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.
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Key Ingredients
- Fish Fillets
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Spices
- Buns
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.
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.
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.
- Season both sides of each fish fillet generously with lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt.
- 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.
- Bake or air fry.
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.
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
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
- Cheese
- Tartar Sauce
- Coleslaw: Check out my Creamy Classic Coleslaw and No Mayo Vinegar Based Coleslaw
- Hot Sauce
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.
More Sandwich Recipes
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Ingredients
- 10-12 oz cod fillets I used 2 6oz fillets. See notes for substitutions.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs I used panko.
- cooking oil
- buns
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.