Skip the frozen section when you are looking for a delicious fish stick dinner. Make these incredible homemade fish sticks. Flaky and tender, these crispy baked fish sticks will give you everything you are looking for with so much flavor. The ideal finger food, even the kids will eat them.
Looking for a fun and easy seafood dinner that the kids will love? These homemade fish sticks are perfect! They’re made with fresh fish, and they’re baked instead of fried, so they’re healthy too. Serve them with some dipping sauces and you’ve got a delicious meal that everyone will love.
What are Fish Sticks?
Fish sticks are a type of seafood that is made from fish that has been cut into thin strips, then battered and fried or baked. They are often served as an appetizer or a main dish. Fish sticks can be made with a variety of different types of fish, including cod, haddock, salmon, and tilapia.
Most people only think about fish sticks as something that they grab in the frozen food section. Those are loaded with preservatives. With this homemade version, you are making the fish sticks using fresh fish, then you can bake them or freeze them and have a delicious baked fish stick dinner.
What should I serve with this recipe?
Amish Cucumber Salad, Loaded Potato Salad and this classic Pea Salad are a few of my favorite and kid-friendly side dish recipes to serve with homemade fish sticks.
What fish can I use?
When you buy frozen fish sticks, you are usually getting Alaska pollock. That is a white meaty fish that is usually inexpensive and a sustainable choice.
I like to use tilapia when I make this fish stick recipe. You can use whatever white fish that you like, including cod, haddock or even salmon.
Is this a healthy recipe?
When you buy frozen fish sticks, no they are not healthy. Looking at the ingredients on the box, there are artificial ingredients and preservatives. Since the fish sticks are fried, it increases the fat and calories.
When you make this recipe, you are only using a few ingredients and they are baked. This gives you an tasty fish strips dinner that you can feel good about serving your family.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the fish sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Can you freeze the homemade fish strips?
Yes! These fish fingers freeze really well. I like to make a double batch and then freeze them for busy weeknights.
To freeze, place the cooked fish strips on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours or until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in the oven?
I only make my fish in the oven. I don’t want to fry them. Frying the fish isn’t as healthy. Baked fish sticks are crunchy and delicious and they are healthy because they are made in the oven.
Can I make homemade fish sticks in an Air Fryer?
You can bake this fish stick recipe in the Air Fryer. You can get that extra crispy texture you miss about fried food with the Air Fryer. Place a single layer of fish sticks on the tray. You might have to bake them in batches. Then, bake the fish at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, flip them oven and flip them again.
The step-by-step recipe is provided below. However, for your convenience, a printable recipe card is at the bottom of this page!
Homemade Fish Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
- 1 pound tilapia or other white fish patted dry
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- tarter sauce cocktail sauce or ketchup for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut fish into 1-inch strips. Sprinkle with salt, then toss with canola oil to coat. Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning in shallow bowl.
- Roll fish strips in crumb mixture, then place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the fish is brown and flakes easily with a fork. Serve with dipping sauces.
- Makes 4 servings.
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