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Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish

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Recreate the iconic McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish at home with this Air Fryer recipe! Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, this healthier version is just as delicious as the original.

A golden, crispy Air Fryer Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a perfectly battered fish fillet, lettuce, and tartar sauce, ready to enjoy.

The Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is a healthier twist on the fast-food classic, offering a crispy, golden-battered fish fillet paired with tangy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce, all served in a soft bun.

Made with minimal oil in the air fryer, this version provides the same delicious flavor and crunch as the original, but with less grease and fat. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this easy recipe brings the taste of McDonald’s into your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and steps!

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich featuring a golden crispy fish fillet, lettuce, and tartar sauce in a soft bun.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love how crispy and golden the fish turns out with just a fraction of the oil, thanks to the air fryer.
It’s a healthier homemade version of the McDonald’s classic, without sacrificing taste or texture.
This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a fast lunch or dinner that satisfies the whole family.
The fish fillet stays tender on the inside while the outside remains perfectly crispy, just like the original!
It’s customizable—add more tartar sauce, extra lettuce, or your favorite seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients Needed For Filet-O-Fish Recipe Air Fryer

White Fish Fillets: Use mild, flaky white fish fillets such as cod or haddock for the perfect texture and flavor.
Old Bay Seasoning: For added flavor.
Egg: Whisked egg acts as the binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish fillets.
Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra crispy and flavorful crust.
American Cheese: Optional.
Buns: Soft sandwich buns hold everything together and complement the crispy fish.
Tartar Sauce: A creamy, tangy tartar sauce adds the finishing touch to the sandwich.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish

Mixing panko breadcrumbs with Old Bay Seasoning in a small bowl, and beating an egg with a fork in another bowl.

Step One: Mix the breadcrumbs (panko) and Old Bay Seasoning in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix beat the egg with a fork.

Dipping fish fillets into beaten egg on both sides, then coating them with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step Two: Take your fish, dip it into the egg on both sides, and then dip it into the bread crumb mixture. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray, placing breaded fish fillets inside, and spraying the fish with cooking spray before cooking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step Three: Spray your basket with cooking spray. As you bread your fish, place them into the greased basket. Spray the breaded fish with cooking spray, which will help it crisp up. Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, set the cook time time for 10-12 minutes, flip the fish halfway, and respond to the fish with cooking spray. Check the internal temperature before removing the fish, which should have a 145 degrees F reading. Remove the fish when it’s fully cooked. (The exact time is going to depend on what air fryer you own and how thick your fish is)

Adding hamburger rolls to the air fryer basket and air frying at 320°F for 2-3 minutes until toasted.

Step Four: Add your hamburger rolls to the air fryer basket, and air fry for 2-3 minutes at 320 degrees F. Remove once toasted.

Step Five: To Assemble the sandwich, place the tartar sauce on the bottom of the bottom bun, put the Crispy Fish Fillet on top, add a piece of American Cheese and cover with the top bun.

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich with crispy fish, tartar sauce, and fresh buns.

Filet O Fish Air Fryer Recipe Tips

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crunchy coating. You can also add Old Bay seasoning or your favorite spices for extra flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the breaded fish with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve a crisp, golden finish without the need for deep frying.
Flip Halfway Through: Flip the fish fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Toast the Buns: For the perfect Filet-O-Fish sandwich, toast the buns in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F. This adds a nice crunch to the sandwich.
Customize Your Sauce: Traditional tartar sauce is great, but you can also add a little kick with some hot sauce or even make your own special sauce for a unique twist.
Check the Internal Temperature: Ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety and optimal tenderness.

Storing

Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. To prevent sogginess, keep the fish separate from the buns and sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze the breaded fish fillets before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month for later use.
Reheating: To reheat, place the fish fillets in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy and heated through. If you have leftover buns, toast them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to bring back the crunch.

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald's Filet-O-Fish served with crispy breaded fish fillets, toasted buns, and tartar sauce.

What To Serve With Copycat Filet O Fish

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes to elevate your meal. For a classic combo, serve it with crispy French fries or golden potato wedges to match the crunchy texture of the fish. You can also complement the sandwich with a refreshing side salad, lightly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or coleslaw for a creamy contrast. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a tangy pickle for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t forget a side of tartar sauce for dipping to complete this delicious, fast-food-inspired meal!

Air Fryer Filet O Fish (McDonald’s Copycat) Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use other mild white fish like cod or tilapia if you prefer, but the original recipe uses a fish fillet similar to what McDonald’s uses.

How do I keep the fish crispy in the air fryer? Spray the breaded fish fillets with a little cooking spray before air frying to help them crisp up. Also, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time ensures even crispness on both sides.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or another gluten-free breading option.

Can I use frozen fish fillets? Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Thawing the fish before breading may result in a better texture.

Can I store leftover Filet-O-Fish in the fridge? Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Crispy breaded fish fillets cooked in an air fryer for a delicious homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwich with tartar sauce and a soft bun.

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