pepper seasoning → Old Bay or garlic powder + black pepper (regional flavor swap)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.