Keto Fried Fish Sticks Recipe (Super Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (2024)

Back in my college days when I pretty much survived on packaged frozen meals, fish sticks were a go-to meal. When I went low carb, I didn’t have them for years, but recently I had a craving – and was delighted to find how much better a homemade keto fish batter turns out. Way better than the packaged, processed stuff. If you’re a fan of fried seafood, you’ll love these crispy low carb keto fried fish sticks!

This keto fried fish recipe uses a similar breading to my keto fried chicken or mozzarella sticks, featuring pork rinds to keep it super crunchy, but the flavor is different. Lemon pepper seasoning and paprika is the perfect flavor combo for a keto fish batter, don’t you think?

Try this low carb fried fish when you’re in the mood for a fish fry or your pub favorites. Serve with keto tartar sauce and keto coleslaw for a classic meal.

Before we batter the fish in pork rinds, we coat the fish in Wholesome Yum Coconut Flour, which helps the breading stick and makes it nice and crispy. It’s my go-to for dredging before dipping in egg in almost all my fried recipes, because the fine texture resembles wheat flour and the egg adheres to it so well. Try it out in my other coconut flour recipes!

Keto Fish Batter Ingredients

The ingredients for this low carb fish batter recipe are quite basic and you probably already have them stocked in your keto kitchen. The breading process needs just 5 ingredients:

• Coconut flour – Used for dredging to help the breading stick. Get this one for best results. Different brands measure and absorb moisture differently.
• Eggs – Any kind will do, I used organic large eggs.
• Pork Rinds – You can make homemade pork rinds or buy them. Either way, once you crush them up, this is the keto equivalent of breadcrumbs. I like this brand because it’s light and airy, not hard.
• Lemon pepper seasoning – I used homemade lemon pepper seasoning since I had it on hand, but you can also use pre-made like this.
• Paprika – A must for flavor!

You’ll also need fish, of course (I recommend a flaky fish, such as cod or catfish) and oil to fry it in (use one with a high smoke point, I recommend avocado oil). I prefer wild-caught fish and get it delivered from here.

How To Make Keto Fried Fish

This low carb fried fish sure looks impressive, but it’s easy to make! The process is similar to breading keto chicken tenders. Here’s how to make it in just 3 simple steps:

• Cut. Slice the fish into 1-inch wide by 3-inch long strips. Pat dry with paper towels.

• Prep. Set up bowls for breading station: coconut flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, pork rinds, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika in the third.

• Dredge. Dredge the fish in coconut flour, then dip into egg wash, then in pork rind mixture, gently pressing “breading” into fish.

Place coated cod onto a cutting board and repeat with the remaining fish pieces.

• Fry. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add fish sticks in a single layer and fry until golden brown.

Keto Fish Sticks FAQs

Are frozen fish sticks keto?

Most frozen fish sticks will not be considered keto, as they are breaded with white flour or breadcrumbs.This recipe uses a carb-free breading for fish, which makes it keto approved.

Can I have fried fish on keto?

Is fried fish keto? Up until now… no, you probably couldn’t have fried fish on keto. But this recipe makes fried fish on keto possible! We’ve used a breading made out of pork rinds to get all the crunch without the carbs. Each serving has just 1.1 grams net carbs.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Sure! I used wild caught cod, but any flaky white fish will do. Try catfish, hake, pollock, or haddock for other options.

Storage Instructions

Can you make it ahead?

Keto fried fish recipes like this one are best served immediately.

If you’d like to prep a few things to make the cooking process go faster you can:

• Crush pork rinds and mix up breading mixture
• Slice fish into slices

Can you freeze keto friendly fish sticks?

Yes, you can freeze fish sticks before or after baking:

• To freeze uncooked fish sticks: Bread the fish sticks as directed, but do not fry. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once they are solid. To cook them, bake for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, or fry in oil as directed in the recipe, but for a couple extra minutes per side.
• To freeze fried fish sticks: Once the cooked fish sticks have cooled completely, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. When frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F, just until hot.

Reheating instructions:

For best results, bake fish sticks in a 400 degree F oven until heated through. If you froze them, bake them right from frozen.

What To Serve With Keto Breaded Fish

This keto fish fry meal just needs a few sides:

• Keto Coleslaw – A light and crunchy side to the fish and a must for a classic fish fry meal.
• Keto French Fries – These sneaky fries taste like the real thing, but guess what veggie they are made with!
• Keto Tartar Sauce – You can’t have keto fish sticks without the tartar sauce!
• Sugar-Free Ketchup – Every fry needs a swipe in ketchup. This one has all of the flavor, without the carbs.

• Nonstick Skillet – This large skillet is perfect for pan-frying just about anything, low carb fried fish included.
• Bowl Set – I use this glass bowl set every day! It has all of the sizes you’ll need for prep and mixing.