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

Savory Air Fryer Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce

Enjoy the delightful nostalgia of homemade fish sticks with this easy air fryer recipe! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory bites are a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Paired with a tangy homemade tartar sauce, they make for a fun and satisfying family meal. Perfect for both kids and adults, these fish sticks are simple to prepare and can elevate your dining experience. Dive into the joy of cooking with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

For the Fish Sticks:

1 pound (450g) firm white fish fillets (e.g., 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 spraying

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:

    - Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into finger-sized strips (about 1 inch wide). Set aside.

      Set Up Breading Station:

        - In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station:

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

            - In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

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

                Bread the Fish:

                  - Dredge each fish stick first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fish stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

                    Preheat the Air Fryer:

                      - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

                        Air Fry the Fish Sticks:

                          - Spray the basket of the air fryer lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching (you may need to do this in batches).

                            - Lightly spray the tops of the fish sticks with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil.

                              - Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

                                Make the Tartar Sauce:

                                  - While the fish sticks are cooking, prepare the tartar sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

                                    Serve:

                                      - Once cooked, remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with the tartar sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired.

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