This Crispy Fish Sandwich is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. It perfectly layers a flaky, golden fish fillet with the rich creaminess of ripe avocado and the bright, tangy zest of a lemon-infused dill sauce, all embraced by buttery toasted brioche buns. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, and the best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!

The Ultimate Quick & Crispy Fish Sandwich Recipe

Who can resist a truly great fish sandwich? That magical combination of a perfectly toasted, subtly sweet brioche bun, a golden-brown, crispy fish fillet, luscious slices of creamy avocado, and a vibrant, zesty lemon-dill sauce is nothing short of culinary heaven. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that satisfies comfort food cravings while still feeling fresh and exciting.

However, we understand that life often gets hectic. Between school runs, work commitments, and evening activities, there’s often precious little time to prepare those perfectly crispy fish fillets from scratch. This is where our secret weapon comes in: high-quality frozen crispy fish fillets. By choosing a reputable brand and preparing them efficiently (an air fryer is a true lifesaver here!), you can achieve restaurant-quality crispness in minutes. Pair it with our quick homemade sauce, and you’ll have a gourmet sandwich that rivals any upscale eatery, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Seriously, it’s that good!

Key Ingredients for Your Crispy Fish Sandwich

Crafting the perfect fish sandwich starts with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating.

• Brioche Buns: These buns are truly the unsung hero of this sandwich. Their slight sweetness and incredibly buttery, soft texture provide the ideal foundation, perfectly complementing the savory fish and tangy sauce. They toast beautifully, creating a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining pillowy soft within.
• Softened Butter: More than just a flavor enhancer, butter is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown toast on your brioche buns. It ensures even crisping, adding another layer of texture and richness that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
• Crispy Fish Fillet: For speed and convenience without sacrificing quality, we highly recommend using a good brand of frozen crispy fish fillets. We’re particularly fond of Gorton’s®, which we’ve also used in our Fish Stick Tacos. However, feel free to use any crispy fish fillet brand you trust and enjoy. Pro Tip: An air fryer is your best friend here! It significantly speeds up cooking time and ensures your fillets achieve an unparalleled level of crispiness, making them taste phenomenal.
• Ripe Avocado: The creamy, buttery texture of a perfectly ripe avocado is an unbeatable addition. It adds a luxurious richness that balances the crispness of the fish and the tang of the sauce. To test for ripeness, give it a gentle squeeze; it should yield slightly but not feel mushy.
• Fresh Leaf Lettuce: For that essential crunch and a burst of freshness, crisp leaf lettuce is a must. It adds a welcome coolness and vibrant green color. The key is to ensure it’s thoroughly dry after rinsing. Excess water can make your sandwich soggy, detracting from the overall enjoyment.

Crafting the Best Homemade Fish Sandwich Sauce

The sauce is the soul of this sandwich, tying all the flavors together with its bright, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. Our homemade lemon-dill sauce is simple to prepare but delivers an incredible depth of flavor.

• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: These twin powerhouses provide the essential tang and vibrant aroma. For the juiciest lemons, choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have a smooth, bright yellow skin. A quick trick: firmly roll the lemon on your countertop before slicing and juicing to maximize yield. A microplane is invaluable for zesting, and a citrus juicer makes quick work of extracting every last drop of juice.
• Full-Fat Mayonnaise: The quality of your mayonnaise truly matters here. A rich, full-fat mayo forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel and binding all the flavors. We highly recommend Hellman’s or Best Foods® for their superior taste and texture.
• Sweet Pickle Relish or Finely Diced Pickles: To introduce a delightful sweet-tangy punch and a subtle textural contrast, sweet pickle relish is our go-to. We’re firmly Team Heinz® for this! If you’re not a fan of relish or prefer a more natural approach, finely diced bread-and-butter pickles are an excellent alternative. Remember, the goal is a consistent, small dice if you’re skipping the relish for an even distribution of flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Nothing brightens a seafood sauce quite like fresh dill. Its delicate, slightly anise-like, and wonderfully fresh flavor beautifully complements the fish and balances the tang from the lemon and relish. Don’t skip this for an authentic flavor!
• Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These are your secret flavor amplifiers. They add layers of umami depth, a subtle spicy kick, and a sophisticated tanginess that elevate the sauce from good to outstanding. However, they are potent, so add them judiciously and taste-test as you mix to ensure they enhance, rather than overpower, the other ingredients.

Expert Tips for Building Your Best Fish Sandwich

Creating the perfect fish sandwich is straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your creation from good to absolutely unforgettable. Follow these guidelines for a consistently delicious result:

1. Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: While convenience is key for this recipe, investing in high-quality ingredients truly pays off. A better fish fillet, fresh produce, and a good mayonnaise will noticeably enhance the overall flavor and enjoyment of your sandwich.
2. Mastering the Air Fryer: If you’re using an air fryer for your fish fillets, avoid overcrowding the basket. Proper air circulation is crucial for achieving that desired even crispness and golden-brown perfection. Cook in batches if necessary, rather than stacking the fillets. For more tips, check out our comprehensive air fryer guide.
3. The Golden Ratio of Bun to Filling: Achieving balance is key. Too much sauce or an overabundance of fillings can lead to a soggy bun, compromising the sandwich’s texture. Aim for a harmonious ratio. If your sauce seems too thin, incorporate a touch more mayonnaise to thicken it to your preferred consistency.
4. Strategic Assembly for Success: The order in which you layer your sandwich components matters. Start by generously spreading the sauce on both halves of the toasted bun. Next, add the lettuce; it acts as a protective barrier, preventing the bun from getting soggy from the sauce or other moist ingredients. Then, layer your avocado slices, followed by the crispy fish fillet, and finally, any optional pickles. This strategic layering ensures every component stays in its place and contributes to a balanced bite.
5. Prepare Your Sauce in Advance: The lemon-dill sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day! Remember to give it a good re-stir before using.
6. Don’t Skip the Toasted Bun: The act of buttering and toasting your brioche bun is non-negotiable. This step adds incredible flavor, a delightful textural contrast, and prevents the bun from becoming soggy. A perfectly toasted bun is the unsung hero of this sandwich.
7. Ensure Lettuce is Dry: As mentioned, thoroughly drying your lettuce after washing is critical. Use a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy sandwich.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Crispy Fish Sandwich

Elevate your fish sandwich meal by pairing it with complementary sides. The right accompaniment can enhance the flavors and textures, making your dining experience truly memorable. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Fries of All Kinds: A classic for a reason! Whether you prefer traditional potato fries, sweet potato fries, or even simple roasted potatoes, they make a fantastic partner. I love to pop a bag of Alexia® Sweet Potato Fries into the air fryer right alongside the fish fillets for ultimate convenience and deliciousness!
• Fresh Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fish sandwich. Its crisp texture and bright dressing cleanse the palate beautifully.
• Extra Pickles: For those who crave an extra burst of tang and crunch, a side dish of your favorite pickles (dill, bread-and-butter, or even spicy) is always a welcome addition.
• Light and Zesty Salads: A fresh, vibrant salad can perfectly balance the richness of the sandwich. Consider a simple green salad with a Citrusy Dressing, a refreshing Cucumber Salad, or a classic Tomato and Mozzarella Salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• Crispy Chips: For an effortlessly easy side, a handful of kettle-cooked potato chips or a selection of vegetable chips provides a satisfying crunch and salty counterpoint.
• Creamy Potato Salad: A timeless picnic favorite, potato salad offers a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy side that complements the fish sandwich wonderfully.
• Refreshing Fruit Salad: A bright and sweet fruit salad, especially one featuring tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, or berries, provides a fantastic sweet-tart contrast and a light finish to your meal.

More Easy & Delicious Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of quick, satisfying, and flavorful sandwiches, you’re in the right place! Here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that are perfect for any meal, any day:

• Gourmet Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese: A classic elevated with a blend of three delectable cheeses for ultimate gooeyness.
• Hearty English Muffin Sandwich: Featuring a unique sweet potato hash brown, perfect for a breakfast or brunch anytime.
• Air Fryer Sandwiches (Four Ways!): Discover incredibly crispy and delicious sandwiches made effortlessly in your air fryer, with four exciting variations.
• Elegant Cucumber Sandwich: A light and refreshing option featuring a simple yet incredibly flavorful three-ingredient spread.
• Speedy Chicken Caesar Sandwich: An ingenious recipe using pre-made Caesar salad mix for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Crispy Fish Sandwich

By Chelsea Lords

This Fish Sandwich combines flaky fish, creamy avocado, and tangy lemon sauce on buttery toasted brioche. Every bite is loaded with flavor, and it’s ready in under 25 minutes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Servings: 1 sandwich (with sandwich spread for more)

Ingredients

Sauce (for multiple sandwiches!)

• 1/2 cup mayo (Best Foods/Hellman’s)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (see note 1)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Fish Sandwich (for 1; scales up easily!)

• 1 brioche bun (plus softened butter for toasting)
• 1 frozen fish sandwich fillet (see note 2)
• 1/4 large ripe avocado (thinly sliced)
• 2 pieces lettuce
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl, including 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper (or to taste). Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. Re-stir before using.
2. Prepare the fish sandwich fillet as per the package instructions, either by air frying or baking, until golden and crispy.
3. Generously spread the insides of the brioche bun with softened butter. Place the buns buttered side down on a pan or grill set over medium heat. Toast for 30 seconds to a minute or until golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Generously spread the prepared sauce on both halves of the toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, avocado slices, cooked fish fillet, and pickles (if using). Top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: We’re Team Heinz® for sweet pickle relish. If relish isn’t your preference, finely diced bread-and-butter pickles are an excellent alternative. The key is to finely dice the pickles for a consistent texture if you’re skipping the relish.

Note 2: We love Gorton’s® Fish Sandwich Fillets, but feel free to choose your favorite crispy fish fillet brand! Pro Tip: If you have an air fryer, it not only significantly speeds up the cooking process but also ensures the fillets achieve the best possible crispiness.

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information will vary depending on the specific quantities of butter and relish used, as well as the brand of brioche bun and fish fillet. The values provided are an approximation.

Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. You can store any extra sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep buns at room temperature until ready to assemble.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 622kcal |
Carbohydrates: 33.7g |
Protein: 25g |
Fat: 44.1g |
Cholesterol: 73mg |
Sodium: 1008.2mg |
Fiber: 6.4g |
Sugar: 7.9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should only be used as an approximation.