How To Cook Frozen Fish Sticks In An Air Fryer

Are you tired of soggy fish sticks? Look no further!

Cooking fish sticks (also known as fish fingers) in an air fryer will allow you to serve up perfectly crispy and delicious fish sticks every time.

Not only is using an air fryer a healthier option vs. frying, but it’s also incredibly easy and convenient. Say goodbye to messy oil splatters or the wait for your traditional oven to preheat. Air-fried fish sticks will be perfectly cooked in just minutes.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just looking for a tasty meal in 10 minutes, you’ll want to try this easy air fryer recipe. Keep reading to find out how!

There is a recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Why cook frozen fish sticks in an air fryer?

As with so many other frozen foods, air-frying your frozen fish sticks is the new and now best way to cook them. Since I started cooking them in my new air fryer, I have not gone back to using the oven or frying them, there simply is no need because air-fried fish sticks are…

Crispier – Fish sticks cooked in an air fryer will be crispier than if fried or cooked in a traditional oven. The combination of the heat from the heating element and the circulated hot air will perfectly crisp your fish sticks.

Healthier – You do not need to add any additional oil to the air fryer when cooking the fish sticks. Unlike deep frying. Any excess grease and juices that come out of the fish sticks drip to the bottom of the air fryer and are not reabsorbed. Air-fried fish sticks as a result contain fewer calories.

Quick and easy – Using an air fryer to cook your fish sticks is a great and easy way to cook them. Simply take them from the freezer and put them in your pre-heated air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

How long does it take to air fry frozen fish sticks?

It takes 8 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400 F (200 c) to cook frozen fish sticks. Use a digital meat thermometer to check they are cooked (165 F/74 c). Cook for an extra 2 minutes, for added crisp.

How to cook frozen fish sticks in an air fryer

To serve up perfectly cooked frozen fish sticks using your air fryer. Simply follow these simple step-by-step instructions.

Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).

Step 2 – Add the fish sticks

Once the air fryer has pre-heated remove the air fryer drawer and prepare the basket, before adding the fish sticks from your favorite brand.

To reduce clean-up time and stop the fish sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket add either…

• a silicone or pre-cut parchment paper air fryer liner
• a small amount of vegetable or olive oil to the basket (spray or brush it on)

Place the fish sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer with gaps between each fish stick.

Step 3 – Cook

Cook the fish sticks for 8 minutes at 400 F (200 c).

Step 4 – Turn

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to turn the fish sticks.

Step 5 – Check

After 8 minutes check to see if the fish sticks have crisped to your preference, if not cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6 – Serve

Once your fish sticks are crisped to your preference, check the internal temperature using a digital meat thermometer. You are looking for a temperature of 165 F + to have confidence the fish sticks are cooked and safe to eat.

Remove the now golden fish sticks with tongs and serve with one of your favorite sauces.

Top tips

To help you serve perfect air fryer fish sticks here are some top tips to follow.

Single layer – For best results don’t be tempted to stack fish sticks on top of each other or put them right next to each other. This will result in uneven cooking and less crispy fish sticks.

Giving them space will allow the hot air circulating in the air fryer to crisp all sides of the fish sticks. Cook in batches if needed.

Spray oil to crisp – You could if you want to spray a little olive or vegetable oil onto the fish sticks to make them crispier. I personally don’t, as my whole family is happy with regular crispy.

Turn – To serve up fish sticks that are crispy on all sides. Turn the fish sticks halfway through their cooking time.

Timings – You may need to increase the cooking time if you are cooking large fish sticks. The timings stated are for regular fish sticks.  

Different air fryer models produce varying results. When cooking fish sticks in an air fryer for the first time check on the fish sticks to avoid overcooking. If needed, cook the fish sticks for more or less time to crisp to your preference.

Serving suggestions

Fish sticks can be the basis for an easy dinner or a quick snack. In our house, fish sticks are often part of a quick and easy meal for the kids between school and one of their many clubs. Served with vegetables and potatoes.

Though I have been known to put three or four fish sticks between two slices of bread and with some variety of sauce for a quick lunch.

Alternatively, you can just dip the fish sticks into your favorite dipping sauce. This could be tartar sauce, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili. If you have the time you could mix up your own mustard and mayonnaise or honey and mustard sauce.

Common questions

How do I store leftover cooked fish sticks?

If you have cooked too many fish sticks, allow them to cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. You can keep the fish sticks in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

How to reheat leftover cooked fish sticks?

To reheat your fish sticks, put them back into the air fryer and heat them at 380 F (193 c) for 5 minutes. Using the air fryer means your reheated fish sticks are crispy. You could reheat them in a microwave, but they will not be crispy. Use the air fryer!

Are fish sticks also known as fish fingers?

Yes, in the UK fish sticks are known as fish fingers. The above steps are the same regardless of if you are cooking Gorton’s fish sticks, Birdseye fish fingers, or any other brand/own brand.

Is the fish in the fish sticks raw or pre-cooked?

The fish in fish sticks is partially pre-cooked. That is why it is important that they are fully cooked before serving. You can serve your cooked fish sticks when they have at an internal temperature of 165 F (74 c) and crisped to your preference.

What fish is used to make fish sticks?

The fish in fish sticks is from white fish fillets, such as cod, hake, haddock, or pollock. It is real fish.

Related articles

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – All the best frozen food recipes in one place to help you make the most of your air fryer.

What Can And Can’t Go In An Air Fryer? – A roundup article summarizing what you can and can’t use in an air fryer. With links to more detail on how to use certain materials and items safely.

Recipe card