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Crispy Baked Fish Sticks

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These golden, crunchy fish sticks are baked, not fried, delivering a crispy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside. Using simple pantry ingredients like panko, eggs, and seasonings, you can create a family-friendly dish that is both light and satisfying. The air fryer method keeps them extra crispy, while toasting breadcrumbs beforehand enhances their flavor. Perfect for quick lunches or dinners, these fish sticks freeze and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:20:09 GMT
Fried fish sticks on a white plate. Save
Fried fish sticks on a white plate. | sarahmeal.com

This crispy baked fish stick recipe brings golden crunchy bites to your table using simple ingredients that deliver big flavor while staying kid approved and family friendly

I first made these fish sticks for a quick Friday dinner and now they have become a go to for busy nights when we want something comforting without the mess of frying

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets cod haddock pollock or tilapia: provide a mild flavor and tender texture perfect for breading
  • All purpose flour: helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere evenly
  • Large eggs: bind the coating for a crispy finish
  • Panko breadcrumbs: add a light and airy crunch that stays crisp after baking
  • Salt: enhances the natural flavors of the fish and breading
  • Black pepper: adds mild warmth
  • Paprika: adds gentle color and a hint of smokiness
  • Garlic powder: brings subtle savory depth
  • Olive oil spray or melted butter: encourages browning and extra crispness

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place a rack in the center of your oven to ensure even heat distribution for crisp results
Prepare the Fish:
Slice your white fish fillets into even strips about one inch wide and three inches long so they cook at the same rate and hold their shape well
Set Up Breading Station:
Place flour in one shallow bowl beaten eggs in a second and panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt pepper paprika and garlic powder in a third to keep your breading organized and efficient
Dredge and Coat:
Dredge each fish strip in the flour to lightly coat then dip it into the beaten eggs ensuring it is covered before placing into the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently so the coating sticks well
Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated fish sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow airflow and even crisping or directly on a greased baking sheet if you prefer
Apply Oil or Butter:
Lightly spray the tops of the fish sticks with olive oil spray or brush with melted butter to encourage browning and add flavor
Bake Until Golden:
Bake the fish sticks for twelve to fifteen minutes flipping halfway through to ensure all sides get golden and crisp and the fish is fully cooked inside
Air Fry Option:
For extra crispness air fry the fish sticks at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for eight to ten minutes flipping once during cooking until they are crispy and golden brown
Fried food on a white plate. Save
Fried food on a white plate. | sarahmeal.com

I love using panko for its crunch it reminds me of how my grandmother would always toast her breadcrumbs before using them so every bite had that extra layer of flavor and texture

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and crispness when reheated

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using gluten free panko if needed or swap paprika for smoked paprika to deepen the flavor for a smoky variation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tartar sauce lemon wedges or a quick yogurt dill dip for a bright and fresh finish

Fried fish on a white plate. Save
Fried fish on a white plate. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural Context

Fish sticks are a nostalgic comfort food often tied to family meals and weeknight dinners and baking them instead of frying brings a modern twist while preserving the comforting feel

Common Recipe Questions

→ What fish is best for baked fish sticks?

White fish like cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia works well for baked fish sticks as they hold shape and remain flaky.

→ How do I get fish sticks crispy in the oven?

Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow airflow, toast breadcrumbs beforehand, and spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.

→ Can I make these fish sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded fish sticks before or after baking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

→ What can I serve with baked fish sticks?

They pair well with a fresh salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or simple dips like tartar sauce, ketchup, or lemon aioli.

→ Can I air fry these fish sticks?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until they turn crispy and golden brown for a faster option.

Crispy Baked Fish Sticks

Golden, crunchy fish sticks baked with simple ingredients. Family-friendly and easy to make.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (Approximately 16 fish sticks)

Diet Preferences: Dairy-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia), cut into 1x3 inch strips

→ Breading Station

Ingredient 02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredient 03 2 large eggs, beaten
Ingredient 04 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

→ Seasoning

Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient 07 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Finishing

Ingredient 09 Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center.

Instruction 02

Slice fish fillets into uniform strips approximately 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.

Instruction 03

Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Instruction 04

Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Instruction 05

Place fish sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or directly on a greased baking sheet for airflow.

Instruction 06

Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush with melted butter to encourage browning.

Instruction 07

Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.

Instruction 08

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and golden brown.

Additional Tips

  1. Toast breadcrumbs before coating to enhance flavor and crunch.
  2. Using a wire rack allows air circulation for even crisping.
  3. Fish sticks freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
  4. Cut fish into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.

Essential Tools

  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Air fryer
  • Shallow bowls

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish, eggs, and wheat (gluten).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 24 grams
  • Protein Content: 30 grams