Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this is where the magic is in this gluten-free fish sticks recipe. They are a family favorite because I use flaky, mild white codfish; there is no strong fishy flavor. Make them in the air fryer in 20 minutes, or bake them in the oven.
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When our kids were young, they loved fish sticks. They are fun to eat with your hands, and you can dip them into many yummy dips. Our kids used to call these fish fingers. I guess they do look like gluten-free fish fingers.
For this recipe, I used a new coating: pork rinds. I haven’t had pork rinds since I was a kid, but they seem to be all the rage right now, and I knew I wanted to try them. Crushed crackers, pretzels, or corn chips work well if you can’t find them!
If you love using your air fryer, you should check out these Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes!
Why I love this recipe:
- These sticks are so good, partly because of the super yummy crispy coating. Something about the taste of pork rinds with this mild cod makes them incredible.
- Store-bought fish sticks are expensive! You can make these from scratch for so much less money!
- Both kids wanted seconds, which speaks wonders, as one of my kids is picky!
- Make these yummy air fryer fish sticks in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
These are my favorite! I use this recipe with tilapia loins from Costco, and they are absolutely delicious!
Traci r., facebook commentthe 1st time I made them, I went around telling everyone about them. So good!”
the 1st time I made them, I went around telling everyone about them. So good!”Allergen Information:
This fish sticks recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. Use non-dairy milk if you are dairy-free.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Pork Rinds – They now sell pork rind crumbs, and they are gluten free. You can also buy a bag of pork rinds and crush them in your food processor. If you can’t find pork rinds, substitute my gluten free panko, crushed gf pretzels, crackers, or corn chips.
- Whitefish—I primarily use cod for my fish sticks because it is very mild yet holds together really well when cut. Tilapia is also great.
- Milk – You can use non-dairy milk if you are dairy-free.
- Cooking Oil Spray—If you are air-frying these, you will want to spray them with an oil that has a high heat smoke point over the fish sticks so they crisp up. Do not use olive oil.
If you are looking for another popular air fryer recipe, try my Gluten Free Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! If you are trying to decide on what air fryer to get, I have a great list of the best air fryers for gluten free.
Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:
Ready to make these yummy fish sticks? Gather your ingredients. Cooking fish sticks in the air fryer is so easy! Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375º F. I used my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, and it worked well.
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Step 1: Take the cod and place it on a cutting board. Slice the cod into sticks with a sharp knife.
🔑 Sandi says: If your fish is wet because it was previously frozen, pat it down with paper towels to dry it. This will help the breading stick better.
Step 2: Add an egg and some milk to a bowl and whisk. Add the fish and turn them around in the mixture to coat all sides with the egg mixture.
Step 3: Dip the egg-coated fish stick in the pork rind or panko, coating it all around.
Step 4: Spray light oil in the warm air fryer basket to prevent the fish sticks from sticking. Do not use olive oil. Place the fish sticks in the basket, then spray the tops of the fish sticks with the oil.
Step 5: For best results, cook the fish sticks at 375º F for 12 minutes. If your fish sticks are thick, you may need to cook them for a couple more minutes. Serve them hot.
Getting your kids in the kitchen so they learn how to cook can be very empowering. Here are some delicious Gluten Free Recipes for Kids to get you all started!
Baking Directions:
If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer to bake them, follow all of the directions. Instead of putting them in an air fryer basket, put them onto a parchment paper-lined
Bake at 375º F for 15-20 minutes or until the gluten-free fish fingers are crispy. Baking time may vary depending on how thickly you cut the fish sticks.
Dipping these fish sticks is all the rage! If you love crispy food that can be dipped, try these Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets too!
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Ketchup
- My Curry Dipping Sauce
- Gluten-Free Ranch Dressing
- This is a little out there, but my Gooey White Queso Cheese Dip is also really tasty with these gluten free fish sticks!
If you are looking for another kid-friendly recipe, try these Gluten Free Pigs In A Blanket. Serve with this easy gluten free pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can easily use gluten free panko. Add 1/3 cup panko, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to a bowl and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste and use this instead of pork rinds.
I love to use a mild white fish to make my fish sticks. Cod and tilapia are my favorites because they hold together well.
The air fryer is perfect for cooking pre-made frozen foods. Air fryer frozen fish sticks cook in as little as 8 minutes.
These fish sticks will keep fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container or up to 4 months in the freezer.
More Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes:
- Gluten Free Air Fryer Cod
- Fluffy Gluten Free Dinner Rolls (You can make them in your air fryer!)
- Air Fryer Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
- Easy Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. Please include which flour blend you used. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Air Fryer Gluten Free Fish Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pork rinds * see note
- 12 ounces cod filets * see note
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon light oil
- salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Take 12 ounces cod filets and slice them into sticks with a sharp knife.
- HINT: If your fish is wet, pat it down with paper towels. This will help the breading stick better.
- Add 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, and salt and pepper to taste to a bowl and whisk. Add the fish and turn them around in the mixture to coat all sides.
- Put the fish into the crushed 1 cup pork rinds or gluten-free panko. Make sure the fish pieces are coated all around.
- Spray half of the 1 tablespoon light oil in the air fryer basket. This will help prevent them from sticking. Do not use olive oil. Place the fish sticks in the air fryer basket, then spray the tops of the fish sticks with the remaining oil.
- Cook the fish sticks at 375º F for 10-12 minutes. If your fish sticks are thick, you may need to cook them a couple of minutes more.
- See notes for baking instructions.
Notes
- You can use cod, tilapia, or another mild white fish. Salmon also works, but it may not hold its shape as well as the cod.
- There are pork rind crumbs in stores in the bread crumb area, usually in the spice section of your grocery store. You can also buy pork rinds and grind them in a food processor, which is cheaper.
- Dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, or any of your favorite dips.
- These air fryer gluten free fish sticks will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them in a freezer-style zip bag. Freeze them flat until they are frozen. Thaw in the oven or air fryer.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
Due to an egg allergy I can’t use an egg. Can you suggest a substitute?
Hi Sandra, You could use Just Egg, a liquid egg replacer.