Crispy Baked Fish Sticks 🐟✨

These crispy baked fish sticks taste just like they’re fried — but they’re not! Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and easy to chew for little ones when served safely from 10 months+. Once you make them at home, you’ll never want store-bought again.

Best Fish to Use

Cod ⭐ – Mild, flaky, and baby-friendly (my choice)
Tilapia – Budget-friendly and very soft
Pollock – Traditional fish stick fish
Haddock – Slightly sweet and tender
Flounder – Super soft and easy to chew

Serving Suggestions by Age

10–12 Months

Serve fish sticks as is or cut into small, soft bite-size pieces
Serve plain or with a thin layer of yogurt dip
Pair with very soft steamed veggies or mashed potatoes

12–24 Months (Toddlers)

Serve as is or cut in halves
Serve with mild dips like yogurt sauce, mashed avocado, baby-friendly tartar sauce or ketchup
Add soft rice, mashed potatoes or small pasta shapes with roasted veggies

Ingredients

1.5 lbs white fish (skinless & boneless – cod used)
3 eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs of choice
Olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking
1/2 tsp salt (omit for younger babies)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Clean fish, pat dry, and cut into thin stick-shaped strips.
Set up a station with fish, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a parchment-lined baking tray. Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika into breadcrumbs. Drizzle a little oil onto the parchment paper.
Dip each fish piece into egg, then coat in breadcrumbs and place on tray.
Spray the tops with oil and bake for 10 minutes.
Flip fish sticks, spray lightly again, and bake for another 5 minutes.
Serve slightly warm with veggies, a fun dip, and enjoy!

Notes

Refrigerator: Store cooked fish sticks in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked sticks for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in microwave briefly or use toaster oven / air fryer to restore crispiness.

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