Description
Crispy and flavorful Panko Crusted Fish Sticks made with cod fillets double-coated in seasoned flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. A delicious homemade alternative to frozen fish sticks, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading Station
- 4 large eggs whisked
- 2 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Fish
- 1 1/4 pounds cod fillet – cut into sticks approximately 3-4 inches long, 1/2-1 inch wide
For Cooking
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray or a generous drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. In a third bowl, mix the flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Cut the fillets into sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch wide.
- Coat the fish: Dredge each cod stick in the seasoned flour first, then dip it into the whisked eggs. Repeat the flour and egg dip a second time to create a thicker and crispier crust. Finally, press the fish sticks into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Pan-fry the fish sticks: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a generous drizzle of olive oil or spray with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Once the oil is hot, place the breaded cod sticks in the skillet without crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm: Remove the fish sticks from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Notes
- Double dipping the fish in flour and egg helps create a thicker, extra crispy crust.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock or pollock if desired.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for more or less heat based on your preference.
- To reduce oil absorption, make sure the pan is hot before adding the fish sticks.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
