This Air Fryer Cod Fish Sandwich recipe is quick and easy to make using fillets breaded with panko and topped on a brioche bun with melted cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce. Cut the fat and make this healthy dish right at home.
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One of the things I love most about recipe blogging is lightening up all of my favorite foods I have eaten my whole life. I love to turn those dishes into recipes you can make right at home with less fat and less sugar.
Most fish sandwiches are deep-fried in oil and then slabbed with tartar sauce loaded in sugar. You would be surprised by the amount of added sugar found in everyday condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, and tartar sauce.
I love Primal Kitchen® because many of their products are certified paleo and keto-approved and Whole30 Approved.® I use Primal Kitchen® Tartar Sauce in this recipe for that reason.
How does it taste? It's creamy and tangy, and has just the right amount of dill! It's also sugar-free and 2 tablespoons has less than 1 gram of carbs. Feel free to lay it on thick as I do!
You can do a lot with an air fryer. Many don't know you can use it to fry fish. Don't have one? I include instructions on how to bake it as well.
Table of Contents
What Type of Fish to Use
In general, any skinless, mild white fish will work well for this recipe. I love to use cod, it's pretty easy to find at most stores. You can something like pollock or flounder as well.
How to Make Air Fryer Fish Sandwiches
- Set up a cooking station. Add flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl large enough to dredge the fish.
- Add egg, mayo, and lemon juice to a separate bowl large enough to dredge the fish. Beat the egg and combine the ingredients.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to a separate bowl.
- Dredge the fish in the flour, then the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs and place the fillets in the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Temperature
I recommend 400 degrees.
How Long to Cook/Cook Time
I cook the fillets for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is crisp and has turned golden brown.
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Can You Use Frozen Fish?
I prefer to use fresh fish, but I have found that frozen fish is easier to bread. White fish is very delicate. You have to be careful while handling, to ensure it doesn't tear.
You can use frozen, but watch it closely. You will only need to add an additional few minutes of cook time. Be sure the breadcrumbs don't over-brown by checking in and watching the fish fillets closely while they cook.
How to Bake
You can bake the fish on a parchment paper lined sheet pan for 10-12 minutes on 425 degrees until golden brown and crisp.
Sandwich Topping Ideas/What to Put on a Fish Sandwich
- Primal Kitchen Tartar Sauce
- Pickles
- Cheese
- Sliced Onions
- Lettuce
- Sliced Tomatoes
How to Reheat
You don't want to microwave these. That will make the breading soft and it won't taste as good. Reheat the fish in the air fryer or in the oven. Use 350 degrees for both methods until the fish has crisped and is warm.
You can spritz it with a little more oil if you are having trouble getting it to crisp.
What to Pair with the Sandwiches
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
More Air Fryer Fish and Seafood Recipes
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Salmon
Shrimp Po Boys
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
You may also enjoy our French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon mayo
- 10 oz cod fillets Sliced in half to make 2 fillets.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- cooking oil I use olive oil.
- 2 buns I use brioche.
- Tartar Sauce
Instructions
Breading
- Set up a cooking station. Add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl large enough to dredge the fish.
- Add the egg, mayo, and lemon juice to a separate bowl large enough to dredge the fish. Beat the egg and combine the ingredients.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs to a separate bowl. Keep a moist towel nearby. Your hands will get sticky
- Dredge the fish in the flour, then the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Fish
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the fish in the basket.
- Spritz the top of the fish with cooking oil.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes on 400 degrees until crisp and golden. I did not flip the fish. If you wish to flip yours do so at 5 minutes and then continue to air fry until crisp and golden.
- White fish is really tender and delicate. Be careful if you flip the fish and while handling it when removing it from the air fryer. I like to use a silicone spatula to make this easier.
Oven Baked Fish
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the fish on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crisp and golden.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts assume brioche bun is used.
- Using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun will modify the macros as follows: Cals:218 Net Carbs:7G, Fat:12G Protein: 22G
- You can substitute crushed pork rinds for panko breadcrumbs and eliminate the flour for a low carb substitute.
- You can omit mayo if you wish. It's added for flavor.
PAT says
I am definitely going to try this recipe soon. pat. thank you
staysnatched says
I can't wait to hear what you think!
Anonymous says
The entire family loved these! Easy to make . We had the fish without the buns but were still delicious!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Amy says
My husband loves Chic Fil A so I decided to try this recipe. It was delicious and super easy! Ty Brandi for making this so easy.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad he enjoyed it.
Erika says
What type of cheese do u use with the recipe?
staysnatched says
Cheddar. You are free to use whatever you want.
Anonymous says
This sandwich really looks like it was served in a restaurant. It looks so succulent on the photos. I hope, I will manage to cook it at home myself.
staysnatched says
I hope you try it!
Annie says
Thank you for the recipe! Delicious!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Deborah says
Made the air fryer fish sandwich and it was delicious!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Allison says
This recipe is so good! The directions were very easy to follow and the results were delicious. I will definitely make this again. Thank you for another great recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kelsee L says
This was an excellent, easy-to-follow recipe! Made it on a weeknight for the fam and we all enjoyed it! Will be a repeater!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Mo says
This was so easy to make and so dang on good. I made it twice in 3 days, lol.
staysnatched says
HAHA YES! I do the same thing.
Bud says
Do you thaw the fish first before breading them
staysnatched says
Yes. I actually don't have to thaw because I buy and use fresh fish.
Elizabeth Thornewell says
Incredibly easy and better than most restaurant sandwiches! I love that the breading ratios are realistic too! Most recipes leave you with a ton of wasted flour and panko. This one is measured out perfectly
staysnatched says
I'm so happy the measurements worked!
Tiffani says
Just made these again, just by themselves, no buns this time. But *chefs kiss* I didn’t have lemon juice the first time, and that made a difference that I love. This was so super quick and easy!!! I’ve already put more cod filets on my grocery list.
staysnatched says
The lemon adds the perfect element!
Erika says
Another delicious recipe! I usually do not enjoy cod because every time I’ve made it or eaten it at a restaurant it’s been dry and had a rubbery consistency. Not this one! The fish was cooked perfectly at the time and temperatures recommended. I ended up doubling the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs because I purchased one pound of fresh cod. I didn’t have Panko, so I used 1/3 cup crushed cornflakes with 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs and then seasoned them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. As Brandi warns, the fish is delicate so I recommend using a silicone spatula to run around the perimeter of the fish before removing it from the air fryer. Thanks again Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Lisa says
Made this recipe as directed, just not for sandwiches. Never would have thought to add mayo in the coating and it was a game changer. Great way to add flavor and keep that cod moist. Will be making again.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Shannon H says
I got Cod in my last Butcher Box just to make this recipe. So easy and yummy. I have made it twice this week!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoy the recipe!
Chelsea Bordash says
Crust was crispy, and the fish was so tender and moist. This turned out absolutely amazing, and will be going into our food rotation for sure!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you added it to the rotation.
Lennese says
Yummy! I had my "fish patty" on a low carb tortilla with all of the fixins , soooo good! So easy!
staysnatched says
I love this idea!
Sydney says
This was so delicious and easy! Fish sandwiches have been a huge craving for me in my pregnancy and this hits the spot!
staysnatched says
I'm glad it satisfied your craving!
Erin says
This recipe is so easy and way better than the gross store bought breaded fish. I didn’t have buns but they were great on their own! Thanks for another great recipe!
staysnatched says
I agree! You totally don't need the buns.
Meggie says
Classic & delicious. I sliced the filets smaller and made as fish sticks!! I will never serve my family Pre-breaded frozen fish again! This didn’t take long at all and tastes soo much better. Always take the time to read Brandi’s full posts because there is extra useful info. The instructions for reheating were spot on!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Amber says
Brandi makes recipes fool proof! This was no exception, so easy and didn’t lack on flavor! Period. I just made the fish - it didn’t even need the bun! So good!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it.
Lennese Semple says
Made this for a third time and had them for dinner! Absolutely delicious!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I love to hear it!
Shaundrika says
Another winner!! Used my butcher box cod and we made these tonight with some homemade slaw my husband was so excited ❤️❤️ As usual thank you for delicious, fast and waist friendly meals
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Alden says
This was the best air fryer fish I have ever made! The perfect Friday night dinner
staysnatched says
Perfect for Friday nights!
marquetta says
I've made this recipe several times and today was the first time that I followed it to letter. Wow!!! So good. Thanks Brandy
staysnatched says
You're welcome.
LoriO says
Oh, boy! Been dying to try out an air fryer as my Husband is border line diabetes. As my first foray into air fryer territory, I'm pumped! Tasty and easy, what more do you need?
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
PJ says
I made this tonight and it was amazing!!! Like other have said, your ingredients are perfectly portioned out. I love a good Fish Sandwich and Jack-in-the-box is my go-to sandwich but they only serve them in our area during Lent. I’m so happy to have found this recipe. I would definitely make it for guests & family
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Tas says
What a great sandwich! Delicious! Instead of black pepper, I used lemon pepper for more lemon! I also used tilapia instead of cod. It was delicious! Thanks so much!!!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome.
Jeanne says
I don’t eat fish much, but wanted to expand my dinner options. This was absolutely delicious! It is an extremely simple and quick recipe and I will most definitely be making it again!! I thawed the fillet as recommended by the vendor, removing the vacuum sealed packaging and placing overnight in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Also as recommended, I made sure to pat the fillet completely dry before starting the dipping. The cod fillet was about 8oz total, and I cut it into two pieces. I pre-heated my air crisper (air fryer) at 400°F for about 10 minutes while I gathered and set out the other ingredients. Once in the air crisper, I set a timer for 8 minutes; I flipped the fillet pieces at around the 6 minute mark. After 8 minutes I tested the internal temperature and let them cook for another 2.5 minutes. They cooked perfectly - crunchy and golden on the outside, and so flakey and tender on the inside! I was not making a sandwich but having it with rice and veggies. Thank you for a great, easy recipe!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome.