Introduction

Fish finger sandwiches are a nostalgic and satisfying meal that combines crispy fish sticks with fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, these sandwiches offer a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.

Fish Finger Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 fish sticks (see notes)
4 slices white sandwich bread
2 tablespoons softened butter
½ cup chopped lettuce
6 slices dill pickles (more to taste)
Tartar sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup minced dill pickles
1 teaspoon fresh minced dill
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: To make the sandwiches, spritz an air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each for air to flow. Spritz the fish sticks with oil spray.
Step 2: Air fry at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Step 3: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On two slices, buttered side down, layer the chopped lettuce, 3 fish sticks each, and dill pickle slices.
Step 4: Drizzle tartar sauce over the fish sticks, then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 5: Serve the sandwiches immediately while the fish sticks are warm and crispy.
Step 6: To make the tartar sauce, add mayonnaise, minced dill pickles, fresh minced dill, lemon juice, and onion powder to a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Store any leftover tartar sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use toasted bread instead of plain sandwich bread.
Swap white bread with whole wheat or sourdough for added flavor.
Add sliced tomatoes or red onion for additional freshness.
Use homemade fish fingers or baked fish fillets as a substitute for store-bought fish sticks.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the fish sticks in a conventional oven following package instructions.

Storage

Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for best texture. Leftover tartar sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you have leftover fish sticks, keep them in the fridge and reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness before assembling new sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tartar sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This allows the flavors to meld and makes sandwich assembly quicker.

What can I use instead of fish sticks?

If you prefer, you can use cooked fish fillets, shrimp, or even crispy chicken strips as a tasty alternative to fish sticks in this sandwich.

Fish Finger Sandwiches Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

Delicious and crispy fish finger sandwiches made with air-fried fish sticks, fresh lettuce, dill pickles, and creamy homemade tartar sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwiches
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sandwiches

6 fish sticks
4 slices white sandwich bread
2 tablespoons softened butter
½ cup chopped lettuce
6 slices dill pickles (more to taste)

For the Tartar Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup minced dill pickles
1 teaspoon fresh minced dill
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Prepare the Fish Sticks: Spritz an air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer leaving space between each for air to flow. Spritz the tops of the fish sticks with oil spray to ensure even crisping.
Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fish sticks for 12 minutes or until they are hot and crispy on the outside, ensuring a perfect texture.
Butter the Bread: While the fish sticks are cooking, take the slices of white sandwich bread and butter one side of each slice evenly to add flavor and help with browning if briefly toasted.
Assemble the Sandwiches: On two slices of bread (butter side down), layer chopped lettuce, three crispy fish sticks each, and dill pickles. Drizzle a generous amount of homemade tartar sauce over the fish sticks, then top with the remaining slices of bread buttered side up to complete the sandwich.
Serve Immediately: Serve the sandwiches immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the fish sticks combined with fresh lettuce and creamy tartar sauce for the best experience.
Make the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced dill pickles, fresh minced dill, lemon juice, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful tartar sauce.
Store Leftover Sauce: Store any leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Notes

If preferred, use homemade or store-bought fish sticks; ensure they are suitable for air frying.
Spritzing with oil helps achieve extra crispiness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
Feel free to add more dill pickles or lettuce according to taste.
For a healthier alternative, whole grain or gluten-free bread can be substituted.
Leftover tartar sauce can also be used as a dip for other seafood dishes.

Keywords: fish finger sandwiches, air fryer fish sticks, tartar sauce, quick sandwiches, crispy fish sandwich