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Golden homemade fish sticks served on a plate with lemon wedges, dipping sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Homemade Fish Sticks – Easy Crispy Fish Stick Recipe

These Homemade Fish Sticks are crispy, flavorful, and so much better than the frozen kind! Made with fresh white fish, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked or fried to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or picky eaters—plus, they’re freezer-friendly and easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Kid-friendly meal, Main Course, Snack or appetizer, Wrap or taco filling
Cuisine American / Comfort Food
Servings 4 (about 3–4 fish sticks per person)
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Wire rack (optional for baking)
  • Skillet (for frying)
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb white fish (cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia), skinless and boneless
  • ½ cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko, traditional, or gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 tbsp dried herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano)
  • Optional: ¼ cup grated parmesan, ¼ tsp mustard powder, ¼ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Cooking spray or oil (for baking/frying)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Fish
    Cut fish into uniform strips (about 1-inch wide).
    Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Set Up Breading Station
    Bowl 1: Flour
    Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
    Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings
  • Bread the Fish
    Dredge each strip in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  • Choose Cooking Method
    Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fish sticks on greased baking sheet or wire rack. Spray lightly with oil. Bake 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Fried: Heat ½ inch oil in skillet over medium-high. Fry fish sticks 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
    Air-Fried: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook fish sticks for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Notes

  • Patting the fish dry helps the coating stick and ensures crispiness.
  • Use panko for extra crunch or almond flour for a low-carb version.
  • Freeze uncooked breaded fish sticks on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or spicy aioli. Great with fries, coleslaw, or in wraps and tacos.
 
Keyword Baked Fish, crispy, Dairy-Free, fish sticks, Gluten-Free, homemade, Kid-Friendly, low carb