Golden, crunchy on the outside and tender, flaky on the inside — these Crispy Cod Strips are the ultimate seafood treat. Perfectly seasoned and paired with a creamy homemade tartar dipping sauce, this recipe makes for a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crispy Cod Strips offer everything you want in a classic fish dish — crunch, flavor, and simplicity. The breadcrumb coating delivers a satisfying crispiness, while the mild, flaky cod remains juicy inside. The tangy tartar sauce adds just the right balance, making it irresistible for seafood lovers. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with fries, coleslaw, or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crispy Cod Strips:
• 500 g (1 lb) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or use air fryer)
Optional for Extra Flavor:
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan in breadcrumbs
• Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Tartar Dipping Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles or relish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Cod
Pat cod strips dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Coat the Fish
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder in a third. Dip each cod strip in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Fry or Air-Fry
Frying method: Heat oil in a skillet to 180°C (350°F). Fry strips for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Air-fryer method: Spray coated strips lightly with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Tartar Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickles, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve crispy cod strips hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
• Herbed Breadcrumbs: Mix in dried thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
• Lighter Version: Bake the coated cod strips at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Different Fish: Substitute cod with haddock or tilapia for similar texture and taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cod strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. The tartar sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
How do I prevent the coating from falling off the fish?
Make sure the cod strips are completely dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry to remove excess moisture before coating.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil.
How can I make the coating extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
Can I prepare the fish in advance?
Yes, you can coat the fish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before frying.
Is tartar sauce necessary?
While optional, tartar sauce adds a creamy and tangy balance that complements the crispy fish beautifully.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
What sides go best with crispy cod strips?
Classic fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a light salad pair perfectly with this dish.
Can I freeze cooked cod strips?
Yes, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat directly in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until crisp and hot.
Conclusion
Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce bring the joy of a seaside meal straight to your table. Simple, flavorful, and perfectly crunchy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you fry or air-fry, you’ll get irresistibly golden fish strips every time — best served with that creamy tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Golden and crunchy cod strips served with a creamy homemade tartar sauce. Perfect for a quick seafood dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these crispy fish strips are easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
500 g (1 lb) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying or air frying
Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan in breadcrumbs
Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles or relish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon capers (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat cod strips dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder (and Parmesan, if using).
Dredge each cod strip in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere coating.
For frying: Heat oil to 180°C (350°F). Fry cod strips for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. For air frying: Lightly spray coated cod with oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pickles, mustard, lemon juice, capers (if using), and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 15 minutes.
Serve cod strips hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Pair with fries, slaw, or salad as desired.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Ensure fish is dry before coating for better adhesion.
Chill tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes for best flavor.
Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
