Gorton’s Fish Sticks Air Fryer Recipe

Gorton’s Fish Sticks Air Fryer Recipe

Gorton’s fish sticks air fryer recipe makes crispy, delicious fish sticks in just 10 minutes! They have the perfect crunch on the outside and they are tender and flaky on the inside. Perfect as appetizers, sides, or for a quick dinner!

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I love my air fryer! It is especially good at making frozen food come out super crispy using very little to no oil!

Any frozen food that is designed to be cooked in a conventional oven can be cooked in the air fryer. They will also be crispier, tastier, and cooked faster than when using the oven.

These frozen Gorton fish sticks are a perfect example. Basically, you get the texture of deep frying without a large amount of oil. It also takes less time to cook as compared to the oven.

You will never deep fry them or make them in an oven after trying this method!

You can cook Gorton’s fish sticks in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. This air fryer recipe is perfect for a quick easy dinner after a busy weekday or as a after school snack.

If you are looking for more quick air fryer recipes – Air Fryer Frozen Chicken is an easy dinner idea, while Air Fryer Pizza Rolls make fast air fryer snacks.

Why I love this recipe

• Cooking Gorton’s fish sticks in an air fryer makes them super crispy as compared to the ones made in the oven or microwave.
• This recipe uses very little to no oil to achieve the same texture and crunchiness as you get with frying or deep frying the fish sticks.
• Quick and simple recipe. You can cook it in less time than is needed to preheat the oven!
• This is the best way to cook frozen fish sticks.
• Healthier & less greasy recipe.
• Zero prep involved. Frozen fish sticks don’t need to be thawed before air frying.
• Air frying makes clean-up super easy and quick.

Gorton’s Fish Sticks

Gorton’s fish sticks have been a popular choice for quick and easy dinners since 1849 when the company was founded.

They are one of the best-frozen seafood brands in the US and Canada. I’m sure you must have seen the iconic Gorton’s fisherman logo in your supermarket.

Gorton’s uses wild-caught pollock to make their fish sticks. Alaska Pollock fillets are breaded and flash-frozen at the peak of freshness to make Gorton’s fish sticks.

I like their fish sticks because they don’t use any fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. They also don’t add any hydrogenated oils or antibiotics to their frozen fish sticks.

Gorton’s fish stick packages provide instructions on cooking them in a conventional oven and microwave oven. But we have found a better way to making these fish sticks really crispy and crunchy!

What Fish is used to Make Fish Sticks

Gorton’s fish fillets or fish sticks are made using wild Alaskan pollocks.

The type of fish used to make fish sticks would vary with brands. It is usually listed onthe box, either in the front or in the indredient list. And yes, all brands use real fish to make fish sticks.

Mostly flaky white fish such as Cod, Pollock, and Haddock are used. Some brands also make fish sticks from Salmon.

What are the Best Brands of Frozen Fish Sticks?

The best fish sticks brand is subjective and would probably vary from person to person. One of the most popular brands of frozen fish sticks is Gorton’s – both breaded and beer-battered versions. Another good option is Van de Kamp. Mrs. Paul’s and Trident Seafoods are also very popular.

Always read the ingredients list to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Gorton’s Fish Sticks Air Fryer Recipe

Frozen Breaded Fish Sticks: Though this recipe uses Gorton’s value pack fish sticks, it will work for any other brand as well. Remember to adjust the cooking time for bigger sticks

Cooking spray (optional): I used olive oil* in refillable spray bottle*. Spraying the air fryer basket with vegetable oil prevents the fish sticks from sticking to it.

You can also spray the fishsticks lightly with oil if you want them to be crispier. Use an air fryer basket silicone insert* if you do not prefer using any oil.

Tools/Equipments to Make Gorton’s Fish Sticks in Air Fryer

How to Make Gorton’s Fish Sticks in Air Fryer

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Lightly spray oil in your air fryer basket.

The only thing to remember is not to use aerosol cooking sprays like PAM. They are bad for your air fryer. Read more about Best Oils for an Air fryer to make sure you are using the right kind of cooking spray or oil.

Arrange frozen fish fingers in a single layer in the air fryer. For best results, make sure there is plenty of space between them.

This lets the hot circulating air in the air fryer to each all sides of the fish sticks. This helps with even cooking and making them crunchy.

I recommend cooking a maximum of 6-10 fish sticks at a time, depending on the size of the air fryer.

Step 3

Cook for 5 minutes, Then flip the red Gorton’s fish sticks using tongs* or a spatula*. Take great care not to damage the breadcrumb coating while flipping. Cook for another 5 minutes.

I use an Instant read thermometer* to check if they reach an internal temperature of 145F. At this temperature, they are considered to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

For extra crispy breading and extra crunch, you can cook it for another minute or so. Just make sure not to burn them.

Step 4

Remove the red Gorton’s fish sticks from the air fryer. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and amount of fish sticks being cooked. Adjust accordingly. Additionally, you can also spray the fish sticks with a light coating of cooking oil for extra crispiness.

Tips to Make Gorton’s Fish Sticks in Air Fryer

• I highly recommend spraying or lightly coating the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the fish sticks from sticking to it.
• Remember not to use aerosolized cooking spray like PAM in the air fryer. Here is a quick guide to the best oil for air fryers.
• Do not thaw the fish sticks before cooking them in the air fryer,
• Do not overcrowd the basket. Make sure there is enough space between them for the hot air to circulate.
• Use the air fryer instructions as a general guide. Cook time may vary based on the make and model of the air fryer.
• The fish sticks should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F.

Serving Gorton’s Fish Sticks

Gorton’s fish sticks can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.

Appetizer

To serve them as an appetizer, these fish sticks can be had on their own. They can also be served with a side of tartar sauce, mayo, chipotle sauce, or any of your favorite sauces.

I also like a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the fish sticks. So I always serve with a wedge of lemon on the side as well.

Main Course

To serve them as part of a quick easy meal, you can pair them with different side dishes such as green salad, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or mac n cheese.

Another great way of serving these air fryer fish sticks is on a bun as part of a fish sandwich. Turn it into an English-style fish and chips dinner by serving french fries or even tater tots with the fish sticks.

They can also be served with a side of onion rings and mozzarella sticks. If you are feeling creative, you can include fish sticks in your favorite dishes to make fish stick tacos or fish stick casseroles.

Storing Gorton’s Fish Sticks

These are best eaten warm, right out of the air fryer.

If you do have any left overs, wrap them in aluminum foil. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I do not recommend refreezing cooked fish sticks. They may become soggy and lose their texture when thawed.

Reheating Gorton’s Fish Sticks

These fish sticks can be heated in the air fryer. Just preheat your air fryer to 400 F. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. If you notice the fish sticks are starting to get a little dry while reheating, spray a little olive oil* using your EVO Oil Sprayer*

They can also be reheated in an oven. Reheat them at 425F for 8-10 minutes.

I do not recommend reheating these air fryer frozen fish fillets in a microwave as they will lose their signature crispy texture.

How to Make Homemade Fish Sticks

Making fish sticks at home is not hard but it definitely takes longer than using frozen fish sticks. Any fish besides a lean fish would work. You can also use frozen or fresh fish for this recipe.

Cut the whole fillet fish into thin slices and season with salt for 20-30 min.

Coat the fish in all-purpose flour or yellow corn flour. Then dip the fish in buttermilk followed by coating it in panko breadcrumbs* mixed with seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

Once the fish sticks are thoroughly coated, air fry at 400F (200 degrees C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can You Air Fry Frozen Fish Sticks?

Frozen fish sticks can be air fried. Cooking time may vary depending on the brand of the air fryer, the size, and the thickness of the fish sticks.

Are frozen fish sticks raw or cooked?

Most frozen fishsticks are pre-cooked or half cooked. You still need to cook it to 145F for it to be crispy, fully cooked, and safe to eat.

Can you use aluminum foil in the air fryer?

Aluminium foil and parchment paper can be used in the air fryer. I recommend using the air fryer-specific parchment paper with holes*. This will allow the air to circulate and cook the food.

Can you add seasoning to frozen fish sticks?

You can add seasoning to frozen fish sticks to give them the homemade fish sticks flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even cajun seasoning* are good options to add a little more flavor to your fish sticks.

LOOKING FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES??

Here are some easy air fryer recipes that you will love:

• Air Fryer Hash Browns
• Louisiana Rub Wingstop Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Onion Rings

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