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Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce

Close-up of an Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce on a brioche bun, served on a white plate.
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Make a crispy, flaky fish sandwich using your air fryer. This recipe includes a simple breading method for maximum crunch and a quick homemade tartar sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cod or tilapia fillets, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil spray
  • 4 hamburger buns or brioche rolls
  • 4 slices cheese (optional)
  • Lettuce and tomato slices for serving
  • For Tartar Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets completely dry using paper towels. This helps the breading stick.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. In a second dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the fish: Dredge each fillet first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the breaded fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the fish lightly with oil spray.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through (around the 6-minute mark). Cook until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature reaches 145°F or 63°C).
  7. Make the tartar sauce: While the fish cooks, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  8. Toast the buns: During the last 2 minutes of the fish cooking time, place the buns (cut side up) in the air fryer or a toaster oven until lightly golden.
  9. Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of cheese on the hot fish if using. Place the fish fillet on the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, and a generous amount of tartar sauce. Place the top bun on to finish.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the panko breadcrumbs with oil before coating the fish.
  • If your fillets are thicker than 1/2 inch, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  • Use firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for the best results in the air fryer.

Nutrition

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