Air Fryer Gorton's Fish Sticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Gorton's Fish Sticks are a quick and easy meal to cook in the air fryer. They can be cooked from frozen in minutes, making them a convenient option for a busy weeknight dinner. To cook Gorton's Fish Sticks in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius). Then, place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure to leave space around each one. Depending on the recipe, you may want to spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Cook for around 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish sticks are golden brown and crispy. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is the first step to cooking Gorton's fish sticks. This usually takes around 3 minutes. Once the air fryer has reached the correct temperature, you can add a parchment paper liner to the air fryer basket, if you're using one. This is a good idea if you want to avoid any mess, as it will catch any crumbs or residue from the fish sticks.

It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the fish sticks cook evenly and reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F. This will also help to create a crispy exterior, which is a key part of the appeal of fish sticks cooked in an air fryer.

By preheating the air fryer, you're also ensuring that the cooking time remains consistent. This is important, as overcooking fish sticks can lead to dryness and a less-than-ideal texture.

Finally, preheating the air fryer to the correct temperature helps to ensure food safety. By reaching 400°F, you're creating an environment that will kill off any potential bacteria or pathogens that may be present on the fish sticks. This is especially important when cooking frozen foods, as they can sometimes harbour bacteria that multiply rapidly when thawed.

Place the fish sticks in a single layer in the basket

To cook Gorton's fish sticks in an air fryer, you'll need to place the fish sticks in a single layer in the basket. This is important because it ensures that the fish sticks cook evenly and don't overlap, which could lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.

When arranging the fish sticks in the basket, be sure to leave enough space around each one. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that all sides of the fish sticks are exposed to the heat, resulting in a crispy, golden brown exterior.

The number of fish sticks you can fit in a single layer will depend on the size of your air fryer basket. As a general rule, leave at least a finger's width of space between each fish stick. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the fish sticks in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

It's also important to note that the fish sticks should be placed directly on the air fryer basket or tray. Do not stack them on top of each other or crowd them too closely together, as this will affect the cooking process and the final texture of the fish sticks.

Cook for 8-10 minutes

After preheating your air fryer to 400°F and placing your fish sticks in a single layer on the tray or basket, it's time to cook them. Set a timer for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fish sticks halfway through. This will ensure they cook evenly on both sides and achieve that desirable golden brown, crispy exterior.

While cooking, keep a close eye on your fish sticks to prevent overcooking or burning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of fish sticks you're preparing. For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F when they're done.

If you're cooking Gorton's fish fillets, the cooking time will be slightly different. You'll want to cook them for about 9 minutes, shaking the basket after 4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Don't forget to lightly spray the basket with olive oil before adding the fillets to prevent them from sticking.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your Gorton's fish sticks halfway through cooking is an important step to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. By flipping the fish sticks, you allow the hot air in the air fryer to circulate around the food, resulting in a uniform cooking process. This helps to prevent the fish sticks from becoming soggy or unevenly cooked.

When cooking Gorton's fish sticks in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Once the desired temperature is reached, place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes, and remember to flip the fish sticks halfway through the cooking time.

The flipping process is simple and only takes a few seconds. Using a pair of tongs or a spatula, carefully turn each fish stick over so that the side that was facing down is now facing up. This ensures that both sides of the fish stick are exposed to the hot air circulation, resulting in an even cook.

Depending on the size and amount of fish sticks you are cooking, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For thicker or larger fish sticks, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Similarly, if you are cooking a larger batch, you may need to cook them in batches or increase the cooking time accordingly. Always ensure that the internal temperature of the fish sticks reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked.

By following these simple steps and remembering to flip your Gorton's fish sticks halfway through the cooking process, you can achieve perfectly cooked and crispy fish sticks every time. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce

Gorton's Fish Sticks are perfect for the air fryer – they cook up perfectly every time. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 390°F. Once the air fryer is preheated, add a parchment paper liner to the air fryer basket. Place the frozen fish sticks in the basket in a single layer, leaving plenty of room around each fish stick. Spray the basket with a fine mist of oil to prevent the fish from sticking.

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or when your air fryer signals that it's time to turn the food. The fish sticks are finished cooking when they're golden brown, crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions