Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

Craving a crispy, flavorful fish sandwich like the one from Culver’s? This easy-to-make recipe brings the same delicious crunch and savory taste right to your kitchen, perfect for a quick meal that’s sure to satisfy your seafood cravings!

The Culver’s Cod Sandwich is a fan favorite for its crispy, golden-brown cod fillet paired with a soft, toasted bun, and topped with tangy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce.

This easy-to-make recipe lets you recreate that same delicious sandwich at home with simple ingredients. The flaky cod is seasoned and fried to perfection, while the tangy tartar sauce adds a burst of flavor that balances out the richness of the fish. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this homemade version will give you the satisfying crunch and savory taste of Culver’s cod sandwich in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection – The cod fillet is fried to a golden, crispy crunch, just like the classic Culver’s version you love.
• Flavorful and Savory – The tender, flaky cod is seasoned perfectly, delivering the perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
• Quick & Easy – You can recreate this delicious sandwich at home in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickles, onions, or a slice of cheese to make it your own!
• Restaurant Quality at Home – Skip the drive-thru and enjoy the same crave-worthy fish sandwich from the comfort of your kitchen!

Ingredients Needed For Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

• Fish: Use firm, mild white fish such as cod fillets, haddock, or halibut.
• Egg: Use a large, room-temperature egg
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Use regular bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs. 
• Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Old Bay Seasoning
• Serving: Hamburger Roll, Cheese Slices, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Red Onions, Lemon Slices, Tartar Sauce, etc.

How To Make Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

Step One: Add the breadcrumbs (panko) and Old Bay Seasoning to a shallow dish. In another bowl, add your egg, and beat the egg with a fork.

Step Two: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the fish. Dip your fish into the egg on both sides and then dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with the remaining fish. 

 Step Three: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. As you bread your fish, place them into the greased basket in a single layer. Spray the breaded fish with cooking spray, or brush with olive oil, which will help crisp the breadcrumbs up. Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, set the cook time for 12-15 minutes, flip the fish halfway, and then respray the fish with cooking spray.

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: Assemble the cod sandwich, place the tartar sauce on the bottom bun’s bottom, then place the Crispy Fish Fillet on top, add a piece of American Cheese, and cover with the top bun. If you want to melt your cheese, add the sandwich back into the air fryer and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sandwich has melted cheese.

Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe Tips

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the breaded fish will ensure it cooks evenly and turns crispy.
• Use a light oil coating: While you don’t need as much oil as you would for traditional frying, a light oil coating will help the breading stick and create a crispy texture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy and help create a crunchy crust on your breaded fish. Mix spices or herbs with your panko breadcrumbs for even more flavor before breading your fish.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave enough space between each piece of breaded fish in the basket to allow for even cooking and crispy results. It’s better to cook in batches than to overcrowd the basket.
• Flip the fish halfway through: Flipping the breaded fish halfway through cooking will ensure that both sides cook evenly and turn out crispy.
• Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish has reached 145°F. This will ensure that the fish is cooked through and safe to eat.
• Serve immediately: For the crispiest results, serve the breaded fish immediately after cooking. If you need to hold it briefly, place it on a wire rack in a warm oven to keep it crispy.

Storing

• Storing: Store any leftover Culver’s Fish Sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep the fish crispy, separate the breaded fillets from the buns and toppings before storing.
• Freezing: For freezing, place the breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months and reheated when ready to serve.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the fish fillets in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating from becoming soggy.

Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes! While cod is the classic choice, you can use other mild white fish like haddock, tilapia, or pollock. Just ensure the fillets are thick enough to hold up during frying.

Can I bake the fish instead of air frying it? Yes, you can bake the breaded fish in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden. For best results, spray the fillets with cooking spray before baking to help crisp them up.

Can I make the sandwich ahead of time? While it’s best to serve the sandwich immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prep the breaded fish fillets in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Can I freeze the fish fillets before air frying? Yes! After breading, freeze the fillets on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. You can fry them directly from frozen, just adjust the cooking time slightly.

How do I make the sandwich more flavorful? For extra flavor, you can add your favorite toppings such as pickles, shredded lettuce, or cheese. You can also try adding a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the tartar sauce for an added kick.

How do I keep the fish crispy? To keep the fish crispy, avoid stacking the fillets after frying and serve immediately. If reheating, use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave to maintain the crispiness.

What To Serve With Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

The Culver’s Fish Sandwich pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve it with crispy fries or golden onion rings for a classic fast-food experience, or opt for a fresh side of coleslaw for a creamy and tangy contrast.

For a lighter option, try pairing it with a simple green salad or some fresh-cut veggies like pickles, tomatoes, and cucumber. Whether you stick to the classics or get creative, these sides will enhance the flavors of your crispy fish sandwich!

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