Air Fryer Fish Sandwich with Homemade Tartar Sauce

Air Fryer Fish Sandwich is coated in Panko breadcrumbs and buttermilk, which produces tender and juicy fish with a crispy breading. I will show you through pictures and step by step instructions how to prepare a perfectly crispy fish sandwich with homemade tartar sauce. Better and healthier than the fast food's version!

Why you'll love this recipe

Air fried fish sandwich (just imagine crispy white fish filet on a soft bun, yum) should be a staple of weekly dinners, because it's fast, healthy and incredibly easy to make. Say goodbye to soggy fast food fish sandwiches! Say hello to the best air fryer fish sandwich!

It's an alternative to meat. Fish is packed with protein and can be a really healthy alternative to meat and chicken. It's no surprise that fish sandwiches in particular have a strong connection to Lent, a season of fasting and reflection for many Christians, especially Catholics.

Real, high quality ingredients - this is a whole, premium fish fillet sandwich recipe. Not a processed alternative you will get for MacDonald's Filet-O-Fish. The fillet is the heart of the sandwich! Nothing beats the real fish!

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside - A great fish sandwich isn't just about the flavor, it's about the texture. A delicate balance between crisp and soft is what makes each bite unforgettable.

Key ingredients and why you'll need them

• Fish filets: Such as cod, haddock, flounder or tilapia.The best fish for frying is white, mild, lean, and firm. Cod is my first choice because it has a mild flavor, delicate but reliable texture when fried, and great versatility.
• Canola cooking spray: I like to use canola cooking spray because it has a high smoke point, which is essential for air frying. You can also use avocado oil or olive oil sprays. 
• Cheese: American or Cheddar cheese is great!
• Seasoned Dry Coating Mix: Combine flour with seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, pepper) or use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Shake off excess dry mix after dredging fish to prevent clumping.
• Breadcrumbs: They coat the outside of the fish, creating a crisp crunch when air fried. Panko breadcrumbs make the crust extra airy and crispy. Without them, the fish exterior would be soft and less flavorful - they're what make the sandwich feel indulgent.
• Eggs act like culinary glue. After dredging in flour, dipping the fish into beaten eggs gives breadcrumbs something to hold onto. Eggs also add a bit of richness to the coating once cooked.
• Seasonings: Old Bay seasoning, salt & pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Seasoning here isn't about making things salty - it's about enhancing the fish's natural taste and preventing it from tasting flat.

How to make fish sandwich in the air fryer

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients, measurements & instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. Marinate the Fish

Place fish fillets in buttermilk for 20-30 minutes. This tenderizes the fish and adds moisture.

2. Prepare the Coating Mixture

Combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

3. Coat the Fish Fillets

Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Repeat to build a thick crust.

4. Air Fry the Fish

Cook at 400 F. for 12-14 minutes: Place fish fillets in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops with cooking spray.

Flip halfway through and re-spray with cooking spray.

5. Add Cheese

In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle with coarse salt and place a slice of cheddar or American cheese on each fillet to melt.

6. Assemble the Sandwich

Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom half of a toasted brioche bun, place the cooked fish fillet on top, add tartar sauce, and cover with the top bun.

Tips for Crispy, Sticking Coating on Air Fryer Fish

• Pat Fish Dry: Thoroughly pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning or coating. This removes excess moisture that hampers coating adhesion and crispiness.
• Light Oil Spray During Cooking: Spray the fish lightly with oil, especially halfway through cooking and after flipping, to enhance crispiness without making it greasy. Oil spray helps the coating brown and stay crisp. Avoid spraying too early to prevent sogginess.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place fish in a single layer with space between pieces to allow hot air circulation and avoid steaming, which makes coatings soggy. Cook in batches if needed.
• Proper Cooking Temperature and Time: Cook at around 400°F (about 200°C) for roughly 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
• Resting the Coated Fish: Allow some time after coating for the breading to adhere firmly before air frying. This can mean a brief rest in the fridge or on a rack to let excess flour fall off and the coating set. 

How to Avoid Dry or Overcooked Fish

• Use thawed fish for even cooking: Thawed fish cooks more evenly than frozen, though frozen fish can be cooked with slightly longer times.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating for about 2-3 minutes ensures immediate cooking at the right temperature and helps crisp the exterior.
• Typical cooking time: Depending on thickness and fish type, cook for 6-12 minutes.
• Flip Fish Halfway: Turning the fish at the halfway point helps both sides cook evenly and develop an even crisp.

Expert Tips

• Dip twice - By dipping the fish fillets twice in the flour mixture, the fillets will get a nice thick crust.
• Spray, spray, spray - Make sure to really spray the fillets liberally with cooking spray and cover every part. This way you get a nice golden color and not a pale, burnt flour looking color. Oil is essential if you want a crispy, breaded fish fillet. It will help crisp the fish and you don't need much.
• Add some heat - You can add some hot sauce to the buttermilk for some extra heat. You can also soak these fillets overnight in buttermilk and just be ready to pop in the air fryer when it's dinner time.
• Toast the buns - You can take the extra step of toasting the buns for a couple minutes per side for extra texture.
• Chill the tartar sauce - Letting the tartar sauce chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop. If you don't like sweet relish, you can use dill or chop up some dill pickles instead.

Regular Frying Method

You can also fry these fillets in oil if you prefer (regular frying method). Heat neutral oil, like vegetable oil (Canola) to 350°F in a large skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Allow the fillets to rest on a wire rack. Use peanut oil or avocado oil, if you don't like Canola.

What to Serve with Your Fish Sandwich

• French Fries or Oven-Roasted Potato Fries: Crispy fries pair perfectly with fish sandwiches, adding a salty crunch. Oven-roasted French fries bring lighter texture.
• Coleslaw: Creamy or Zesty Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances fried or crispy fish with acidity and texture.
• Pickles or Dill Pickles: Slices of pickles give a crisp, vinegary contrast that brightens up the meal.
• Tartar Sauce or Aioli: A creamy dipping sauce or sandwich spread is essential, enhancing flavor and moisture. 

Storage and reheating instructions

• Refrigerate promptly: Store leftover cooked fish fillets separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep sandwich buns and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap carefully: Wrap fish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep moisture out and preserve crispness. Avoid storing the assembled sandwich as it will get soggy.
• Freeze: Cooked fish fillets can be frozen for 1-2 months in airtight packaging but texture may suffer. Thaw completely before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Use the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Reheat fish fillets alone for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Add cheese near the end if desired to melt.
• Reassemble after reheating: For best texture, assemble the sandwich with buns, lettuce, and sauces after the fish is reheated.
• Alternative oven reheating: Place fish on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness if no air fryer is available.

More air fryer deliciousness

• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites in Hot Honey Cajun Glaze

Try these easy and delicious sandwiches

Chicken Burger with Bacon

More cod recipes to try

Boston Baked Cod with Lemon and Wine