Crispy Cod Strips with Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce
Incredibly easy Crispy Cod Strips that are golden, flaky, and oh-so-satisfying, especially when paired with a zesty, homemade tartar sauce. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a surefire way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Cod Strips
- 500 g fresh cod fillets (cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough for about an inch deep)
For the Tartar Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish (dill pickles recommended)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Your Cod: Start by patting those cod strips nice and dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to help the coating stick and get extra crispy!
- Set Up Your Dredging Station: Grab three shallow dishes or pie plates. In the first dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, give your eggs a good whisk until they’re well combined. In the third dish, pour in your breadcrumbs.
- Coat Those Strips: Take each cod strip and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s lightly coated on all sides. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it gently into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully covered for maximum crispiness. Place the coated strips on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to about 175°C (350°F). Carefully place your breaded cod strips into the hot oil in batches – don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
- Whip Up the Tartar Sauce: While your cod is frying, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers (if using), and chopped fresh parsley or dill in a small bowl. Stir well, taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the crispy cod strips immediately with the homemade tartar sauce for dipping.
Notes
For an air-fried version, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F), lightly spray the coated strips with cooking spray, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For baking, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F), place strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.