Skip the drive-thru with this Crispy Fish Sandwich that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for any day of the week.
Sandwiches are always a quick and easy option for dinner, or lunch! A couple other crispy sandwiches worth checking out include my Fried Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Chicken Sandwich .
Sabrina’s Crispy Fish Sandwich Recipe
A Fried Fish Sandwich is a classic dish that is a staple of American cuisine, with different versions depending on where you are. It’s the perfect comfort food! But no matter where you go, the basics are the same. There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a Crispy Fish Sandwich. Get even more creative and try other breading, or swap the deep fryer for the oven to make them a little healthier. The possibilities are endless with this amazingly easy sandwich recipe!
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Fried Fish:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds cod filets , cut into 6 ounce portions
- vegetable oil for frying
Fish Sandwich:
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , optional
- 1 cup Tartar Sauce , Recipe
- 4 slices American cheese , or cheddar cheese
Instructions
Crispy Fried Fish:
- In a large shallow bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Add 3 inches of oil to a large heavy pot and heat to 350 degrees on medium-high heat.
- Pat dry fish with paper towels, then dredge in the flour cornmeal mixture well.
- Add to oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove to a cooling rack, don't place on tray or bottom will lose crispiness.
Fish Sandwich:
- Spread butter onto the buns and toast.
- Spread tartar sauce onto top and bottom buns.
- Add fish and top with American cheese slice.
Nutrition
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Sabrina’s Tip
Since the breading is so light and fish is naturally very moist, it’s important to elevate your fish by draining the excess oil. If you place it directly on a paper towel, the oil will soak back into the breading and get soggy. Instead let the fish rest on a wire rack over paper towels.
Table of contents
About this Recipe
Every proper fish sandwich has a crispy, golden exterior and tender, flaky fish inside, served on a soft bun with creamy toppings. My recipe takes all the basics and adds a ton of flavor, some melty cheese and my homemade Tartar Sauce. It all come together in a perfect bite. You can customize the sandwich to your liking by adding other favorite sandwich toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, Crispy Fish Sandwiches can be made ahead of time, but it is best to fry the fish and assemble the sandwich just before serving. You can prepare the flour mixture and the tartar sauce ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to make the sandwich, coat the fish and fry as usual, then assemble the sandwich and serve immediately.
How to Store
- Store: These sandwiches are best freshly cooked and assembled. Store leftover cooked fish separately in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the fish on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until heated through. You can also reheat the sandwich in a toaster oven or air fryer, but it’s best not to use the microwave.
- Freeze: Once the fish has cooled, wrap the fillets individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed above.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees.
- Make sure the insert is in the basket, then spray the inside with cooking spray.
- Prepare fish fillets as usual with breading.
- Place the fillets in a single layer in the basket without touching. Work in batches if needed.
- Coat the fish lightly with more cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Assemble as usual and enjoy!
Baked Method
- Preheat your oven to 425 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and coat the fish as usual, then arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the fish fillets lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and the outsides are golden and crispy.
- Add to your toasty buns and add toppings.
Frequent Questions
Any white, flaky fish can be used, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut. The most common fish used is cod and haddock because they are easily available, thicker than tilapia, and relatively inexpensive.
To know when fried fish is done, check the internal temp with a meat thermometer to see that it reaches 145 degrees. Alternatively the flesh should be opaque and flaky when gently pulled apart with a fork.
Whether a fish sandwich should have cheese is really a matter of personal preference, but the classic fast food sandwiches do come with cheese. Cheese can add an extra layer of flavor and texture, but this fish sandwich is just as tasty without it.
Crispy Fish Fillets are coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices and fried until crispy. The breading is slightly thinner but fries extra crunchy thanks to coarser cornmeal. Beer Battered Fish, on the other hand, is made by dipping the fish in a batter made of beer, flour, and spices. The beer gives the batter a distinct flavor, and when mixed with the flour, it creates a thicker, puffier, and airier coating.
Variations
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture, or add some hot sauce to the tartar sauce to give the sandwich a spicy kick. For an even spicier sandwich, you can also add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Fish Po’ Boy: A Fish Po’ Boy is a traditional Louisiana-style sandwich that is made with crispy fried fish, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce. To make the remoulade sauce, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun seasoning. Top the sandwich with coleslaw, pickles, and hot sauce to create a true Po’ Boy experience.
- Fish Tacos: Instead of serving the fish on a bun, you can wrap it in a tortilla with shredded cabbage, salsa, and sour cream to create a Mexican-inspired dish.
Related Recipes
More Seafood Sandwiches
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