Introduction

Fish finger sandwiches are a nostalgic and deliciously crispy treat that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner, these sandwiches combine crunchy fish sticks, fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, and a homemade tartar sauce for extra flavor.

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: 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 lightly with oil spray.
Step 2: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or until the fish sticks are hot and crispy.
Step 3: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On two slices, buttered side down, layer chopped lettuce, 3 fish sticks each, and dill pickles.
Step 4: Drizzle tartar sauce over the top of the fish sticks and pickles, then place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side up.
Step 5: Serve the sandwiches immediately while the fish sticks are hot and crispy.
Step 6: To make the tartar sauce, combine all tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well mixed.
Step 7: Store any leftover tartar sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier sandwich, toast the buttered bread slices lightly before assembling.
Try adding sliced tomatoes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the fish sticks according to package instructions until crispy.
Use whole wheat or your favorite bread for a healthier twist.

Storage

It’s best to eat the fish finger sandwiches immediately to enjoy the crispy 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 refrigerated and reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

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 five days in advance and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and makes assembly quicker.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the fish sticks in a conventional oven following the package instructions, usually at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispness.

Fish Finger Sandwiches Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 80 reviews

Crispy fish finger sandwiches made with air-fried fish sticks, fresh lettuce, dill pickles, and a homemade tangy tartar sauce. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner served on soft white sandwich bread.

Author: Bella
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

Fish Fingers and Sandwich

6 fish sticks
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

Prepare the Air Fryer: Spritz an air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each so the hot air can circulate evenly. Lightly spritz the tops of the fish sticks with oil spray for extra crispiness.
Air Fry the Fish Sticks: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fish sticks for 12 minutes or until they are hot and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping if desired.
Butter the Bread: While the fish sticks cook, butter one side of each slice of white sandwich bread evenly. This will add flavor and moisture to the sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwiches: On two of the bread slices (buttered side up), layer the chopped lettuce, 3 cooked fish sticks each, and dill pickle slices. Drizzle a generous amount of tartar sauce over the fish sticks, then top each with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
Serve Immediately: Serve the fish finger sandwiches while the fish sticks are still warm and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Make the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced dill pickles, fresh minced dill, lemon juice, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
Store Leftover Sauce: Transfer any leftover tartar sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Stir before using again.

Notes

You can use frozen or freshly prepared fish sticks, depending on availability.
For a healthier option, choose whole grain bread instead of white sandwich bread.
Feel free to add extra tartar sauce for more tangy flavor or substitute pickles with capers if preferred.
To achieve maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and flip the fish sticks halfway through cooking if desired.
If you don’t have an air fryer, fish sticks can also be baked or pan-fried following package instructions, but air frying ensures a crispier result with less oil.

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