How to Make the Perfect Crunchy Homemade Fish Sticks
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These crunchy homemade fish sticks are a kid friendly dinner that introduces children to fish in the most approachable and delicious way possible. Parents appreciate that they are baked not fried and made with flaky white fish that is mild and not fishy tasting.
Why this recipe works
This Crunchy Homemade Fish Sticks recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 295 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds cod or tilapia fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray. Cut the fish fillets into sticks about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations
Place the flour seasoned with salt and onion powder in one shallow dish, the whisked eggs in a second dish, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. This three step breading process creates the crunchiest coating.
Step 3: Bread Each Fish Stick
Working one at a time, dredge each fish stick in flour and shake off the excess, dip in the egg, then firmly press into the panko on all sides. Place on the wire rack and spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the coating is deep golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve hot with tartar sauce, ketchup, or malt vinegar.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cod or tilapia → mahi-mahi or haddock for a slightly different mild flavor
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery and extra flavorful coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the flour step means the egg will not stick properly and the breading falls off
- Not using a wire rack traps steam underneath and makes the bottom of the fish sticks soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 295 calories, 24g protein, 26g carbs, 9g fat, 1g fiber.
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