Homemade Fishsticks

🐟 Homemade Fishsticks Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika works great too)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)


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Instructions:
1. Prep the Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
Cut into sticks about 1 inch wide and 3–4 inches long.


2. Set up Breading Station:
Place flour in one shallow dish.
Place beaten eggs in another.
In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.


3. Bread the Fish:
Dredge fish pieces in flour (shake off excess).
Dip in egg.
Coat fully in breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help crumbs stick.


4. Cook:
Pan-Fry: Heat ½ inch oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry fishsticks in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Place on paper towels to drain.
Oven-Bake (healthier): Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Spray fishsticks lightly with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.


5. Serve:
Best served hot with tartar sauce, ketchup, or a squeeze of lemon.





✨ Tip: You can freeze the breaded (uncooked) fishsticks on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen — just add a couple extra minutes to cooking time.