Tartar Sauce-Battered Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer
These irresistibly crispy, golden-brown fish sticks are coated in a flavorful tartar sauce batter that adds a tangy, creamy twist to each bite. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they achieve a satisfying crunch with far less oil than traditional frying methods, making them not only healthier but also lighter and guilt-free. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly meal, or even as a party appetizer, these tartar sauce-battered fish sticks combine convenience with gourmet taste, offering a delightful fusion of texture and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking tray
Ingredients
1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
1 cup tartar sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg (beaten)
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into 1-inch-wide strips and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and tartar sauce.
- Coat the Fish: Dredge each fish strip in the flour mixture, dip it into the tartar sauce mixture, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry Fish Sticks" Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place fish sticks in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the fish sticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking and serve with extra tartar sauce.
Notes
For an extra crunchy texture, generously spray the fish sticks with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to create a golden, crispy coating that rivals traditional deep frying without the added calories. If you're looking to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked fish sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply pop the frozen fish sticks into the air fryer—no need to thaw—and cook them straight from frozen. They’ll come out perfectly crispy every time!