Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the fish fillets into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips or into desired stick shapes.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water. In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
Coat each fish strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to make sure it's well-coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish sticks from sticking. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to cook the fish sticks in batches.
Cook the fish sticks in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, turning them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or ketchup.