We adore these homemade fish sticks as a family! They are tender and flaky on the inside, with a delightful crispiness on the outside. These fish sticks are baked, not fried, and require just a few simple, real ingredients.
These homemade fish sticks surpass anything you can find in the frozen section of your local store. Just like our homemade chicken nuggets, both adults and kids are crazy about them, thanks to our uncomplicated seasoning blend. Besides, baking them in the oven makes them a healthier option.
We are excited for you to try making these fish sticks. The ingredient list is straightforward, and you likely have most of what you need in your kitchen! We enjoy serving them alongside fresh lemon slices and homemade tartar sauce. We also recommend our homemade ketchup and creamy honey mustard sauce!
Essential Ingredients
- Fish: Opt for any firm white fish such as Pacific cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia. Ensure to cut the fish into similar sizes for even baking.
- Flour, Eggs, and Breadcrumbs: We follow a three-part breading process. First, mix all-purpose flour with spices. Second, beat eggs with a bit of hot sauce, and third, combine breadcrumbs with a touch of oil and dill. For gluten-free fish sticks, use gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free certified cereal or potato chips for the breadcrumbs. For an egg-free option, consider substituting the egg with cream (or a plant-based alternative).
How to Prepare Fish Sticks
To coat the fish, we use a traditional three-part breading method, ensuring the breading stays on the fish and becomes crispy. It’s a simple process. Coat the fish in flour and spices, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
After cutting the fish into thin strips, dredge them in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
As mentioned, we bake our fish sticks. You can also fry them in a skillet with oil or try an air fryer for a potentially amazing result.
When baking, you have two options: Bake directly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, flipping the fish sticks halfway through, or follow our preferred method of baking on an oven-safe wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet for extra crispiness.
Simple Homemade Fish Sticks
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PREP
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COOK
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TOTAL
We cherish these homemade fish sticks! They are tender inside, crispy outside. Baking them on an oven-safe rack in a rimmed baking sheet makes them extra crispy. If you don’t have a rack, bake them on a sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, turning once during baking.
4 Servings (approximately 16 fish sticks)
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) cod fillets, cut into 1-inch strips
1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs
2 to 3 dashes hot sauce (optional)
1 1/3 cup (150g) panko breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Instructions
1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Use an oven-safe wire rack on the sheet if available and spray with nonstick cooking spray for extra crispiness.
2Prepare three shallow bowls. Mix flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the first bowl. Whisk eggs and hot sauce in the second, and combine breadcrumbs and dill in the third. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs and mix. (Or use non-stick spray).
3Pat fish dry, coat in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumb mixture, placing on the prepared baking sheet (or rack). Repeat with remaining fish.
4Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway if not using a rack. Fish sticks are done when golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
5Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Tips from Adam and Joanne
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Egg-free option: Consider heavy cream or olive oil as substitutes for eggs.
- For enhanced color and crispiness, lightly toast breadcrumbs with olive oil until golden brown before breading.
- Nutrition facts are estimates.
Nutrition Per Serving
Serving Size
4 fish sticks
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Calories
333
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Total Fat
8.1g
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Saturated Fat
1.7g
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Cholesterol
145.1mg
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Sodium
448mg
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Carbohydrate
35.4g
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Dietary Fiber
2.2g
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Total Sugars
2.5g
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Protein
29.1g
We are Adam and Joanne Gallagher, the creators of Inspired Taste. Established in 2009, Inspired Taste grew from a childhood dream into one of the internet’s most trusted recipe sites with hundreds of reliable recipes, step-by-step videos, and expert tips. More About Us