Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. This helps achieve that crispy golden finish on the fish sticks without overcooking the inside.
Arrange the fish sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen Gorton’s Fish Sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. For best results, avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary so the hot air can circulate evenly around each stick.
Air fry until golden and crispy: Cook the fish sticks for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping them halfway through cooking (around the 5-minute mark). This ensures both sides crisp up beautifully. If you prefer extra crunch, cook for an additional minute or two.
Check for doneness: The fish sticks should be crispy on the outside and steaming hot inside. You’ll know they’re ready when the coating is a rich golden brown and the inside flakes easily when cut.
Serve immediately: Remove the fish sticks from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and pair them with tartar sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing for dipping.