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Best Homemade Fish Fry Recipe

This crispy fried cod sandwich delivers restaurant-quality crunch at home using a double-coating technique and perfectly controlled oil temperature. Tender, flaky cod wrapped in ultra-crispy panko breading and finished with homemade tartar sauce makes this the ultimate homemade fish fry.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 –6 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cod
  • 1.5 lbs cod fillets skinless, cut into portions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 –6 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Tartar Sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons red onion minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon capers chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
  • 4 –6 brioche buns
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices optional
  • Red onion slices optional
  • Lemon wedges

Method
 

  1. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat cod in flour, dip in egg wash, roll in breadcrumbs, then repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.
  4. Place breaded cod on a wire rack and rest for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Mix all tartar sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350–375°F.
  7. Fry cod in batches for 4–5 minutes total, turning once, until golden brown.
  8. Drain on a wire rack and season lightly with salt.
  9. Toast buns lightly.
  10. Assemble sandwiches with tartar sauce, lettuce, cod, and optional toppings.
  11. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature for maximum crispiness. Let breaded fish rest before frying to prevent coating from falling off.