Crispy Baked Fish Sticks

🐟✨ Crispy Baked Fish Sticks (Baby, Toddler & Kid Approved!)

These crispy baked fish sticks come out insane! You will literally think they are fried, but they aren’t. They are baked into the most beautiful texture.💛 Once I made them at home, I honestly never wanted to buy store-bought fish sticks again. They come out perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying soft, flaky, and tender on the inside, making them easy to chew for little ones as young as 10 months old when served safely.

I used wild-caught cod, and it was seriously so good. The flavor was mild, buttery, and perfect for kids. The simple coating of egg, oil, and golden breadcrumbs gives these that classic fish stick taste, without preservatives, fillers, or mystery ingredients. They bake up beautifully in the oven and are perfect for a kid-friendly lunch idea, dinner, or even meal prep for busy weeks. 🐟✨

💛 Why Kids Love Them:

• Easy to hold and self-feed, perfect for baby-led weaning (BLW)

• Mild, soft, flaky inside

• Fun “finger food” shape

• Perfect for dipping sauces- try it with my baby-friendly tarter sauce 

🐠 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

Always use boneless, skinless white fish.

Breadcrumb Options:

• Golden breadcrumbs – classic flavor (my choice)

• Panko – extra crispy

• Gluten-free breadcrumbs – allergy friendly

• Crushed cornflakes – another great option

👶🧒 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 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 on the side, with a side of roasted veggies

🔄 Substitutions:

• Fish: tilapia, pollock, haddock, flounder

• Egg-free: use flour + milk slurry

• Oil: olive oil or avocado oil

• Breadcrumbs: regular, panko, gluten-free, or crushed cornflakes

What You Need:

Baking Tray 

Parchment Paper 

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some more kid-friendly lunch ideas:

Fish & Chips

Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets 

Sweet Potato Chicken Fritters

Cheesy Tuna Poppers