Fish Sticks are a crispy, satisfying way to enjoy seafood without much fuss. This recipe creates a version of the classic that is golden on the outside, flaky on the inside, and perfect for dipping!
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What Are Fish Sticks?
Fish sticks are breaded and fried pieces of white fish that have been cut into strips. They’re often seen in the freezer aisle, but making them from scratch brings out a whole new level of texture and flavor! The exterior becomes extra crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy. When done right, they’re miles better than anything from a box.
Though often considered kid-friendly, fish sticks have plenty of grown-up appeal. With seasoning in the crust and the option to add a little heat, they’re versatile enough to serve with a side of slaw, on top of a salad, or even tucked into a sandwich. Plus, making them at home lets you control the ingredients, texture, and taste for a better all-around bite!
Ingredients You Need
- Panko Breadcrumbs – These create an ultra-crispy coating that’s lighter than traditional breadcrumbs and stays crunchy even after cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour – We use flour to help the egg mixture stick to the fish and give the crust something to grip.
- Nonstick Olive Oil Cooking Spray – A quick spray helps the coating get golden and crunchy without deep frying.
- Salt – This brings out the natural flavor of the fish and seasons every layer of the crust.
- Black Pepper – Pepper adds a touch of spice to balance the richness of the fish.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend adds herby flavor and depth to the breading mix.
- Paprika – We love using paprika for its subtle smokiness and warm color.
- Garlic Powder – This spice adds a savory flavor to the breading that pairs perfectly with the cod.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – This is a great way to add just a touch of heat if you like a little kick.
- Large Eggs, Whisked – The eggs act as glue to hold the seasoned coating on the fish.
- Cod Fillet, Cut into Sticks – We love cod for its mild flavor and flaky texture — it holds up well during frying and tastes clean and fresh.
How to Make Fish Sticks
- Prep your dipping stations. Set out three shallow bowls: one for whisked eggs, one for seasoned flour, and one for the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each station is well-mixed and ready to go for an easy assembly line.
- Season each layer. Stir salt and pepper into the flour, and add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne to the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the fish. Use a paper towel to pat the cod dry, then dip each piece first in the seasoned flour, followed by the egg. Dip the fish into each again for extra crunch, then finish by dredging it through the bread crumbs.
- Fry until crisp. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Then, gently add the fish and cook on both sides until the coating is crisp and golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Variations
- Fish – Haddock, pollock, or tilapia all work well if you can’t find cod or want to switch it up.
- Gluten-Free – Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for an easy modification.
- Bake – These crisp up beautifully in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil if you’d rather skip the stovetop.
- Citrus – Mix some lemon zest into the breadcrumbs for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Crackers – Use crushed saltines or butter crackers in place of panko.
- Spice – Stir some chili powder or hot sauce into the egg mixture for an extra layer of heat.
- Dipping Sauce – Try tartar sauce, tzatziki, sriracha mayo, or a lemony yogurt dip to complement the crispy coating.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If you store leftover fish sticks, just know they may lose a bit of their crispiness. Reheating them in the oven helps bring back some of that crunch.
Store fish sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Common Questions about Fish Sticks
White fish like cod, pollock, or haddock is typically used because of its mild flavor and flaky texture.
Yes, making fish sticks at home lets you control the ingredients and skip the preservatives and extra sodium often found in store-bought versions.
Absolutely! They cook up beautifully in the air fryer — they’re perfectly crispy on the outside without needing a lot of oil.
Pat the fish dry before breading, and make sure each layer sticks well before moving to the next. Double-dipping in flour and egg can help too.
More Recipes With Seafood
If you’re on the search for more savory seafood recipes, we’ve got you covered!
Za’atar Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Panko Crusted Fish Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs whisked
- 2 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 pounds cod fillet – cut into sticks approximately 3-4” long, 1/2-1 wide
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Set up your breading station – In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). In a third bowl, add the flour and season it with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.2 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Coat the cod – Pat the cod fillets dry. First, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg mixture. Repeat the flour and egg dip one more time—double dipping in the flour creates a thicker, crispier crust. Finally, press the fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.1 1/4 pounds cod fillet – cut into sticks
- Pan-fry to golden perfection – Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil or spray in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded cod fillets, leaving space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown.Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Has anyone tried freezing the prepared fish to cook at a later time? I cook for one so I look for ways to do prep in advance for convenience. I’m concerned the crumbs may not stick if I defrost before air frying. An alternative may be to cook from frozen.
Hi Mark! We don’t recommend freezing before cooking, but you can freeze them for up to 3 months after cooking.
We hope this helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can we bake instead of pan fry? I’m about to find out!
Loooove these!