Crispy Cod Sandwich

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If you love fish, I highly recommend this Cod Sandwich. It’s crispy and flavorful while remaining succulent in the middle. Add your favorite toppings and you have a great lunch or dinner that the whole family will enjoy. I enjoy white fish because there are so many kinds and they’re all versatile.

A cod sandwich on a plate with lemons in the background.

I make this cod fish sandwich often. Everyone loves it even my toughest critics. Everyone likes that they can choose their toppings and condiments. I set it all up so everyone could assemble their sandwich. It saves me time and prep, too!

Love fish sandwiches? You've got to try this Catfish Po’ Boy Sandwich, Crab Cake Sandwich or our Loose Meat Sandwich next.

Why You’ll Love This Cod Sandwich Recipe

Customizable recipe: Change up the seasonings for the cod and the toppings on the sandwich to your favorites.
30-minute meal: These cod sandwiches are ready to eat in less than 30 minutes.
Easy to make ahead: Cook your cod filets ahead of time for a quick meal on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

This recipe for cod sandwiches only needs 4 ingredients plus seasonings and toppings. It’s a very affordable meal!

Cod filets: I like to use fresh cod for this recipe but you can also use frozen filets. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cod has a mild flavor similar to tilapia. It takes on seasoning so well.
Olive oil: Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any kind you like. This is going to help the coating stick to the fish.
Parmesan cheese: I add some parmesan cheese to the breading for extra crispiness and salty flavor.
Breadcrumbs: For this cod sandwich recipe, I went with Italian-style breadcrumbs. I like the flavor best. You can use plain as well and season how you like.
Spices: Since you get great flavor from the breading, I only add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to it. Feel free to add paprika, onion powder, or whatever you prefer as well.
Sub buns: Soft sub buns are perfect. They hold up well and are the perfect size for the crispy cod filets.
Toppings: If you want a simple and yummy sandwich, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce are my go-to toppings. Experiment with your favorites!

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Buffalo Cod Sandwich: Toss the crispy baked cod in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Use your favorite brand or make this Vegan Buffalo Sauce Recipe.
Cod Parm Sandwich: Top the crispy cod with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious take on chicken parm.
Cajun Cod Sandwich: Add cajun seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra bold flavor and a little spice.
Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the mixture for a bit of heat. You can also serve up our homemade hot pepper sauce on the table as well.

How to Make a Cod Sandwich

Here are the instructions on how to make crispy cod sandwiches. Before working with the fish, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

Step 1: Dry the cod. First, pat the cod filets thoroughly dry with paper towels.

⭐️ Pro Tip: The breading mixture won’t stick to the fish if it’s wet so remove as much excess moisture as possible.

Adding oil to the spices and breadcrumb mixture.

Step 2: Make the breading. Combine the oil, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings in a small bowl. Mix all of the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.

Breadcrumb mixture pressed onto the cod fillets.

Step 3: Coat the filets. Gently press some of the mixture onto each side of the filets until both pieces are fully coated.

Step 4: Bake. Place the cod onto the baking sheet and place it in the oven. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Baked cod served up on a bun with lettuce and tomatoes.

Step 5: Assemble the sandwiches. After the cod is baked, cut each piece in half and place on the bottom buns. Add the lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on top (or whatever you choose).

Step 6: Serve. Enjoy alone or with a tasty side dish!

Cod fish sandwich on a plate with lemons and parsley in the background.

⭐️ Hint: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you put the cod in. The high temperature is going to ensure that it gets a nice brown color and crispy texture on the outside.

If you love cod fish recipes like this, you may also enjoy Smoked Black Cod.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftover oven-baked cod in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Do not save the assembled sandwiches to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Freezing: Store each piece of cod in a small freezer bag for convenience for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to thaw an individual portion for lunch. Be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating it.
Reheating: Place the leftover cod on a greased sheet pan in a 400-degree F oven for 5-8 minutes or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Try using Spicy Mayo Sauce instead of classic tartar sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and has a hint of heat.
A crunchy slaw on top is perfect for this breaded cod recipe. I like sweet Cranberry Apple Coleslaw or spicy Jalapeno Coleslaw.
Fries are a classic fried fish side dish. I like Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries as a quick and tasty option.
Try an easy veggie like Slow Cooker Cabbage to pair with the cod fish sandwiches. You can even add it on top.

A crispy cod sandwich on a bun with tartar sauce and veggies.

Recipe Tips

Let it rest: Allow the cod to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juiciest result.
Use a wire rack: To ensure the cooked cod doesn’t become soggy, place them on a cool rack so the breading stays crispy.
Leave enough space when baking: You don’t want to overcrowd the baking sheet — especially if you are making extra fish. If the filets are too close together they will steam and not get crispy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I cook the cod in a skillet?

Yes! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook each side of the cod for about 3-4 minutes or until golden. It’s cooked through when flaky!

Can I make it in the air fryer?

The air fryer is another great cooking method for this recipe. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Cook the cod for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Can I use another type of fish?

Of course! Halibut and tilapia are both wonderful options. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the filets.

Cod sandwich on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.

More Delicious Fish Recipes

Do you love fish? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.