If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful, and low-carb alternative to traditional fried fish sticks, look no further! This keto-friendly air fryer fish sticks recipe is a game-changer, combining the crunch of pork rinds with the delicate flavor of tilapia to create an irresistible snack or meal. Unlike store-bought frozen fish sticks, which can be packed with fillers and unhealthy ingredients, this homemade version is made from fresh tilapia and seasoned to perfection, all while keeping things gluten-free and low in carbs.
Air frying these fish sticks gives them a satisfying crisp without the need for excessive amounts of oil. The magic comes from the coating made with crushed pork rinds, which not only adds a crispy texture but also delivers a savory flavor that elevates the taste of the tilapia. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, these fish sticks make for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. The combination of garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor, ensuring these fish sticks are anything but bland.
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize the seasoning mix to suit your taste. The air fryer ensures that each fish stick is perfectly cooked, golden, and crunchy on the outside, while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. Plus, with only 0.1g of net carbs per fish stick, you can enjoy this guilt-free snack without compromising on flavor or your health goals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple, yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Air Fryer Fish Sticks:
- 12 oz tilapia loins, cut into fish stick-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably a high-quality, no-sugar variety)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 25 oz bag of pork rinds, crushed into crumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
How To Make
- Prepare the Tilapia: Start by thawing the tilapia loins if they are frozen. Once thawed, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.
- Cut the Fish: Cut the tilapia into fish stick-sized pieces. Depending on the size and shape of your loins, you may get around 20 pieces. Use your judgment to cut them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Crush the Pork Rinds: In a food processor, add the pork rinds and pulse them until they are finely crushed into crumbs. This will create the perfect crispy coating. Once the pork rinds are crumbled, mix in the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Pulse again to blend the ingredients together. Transfer the mixture into a shallow bowl for easy dipping.
- Coat the Fish: Place the tilapia pieces in a Ziplock bag along with the mayonnaise. Seal the bag and squish it around to coat the fish pieces evenly with the mayo. The mayonnaise helps the coating adhere to the fish and adds extra moisture for a juicy interior.
- Coat in Pork Rind Mixture: Take each fish piece, one at a time, and roll it in the pork rind mixture. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated to ensure the crispy texture when cooked.
- Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated fish sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the fish sticks are perfectly crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a well-rounded, low-carb meal.
These fish sticks are so crispy and flavorful, you won’t believe they’re keto! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for a crunchy, savory bite. The air fryer makes the cooking process quick and easy, and you’ll love the convenience of a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought frozen fish sticks.
KETO AIR FRYER FISH STICKS
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious low-carb snack, this keto air fryer fish sticks recipe is perfect. Made with tilapia, mayonnaise, and a crispy pork rind coating, these fish sticks are easy to make and full of flavor, all without the carbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 fish sticks
Ingredients:
- 12 oz tilapia loins, cut into fish sticks
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 25 oz bag of pork rinds, crushed into crumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Thaw the tilapia loins if frozen and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the tilapia into fish stick-sized pieces.
- Crush the pork rinds in a food processor and mix with parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the fish pieces in mayonnaise, then roll them in the pork rind mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Air fry the fish sticks for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Fish Stick):
- Calories: 75
- Fat: 4.7g
- Carbs: 0.1g
- Protein: 8.2g
Total for 20 Fish Sticks: 2g net carbs (0.1g per stick)