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In recent years, air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, enabling us to indulge in our favorite fried foods with significantly less oil and fewer calories. Gone are the days of heavy, greasy meals that leave us feeling sluggish; instead, we can savor the deliciousness of crispy fish sticks without the guilt. If you're seeking a tasty yet healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fish sticks, you're in the right place. This guide will take you through the delightful process of making crispy air fryer fish sticks paired with a homemade tartar sauce that elevates your dining experience. Not only are these fish sticks simple to prepare, but they also provide a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Crisp Air Fryer Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce

Discover the joy of making crispy air fryer fish sticks with this easy and healthy recipe. Air frying reduces fat while keeping all the flavor, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free crunch with every bite. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these fish sticks can be paired with a delicious homemade tartar sauce for an elevated experience. Learn about choosing the right fish, essential ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create a satisfying meal everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

For the Fish Sticks:

1 lb firm white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia), cut into finger-sized strips

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Tartar Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons pickles, finely chopped

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish strips dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

    Set Up Dredging Station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.

      Coat the Fish: Dredge each fish strip in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all strips.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops of the fish sticks lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.

            Cook: Air fry the fish sticks for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Make the Tartar Sauce: While the fish sticks are cooking, prepare the tartar sauce. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve: Remove fish sticks from the air fryer once they are crispy and cooked through. Serve hot with the homemade tartar sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4