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!
Fish sandwiches and Lent
Fish sandwiches have a strong connection to Lent, a season of fasting and reflection for many Christians, especially Catholics.
Since fish is a popular alternative to meat on Fridays during Lent, this colorful and flavorful crispy sandwich makes it easier and more convenient to have fish.
Fried fish filet on a soft bun continues to be a staple of Lenten meals, blending religious tradition with practical application.
Why make a fish sandwich
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.
What kind of fish should I use?
Neutral tasting fish -I like a nice neutral tasting fish like cod or flounder. You can also try tilapia or even catfish. The best fish for frying is white, mild, lean, and firm. Also think haddock or pollock.
Cod – I prefer to use cod or flounder. Cod is my first choice because it has a mild flavor, delicate texture and great versatility. Because cod has a very reliable texture when fried – it is perfect for the air fryer!
Say goodbye to soggy fast food fish sandwiches! Say hello to the best air fryer fish sandwich!
What type of oil or cooking spray to use
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.
Oil is essential if you want a crispy, breaded fish fillet. It will help crisp the fish and you don’t need much!
Can I just fry them in oil?
You can fry these fillets in oil if you prefer. 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.
You can also use peanut oil or avocado oil.
Helpful 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.
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.
Air Fryer temperature
I use 400 degrees.
How long to air fry fish
Cook the fish for 12-14 minutes total, until the fish has reached your desired level of crisp.
Fish sandwich’s best friends
Tartar sauce – bold and flavorful companion!
Pickles – these are salty, crispy and absolutely delicious
Cole Slaw – refreshing and tangy slaw, such as this Zesty Brussels Sprout Coleslaw with Horseradish
French fries – crispy, golden fries contrast beautifully with the fish sandwich. Plus, the ability to dip fries in ketchup, mayo or fish sauce makes the experience so much better!
How to make fish sandwich in the air fryer step by step
Prepare all the ingredients. See recipe card for the comprehensive list.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and then spray the bottom of the basket generously with cooking spray. After dipping each fish fillet into the flour mixture – place in the air fryer and coat the tops with cooking spray so that all the flour is saturated.
Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway though and re-spraying with cooking spray.
Add cheese slices on top of the cod fillets. Use Cheddar or American cheese.
Storage and reheating instructions
Refrigerate – Cover and store these fish sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat – I recommend reheating the fish in the air fryer by itself or on a skillet until it is warmed through. Then you can reassemble the sandwiches on the buns with the toppings.
More air fryer deliciousness
Try these easy and delicious sandwiches
More cod recipes to try
Boston Baked Cod with Lemon and Wine
Seafood recipes
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 cooking spray
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets, (or flounder)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Tartar Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet relish
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Buns
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4 cheddar cheese slices, (or American cheese)
Instructions
Tartar sauce (can be made ahead)
- Make the tartar sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Buttermilk marinade
- Place the fish fillets into a zipper bag or bowl. Cover with buttermilk. Allow the fish to marinate for 20-30 minutes in the buttermilk.
Fish flour mixture
- Prepare flour mixture– In a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, Panko bread crumbs, Old Bay, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together until combined.
Air Fryer instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and then spray the bottom of the basket generously with cooking spray.
- Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture. Cover and press really well. Set on a plate until all the fillets are coated. Then go in and do a second round of coating with the flour mixture.
- Place in the air fryer and coat the tops with cooking spray so that all the flour is saturated. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway though and re-spraying with cooking spray.
Assembly
- In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle a little bit of coarse salt on top and place a slice of cheese on each fillet.
- Build each sandwich by adding a handful of lettuce to the bottom of a brioche bun. Then place a fillet on top and follow that with the tartar sauce.
- Serve with French fries or chips and enjoy!
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only. This information comes from online calculators. Although whatsinthepan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
How do I do it with chicken thighs?
You can follow directions exactly the same way!
Made this today for my entire family. 4 sandwiches with regular bread. The sauce was sooo good!
Love regular bread sandwiches as well!
This was so easy to make and we are going to be making it again!
Please enjoy this!