Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the coating crisp faster.

Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer in the basket. Leave a little space between each stick for airflow. Do not stack.

Optional: Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. This boosts browning, especially if your model runs cooler.

Air fry for 4–5 minutes. Then open the basket, flip each stick, and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Check doneness: The exterior should be deeply golden and crunchy, and the inside hot and flaky. If needed, cook 1–2 minutes more. Thicker or jumbo sticks may need extra time.

Season and serve: Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired, squeeze lemon on top, and serve immediately with your favorite sauces.