Easy Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe
This Easy Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe is a game-changer. Seriously. Flaky fish, crunchy coating, baked not fried (because, you know, health-ish), and ready in, like, no time.
So, let me tell you about my husband, bless his heart. He’s a total burger-and-fries kinda guy, right? Getting him to eat fish feels like winning the lottery. But these? He devours them. Last week, I made a double batch, and he ate half of them standing at the counter before I could even get the plates out. No joke! The kids are obsessed too. I swear, it’s the only way I can get them to willingly eat something that comes from the ocean. Fish sticks night has become a weekly thing – a true family favorite. This recipe changed my life… or at least my dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe
- Because they’re secretly healthy-ish. Baked, not fried! You can feel good about eating a whole plate.
- The crunch. Oh. My. God. That perfectly crispy coating? It’s EVERYTHING.
- Kids actually eat them. Need I say more? This alone is a reason to make them.
- They’re super easy. Like, ridiculously easy. Even I can’t mess them up. And that’s saying something.
- Dip them in EVERYTHING. Seriously, try every sauce you have in the fridge. You won’t regret it.
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important. I forget all the time, and then I’m just standing there staring at the oven, waiting.
Grab your fish fillets – cod, tilapia, whatever you like. Cut ’em into stick shapes. Don’t worry about being perfect; we’re going for rustic chic here, not fine dining.
Now, for the breading. In one shallow dish, whisk together an egg with a splash of water. In another dish, mix together breadcrumbs (panko are the BEST for crunch!), some parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Dip each fish stick into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. This is where the magic happens, folks!
Place the breaded fish sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend. Trust me. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Drizzle with a little olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This helps them get nice and golden brown.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, because ovens are weird and things can burn in the blink of an eye.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Tartar sauce, ketchup, sriracha mayo – the possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Notes
- Fish Fillets: I usually go for cod or tilapia because that’s what my grocery store has. But honestly, any white fish will work. Just make sure it’s boneless! No one wants a fish bone surprise.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These are the key to the perfect crunch. Don’t skip ’em! I tried regular breadcrumbs once when I was out of panko and, honestly, it was just sad.
- Parmesan Cheese: This adds a little extra flavor and helps the breading get nice and golden brown. If you don’t have any, it’s not the end of the world. But trust me, it’s worth it.
- Egg: It’s the glue that holds everything together. I’ve tried using milk or yogurt in a pinch, and it kinda works, but not really. Just use an egg.
- Olive Oil: Just a little drizzle to help them crisp up. You could use cooking spray too, but I always forget to buy it.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut fish fillets into stick shapes.
- Whisk egg and water in a shallow dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in another dish.
- Dip fish sticks in the egg mixture.
- Dredge fish sticks in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place breaded fish sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
What to Serve It With
Okay, this is where you can get creative! Obviously, tartar sauce is a classic. But I also love serving these with ketchup, sriracha mayo, ranch dressing (don’t judge me!), or even a squeeze of lemon juice. For sides, try some roasted veggies, a simple salad, or even just some good old-fashioned fries. My kids love them with mac and cheese. It’s not the healthiest meal in the world, but hey, they’re eating fish!
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If you do, the fish sticks will steam instead of crisping up. Bake them in batches if you need to.
- Make sure the fish is fully coated in the breadcrumb mixture. This is key to getting that perfect crunch.
- Don’t overcook them! Overcooked fish is dry and rubbery. Nobody wants that.
- I once tried to use stale potato chips instead of breadcrumbs when I ran out. Don’t do that. Just… don’t.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a day or two. Honestly, I’ve eaten them cold straight from the fridge for breakfast. Don’t judge. They’re surprisingly good cold. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they won’t be quite as crispy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Try different types of fish! Salmon would be delicious, or even shrimp.
- Add some spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika – go wild!
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re gluten-free. They work just as well!
- I’ve skipped the parmesan cheese before when I didn’t have any, and they were still pretty good.
- If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add some chopped herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. Parsley, dill, chives – whatever you like!
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe
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Easy Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko recommended for extra crispiness
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated, optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up a breading station with three dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each piece of fish in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded fish sticks onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
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