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Crispy Fish Sandwich

This Crispy Fish Sandwich recipe allows you to bake or air fry the fish to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Paired with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce, it’s a quick and healthy meal option that’s perfect for any day of the week.

fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries
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Key Ingredients

  • Fish Fillets
  • Flour
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Spices
  • Buns
breadcrumbs, flour, spices, and egg in separate bowls

What Type of Fish to Use

The type of fish you use will depend on your personal preferences. Mild, firm fish that will hold up well when baked or air fried works well. Fish that is too delicate will fall apart when cooked. I also recommend something that won’t overpower the other flavors in your sandwich. Here are some options:

  • Cod: Mild, flaky white fish that holds up well when baked or air fried and has a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Haddock: Another mild, flaky white fish that has a slightly stronger flavor than cod, but is still mild enough to appeal to most people.
  • Tilapia: Easy to find and relatively inexpensive. It has a mild flavor and a firm texture that holds up well.
  • Catfish: Catfish is a flavorful fish that is often used in Southern-style fish sandwiches. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture that works well.
raw cod fish fillets on a plate

Seasoning and Spices

I like to use a combination of Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, and salt. Here are more options:

  • Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper, adds a nice kick of heat and flavor to the fish. I love to add this to the blend above!
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning blend, that adds a savory flavor. Hence, why I prefer to use it.
  • Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the fish.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that complements its mild taste.
  • Dill: Fresh or dried dill adds a slightly sweet, herby flavor that pairs well with creamy condiments like tartar sauce.
collage of 4 photos with raw fish breaded with eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs in a glass bowl

How to Make a Crispy Fish Sandwich

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Season both sides of each fish fillet generously with lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt.
  2. Set up a breading station: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each seasoned fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to make sure they stick.
  4. Bake or air fry.
fish sandwiches in an air fryer
fish sandwiches in an air fryer

What Type of Breadcrumbs to Use

The best type of breadcrumbs to use are usually panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a type of Japanese breadcrumbs that are coarser and larger than traditional breadcrumbs, which makes them ideal for coating fish fillets as they create a crispy and crunchy texture.

Regular breadcrumbs will work and you can also use seasoned breadcrumbs.

breaded fish fillets on parchment paper and a sheet pan

How to Tell When the Fish is Done

  • Cod should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
  • Check for flakiness. Gently press the thickest part of the fish using a fork. If it flakes easily, it is done. The flesh of the fish should be opaque.
  • The breading should be golden brown and crispy.

Topping Ideas/Substitutions

fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries

What Type of Bun to Use

I used Brioche, it’s my favorite. You can also use ciabatta rolls, whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or kaiser rolls. Use what you like.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warm. You can also reheat it in a skillet. You can use the microwave but it will soften the crispiness of the fish. You also risk it overcooking and becoming tough in texture.

fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries

More Sandwich Recipes

Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

person holding fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries
fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Crispy Fish Sandwich

This Crispy Fish Sandwich recipe allows you to bake or air fry the fish to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Paired with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce, it's a quick and healthy meal option that's perfect for any day of the week.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword crispy fish sandwich, fish sandwich, fish sandwich recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 437kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season both sides of each fish fillet generously with lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt. (Alternatively, you can add your spices to the flour and season your fish when you bread it with the flour).
  • Set up a breading station: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs.
  • Dip each seasoned fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to make sure they stick.

Baked Fish

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place the breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet/sheet pan. I line it with parchment paper first, but it isn’t required. Spray the top of the fish with cooking oil. While the fish cooks, if you notice white spots in the breading, spray them with oil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Fish

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the breaded fish in the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish with cooking oil. While the fish cooks, if you notice white spots in the breading, spray them with oil.
  • Air fry at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes until golden brown. Flip the fish halfway through. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are. Cook until the interior of the fish is flaky and the outside crust is golden brown.

Sandwiches

  • Assemble the sandwiches on buns with toppings.

Notes

The best type of breadcrumbs to use are usually panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a type of Japanese breadcrumbs that are coarser and larger than traditional breadcrumbs, which makes them ideal for coating fish fillets as they create a crispy and crunchy texture.
Regular breadcrumbs will work and you can also use seasoned breadcrumbs.
You can use haddock, tilapia, catfish, or any fish you prefer.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 9g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
5 from 1 vote
Recipe Rating




Ashley

Tuesday 23rd of July 2024

These were a perfect weeknight meal and the whole family enjoyed! The notes and convenience of the air fryer made it come together quickly and taste delicious!

staysnatched

Tuesday 23rd of July 2024

Yay, Ashley! So glad to hear it.