Homemade Crispy Fish Sticks: Baked with Potato Chip Crust & Easy Tartar Sauce (Kid-Friendly!)

There’s something inherently delightful about perfectly crispy fish sticks, especially when they’re homemade and boast a unique, irresistible crunch. This recipe takes a beloved childhood classic and elevates it with a secret ingredient: potato chips! Imagine tender, flaky white fish fillets, coated in a golden, super-crispy potato-chip crust, and then baked to perfection. It’s a healthier twist on the traditional fried version, incredibly easy for kids to help prepare, and pairs wonderfully with our simple, four-ingredient homemade tartar sauce.

Forget the mystery ingredients of store-bought fish sticks. Our homemade version uses fresh, firm white fish, offering a wholesome and delicious meal that even the pickiest eaters will adore. This recipe isn’t just about making food; it’s about creating memories and fostering a love for cooking in your children. Involving kids in the kitchen, from crushing chips to coating fish, turns meal prep into an exciting adventure, empowering them with valuable life skills.

The beauty of these crispy potato-chip-coated fish sticks lies in their simplicity and the fantastic texture they offer. They deliver that satisfying “fish and chips” experience all in one bite, without the fuss or greasiness of deep-frying. And the dipping sauce? It’s a game-changer! Our easy tartar sauce is so quick to whip up and can be customized to your family’s taste, ensuring even the most skeptical little chef will find it delicious.

Why Homemade Fish Sticks Are a Family Favorite

Most children have a soft spot for fish sticks. It’s often one of the first ways they’re introduced to eating fish, and for good reason! The mild flavor of white fish, combined with a perfectly crispy coating, is incredibly appealing. Our version takes this appeal to the next level by baking instead of frying, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any of the coveted crispiness. This recipe is a fantastic way to encourage kids to eat more fish, providing essential nutrients in a format they truly enjoy.

The innovative potato chip crust is what truly sets these fish sticks apart. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips provide an unmatched level of crispiness and a savory depth of flavor that complements the fish beautifully. It’s a brilliant ‘cheat’ that simplifies the process – no deep-frying, just a quick roll in flour, egg, and crushed chips, followed by a bake in the oven. The result is a light, crunchy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible, mimicking the feel of traditional fish and chips but in a fun, stick format.

Beyond the delicious outcome, this recipe is designed with young chefs in mind. It involves simple, engaging steps that allow children to take an active role in the cooking process. From preparing the fish to breading each stick, kids can participate meaningfully, building confidence and kitchen skills. This hands-on experience not only makes them more likely to try new foods but also instills a sense of accomplishment.

Cooking with Kids: A Culinary Adventure

My culinary adventures with Meredith have taught me the importance of quality ingredients and a positive experience. Our first attempt at making fish sticks together was, admittedly, a bit of a challenge. We used some frozen blue cod fillets that, despite not being old, had a strong, unpleasant ‘fishy’ odor. It made the experience less enjoyable for both of us, and I worried it might put Meredith off fish entirely.

Determined to make a positive impression, we tried again, this time with fresh cod fillets from Costco. What a difference! The fish had no strong odor, just the clean, fresh scent of the ocean – exactly how fresh fish should smell. This made the cutting and preparation process much more enjoyable for Meredith. She confidently handled the fish, a testament to how the right ingredients can transform a cooking experience.

One of the key lessons learned from our initial attempt was the coating. We had used crushed corn flake cereal, which was acceptable but lacked the desired crispiness and unique flavor. This time, opting for plain, salted potato chips proved to be a stroke of genius. The potato chip crust was significantly lighter, crispier, and imparted a wonderfully savory flavor that complemented the delicate white fish perfectly. It truly brought the “fish and chips” concept to life in a single, easy-to-handle stick!

Cooking with kids is also an excellent opportunity to teach them essential kitchen safety, including knife skills. With proper supervision and prior discussions about safe handling, Meredith was able to use a sharp knife to cut all the fish herself. This level of trust and responsibility not only boosted her confidence but also made her feel like a genuine contributor to our meal. The joy of creating something together and seeing the delicious outcome is truly priceless.

Perfect Pairings: Sides for Your Homemade Fish Sticks

To round out our healthy and delicious meal, we served the baked fish sticks with steamed carrots and a batch of homemade kale chips. The kale chips were a resounding success, proving to be so popular that a certain little girl couldn’t resist sneaking crunchy bites whenever my back was turned! This just goes to show that healthy sides can be incredibly appealing when prepared with a bit of creativity.

Other fantastic side dish ideas that would complement these crispy fish sticks include a fresh green salad, oven-baked sweet potato fries, or even a simple rice pilaf. The goal is to create a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and enjoyable for the whole family. The vibrant colors and varied textures of these side dishes enhance the overall dining experience, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

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Kitchen Frau Notes: This versatile recipe is easy to scale up for more servings. To serve 6 people, simply use about 1½ lbs (700gms) or more of fish, and an additional ½ cup (40gms) of crushed potato chips. The quantities of flour and eggs provided in the recipe should still be sufficient to coat the extra fish. If you’re increasing the fish, you might also consider doubling the Easy Tartar Sauce recipe to ensure there’s enough delicious dipping sauce for everyone. This recipe is designed to be forgiving and adaptable to your family’s needs, making it a perfect staple for busy weeknights or fun weekend cooking projects.

Fish ‘n Chips Sticks with Easy Tartar Sauce

These homemade fish sticks are not only incredibly tasty but also a fantastic way to introduce kids to fundamental cooking techniques. This recipe covers several essential kitchen skills, making it a valuable learning experience for aspiring young chefs.

Skills covered: knife skills, handling raw fish, crushing chips, 3-stage breading process

• 1¼ lb. (550gms) fresh, firm white fish fillets (we used cod, but haddock, tilapia, or pollock also work well)
• 2 cups crushed plain, salted potato chips (about 150 grams) – a standard large bag typically yields this much. Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor!
• ½ cup (70gms) all-purpose flour (or your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely color and mild flavor)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances savory notes)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to your preference, especially if using very salty chips)
• 2 large eggs (for binding the coating)

For the Easy Tartar Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) good quality mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60ml) plain yogurt (adds a nice tang and lightens the sauce; Greek yogurt works too)
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles for a more traditional taste)
• 1½ teaspoons prepared yellow hot dog mustard (a surprising ingredient that adds a fantastic zing!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the fish: Gently pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better. Cut the fish fillets into uniform sticks, approximately ½” x 1″ in diameter and about 4″ long (1 x 2 x 10 cm). Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
3. Crush the potato chips: Place the plain, salted potato chips into a heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Now comes the fun part! You can roll them with a rolling pin until finely crushed, or simply use your hands to smoosh and crush the sealed bag. Both methods are incredibly satisfying and a great way for kids to participate!
4. Set up your breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls or plates in a line on your counter. In the first bowl, combine the flour, paprika, onion powder, pepper, and salt, stirring well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. In the second bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them vigorously until they are well beaten. In the third bowl, place your crushed potato chips.
5. Breading the fish sticks: Take each fish stick and first roll it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the flour-coated fish stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring all sides are well coated. Finally, roll the egg-dipped fish stick in the crushed potato chips, pressing gently to make sure the chips adhere completely. Lay the fully coated fish sticks in a single layer on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one for even baking.

*Tip for a smoother breading process: To keep hands cleaner and the process more efficient, try a two-person assembly line. One person can handle rolling the fish sticks in the flour, and the second person can manage the egg dip and then the potato chip coating. This significantly reduces ‘goopy hand’ syndrome!

6. Bake the fish sticks: Place the baking sheet with the coated fish sticks into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky, and the potato chip crust is golden brown and perfectly crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fish.
7. Prepare the Easy Tartar Sauce: While the fish sticks are baking, prepare your dipping sauce. In a small bowl, simply stir together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, sweet pickle relish, and prepared yellow hot dog mustard until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired – you might want a little more relish or a dash of black pepper.
8. Serve immediately: Once baked, remove the crispy fish sticks from the oven. Serve them hot, accompanied by small individual bowls of the Easy Tartar Sauce for dipping. This allows each person to enjoy their fish sticks exactly how they like them.

Serves 4 to 5.

Guten Appetit!

These homemade crispy fish sticks with their unique potato chip crust are sure to become a cherished family recipe. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little creativity and teamwork in the kitchen, can result in incredibly delicious and satisfying meals. Enjoy the process, the flavors, and the precious moments created around the dinner table.

See other fun ‘Cooking With Kids’ posts here for more inspiration and recipes to enjoy with your little ones.

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You might also like these other delicious fish recipes:

Butter Fish – A delightful ‘Chicken of the Sea’ inspired dish

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Irresistible Fish Tacos – Fresh, Crispy, and Flavorful