This Parmesan Fish Sticks recipe is a crispy and flaky recipe, which is made with cod and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeParmesan Fish Sticks with Glazed Carrots Ingredients
For the Fish Sticks:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 lb. cod or haddock fillets
For the Glazed Carrots:
- 1 1/2 lb. carrots, cut in half crosswise
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped
How To Make Parmesan Fish Sticks with Glazed Carrots
- Prep Oven and Breading Station: Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, salt, and pepper; a second with the whisked eggs; and a third with the breadcrumbs, parsley, melted butter, and parmesan mixed together.
- Bread the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into 1-inch-wide strips. Dip each fish stick first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the breaded fish strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the sticks and continue baking for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the breading is golden and the fish is cooked through and flaky.
- Make the Glazed Carrots: While the fish bakes, combine the carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup of water in a large deep skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the carrots start to soften.
- Finish the Glaze and Serve: Uncover the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the water evaporates and the carrots are tender and coated in a thick glaze. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Remove from the heat, toss with the fresh dill, and serve alongside the hot fish sticks.

Recipe Tips
- How to get extra crispy fish sticks? Tossing the breadcrumbs with melted butter before breading is the secret! This helps them toast up in the oven and get perfectly golden and crispy. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- What’s the best fish to use? A firm, mild white fish is the best choice because it holds its shape and won’t fall apart. As the recipe suggests, cod or haddock are perfect. Halibut or tilapia would also work well.
- Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes, absolutely! After breading, arrange the fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray them with a little oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can bread the fish sticks, place them on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours before you plan to bake them. This can be a great time-saver for a weeknight dinner.
What To Serve With Fish Sticks
This recipe creates a complete meal with the glazed carrots. For a more classic “fish and chips” experience, it would also be fantastic with:
- Crispy French fries or potato wedges
- A side of tartar sauce or a simple lemon-dill yogurt dip
- Creamy coleslaw
How To Store Fish Sticks
- Best Eaten Fresh: These fish sticks are at their absolute crispiest and best when they are served hot from the oven.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the fish sticks on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, which will make the breading soggy.
Parmesan Fish Sticks Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 1450mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Soggy fish sticks are usually the result of the oven not being hot enough or from overcrowding the baking sheet, which causes the fish to steam instead of bake. A hot 450°F oven and a single, even layer are key.
Yes. Panko breadcrumbs are a fantastic substitute and will result in an even lighter and crunchier coating.
Fresh parsley provides the best, brightest flavor. However, you can substitute with about 2 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes in the breadcrumb mixture if that’s what you have on hand.
Try More Recipes:
- Roasted Carrots with Spring Pesto Recipe
- Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter Recipe
- Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips Recipe
Parmesan Fish Sticks with Glazed Carrots Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes680
kcalA healthy and family-friendly meal featuring crispy, oven-baked cod fish sticks with a savory Parmesan-parsley crust, served alongside sweet and tangy glazed carrots.
Ingredients
Fish Sticks: 2 lb. cod or haddock fillets, 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup flour, 3 eggs, 3 tbsp melted butter, salt, pepper.
Carrots: 1 1/2 lb. carrots, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp fresh dill, salt.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450˚F. Set up a three-station breading line: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with parsley, melted butter, and parmesan.
- Cut the fish into 1-inch strips. Dredge each strip in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, simmer the carrots, butter, brown sugar, and salt in a covered skillet for 4-6 minutes.
- Uncover and cook until the liquid evaporates and a glaze forms. Stir in the vinegar during the last minute.
- Remove from the heat, toss with fresh dill, and serve immediately with the hot fish sticks.
Notes
- The most important tip for crispy baked fish sticks is to toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter before coating the fish.
- For the best results and a non-soggy coating, pat your fish fillets completely dry with a paper towel before you start breading.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to ensure the fish bakes up crispy, not steamy.
- The final splash of vinegar in the carrots is a secret trick that brightens the entire dish and balances the sweetness of the glaze.