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- 1 pound firm white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray (for air frying) - Tartar sauce (for serving)

Savory Air Fryer Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce

Discover the joy of making Crispy Coastal Bites with this easy air fryer fish sticks recipe! In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy delicious, healthier fish sticks made from firm white fish, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and seasoned to perfection. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these bites are paired with a creamy homemade tartar sauce for an irresistible flavor combination. Dive into this satisfying seafood treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

For the Fish Sticks:

1 pound (450g) firm white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

For the Tartar Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped

1 tablespoon capers, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fish:

    - Start by rinsing the fish fillets under cold running water to remove any residue. Gently pat them dry using paper towels. Cut the fish into finger-sized strips, approximately 1 inch wide, and place them aside on a plate.

      Set Up the Breading Station:

        - Create your breading station by placing three shallow bowls in a row:

          - In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

            - In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until fully combined.

              - In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

                Bread the Fish:

                  - Take each fish strip and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the fish strip thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere properly.

                    Preheat the Air Fryer:

                      - Begin preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat up for approximately 5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish.

                        Air Fry the Fish Sticks:

                          - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other (you may need to cook them in batches).

                            - Spray the tops of the fish sticks lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a touch of olive oil.

                              - Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when perfectly cooked.

                                Make the Tartar Sauce:

                                  - While the fish sticks are cooking, prepare the tartar sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking if necessary.

                                    Serve:

                                      - Once the fish sticks are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately alongside the prepared tartar sauce. For an added touch, garnish the dish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

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

                                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the fish sticks on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful plate, arranged in a fan shape for visual appeal. Accompany with lemon wedges for a refreshing zest and serve the tartar sauce in a small bowl or ramekin for dipping.