Get ready to fall in love with the unbeatable comfort of Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce—a classic, golden-crusted favorite that always steals the show. This is the dish I crave on a Friday night, with its juicy, flaky fish cloaked in a crunchy panko coating, perfectly seasoned and made even more irresistible with a zesty, creamy tartar sauce you’ll want to slather on everything. Whether you’re bringing the flavors of the seaside home or simply looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe balances crispiness and freshness in every bite, capturing the magic of your favorite fish fry right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Simple staples come together here, and a few smart touches are what create that crave-worthy finish—don’t skip the panko or the tartar sauce mix-ins!

Cod Fillets (1½ pounds): Choose firm, fresh cod for the flakiest, most tender results—patting them dry ensures maximum crispiness.
Salt and Pepper: A must for boosting flavor in both the fish and the breading—season generously for the best taste in every bite.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup, divided): One half for the initial dredge, the other to mix with panko for a perfectly textured coating that clings beautifully.
Large Eggs (2, beaten): Acts as the essential “glue” that helps that crunchy breadcrumb layer stick to your fillets.
Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret weapon for an extra-light, crisp finish—so much crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and an appealing golden color to your crust.
Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Delivers mellow, savory depth, making every bite more satisfying.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Use enough for shallow frying—its neutral taste keeps the spotlight on your fish.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for that signature tangy tartar sauce.
Dill Pickles (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings snappy crunch and refreshing brininess to the sauce.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Bright, citrusy zing that lifts every element of the tartar sauce.
Capers (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Add pops of intense, savory-salty flavor—don’t skimp, they’re tartar sauce magic!
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): A hint of sharpness for depth and a mellow kick in the sauce.
Dried Dill (½ teaspoon): That unmistakable herby undertone, echoing the pickles for classic flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season to balance all the creamy, tangy, and herby notes in the tartar sauce.

How to Make Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets completely dry with paper towels—this makes a world of difference for getting that signature crispy coating. Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper, making sure every surface is seasoned so the mild fish really shines through all those layers of flavor later on.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Now the fun part—coating the cod! Grab three shallow dishes: fill the first with half the flour, the second with beaten eggs, and in the third, combine the remaining flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder. This one-two-three setup keeps your workspace tidy and ensures each fillet gets evenly coated and perfectly crisp after frying.

Step 3: Bread the Cod Fillets

One at a time, dredge each piece of seasoned cod in the plain flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg to coat thoroughly, then press firmly into your panko-flour mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. For an extra-crunchy finish, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps—trust me, you won’t regret it!

Step 4: Fry the Cod to Perfect Crispiness

Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; a good test is to drop in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately. Carefully lay in the breaded cod fillets, working in batches to avoid crowding. Fry each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. Let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce: Step 5 – Mix Up the Sauce

While your cod cools slightly, whip up the tartar sauce by combining mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, dried dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir everything well and chill until ready to serve. This tangy homemade sauce is leagues ahead of any store-bought, brightening up every bite of your crispy fried cod with homemade tartar sauce!

How to Serve Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce

Garnishes

Boost the brightness and appeal of each plate by topping your Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce with sprigs of fresh dill, a pinch of extra lemon zest, or wedges of lemon squeezed right on top. A scattering of chopped parsley amps up the color and adds a garden-fresh finish.

Side Dishes

No fish fry is complete without ultra-classic sides like hot, crispy fries or potato wedges—a match made in comfort food heaven! Serve alongside a tangy slaw or simple steamed green beans to balance out the meal, or go pub-style with mushy peas and malt vinegar for a real treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile your Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce onto toasted buns for epic fish sandwiches, or cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces for pub-inspired fish bites. Serve on a wooden board or newspaper for that authentic fish-and-chips feel—perfect for family-style dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you), let the fried cod cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container lined with paper towels to help preserve the crispness. Keep the homemade tartar sauce in a separate sealed container in your fridge—both will stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled pieces of crispy fried cod on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer until firm, then move them to freezer-safe bags or containers. The cod will keep its quality for up to one month. For the tartar sauce, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter its creamy texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat cod in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until hot and crispy—this brings the coating back to life much better than the microwave, which can make it soggy. Always serve reheated cod with a fresh, cold dollop of tartar sauce for that just-made experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely—haddock or pollock are fantastic alternatives in this Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce recipe, both delivering that same tender, flaky texture perfect for frying and pairing with tartar sauce.

What’s the secret to ultra-crispy fried cod?

Double-dipping the fillets (egg, breadcrumb, back to egg, then more breadcrumbs) and making sure your oil is hot enough before frying are the keys to achieving that irresistible, golden crunch every time.

Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing the homemade tartar sauce a day in advance actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify; just store it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for an air fryer?

You bet—simply arrange the breaded cod pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spritz with a little oil, and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter spin on Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives to enjoy Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce with all of the crunch and none of the gluten.

Final Thoughts

This is one recipe I reach for again and again, whether for family dinners or weekend cravings—the combination of crunchy, golden fish and tangy homemade tartar sauce is endlessly satisfying. If you’re ready for a fun, foolproof seafood night at home, give Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce a try—you’ll love how special and easy it feels at your own table!

Crispy Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a classic seafood dish with this recipe for Crispy Fried Cod served with a delectable Homemade Tartar Sauce. The cod fillets are seasoned, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, and fried to golden perfection. Paired with the tangy tartar sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Crispy Fried Cod:

1 1/2 pounds cod fillets, cut into portions
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil for frying

Tartar Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Set up Breading Station: Place 1/2 cup flour on a plate, beaten eggs in a shallow bowl, and a mixture of the remaining flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder on another plate.
Coat the Cod: Dredge each cod piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry the Cod: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the cod in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Serve: Drain fried cod on paper towels and serve hot with tartar sauce.