Description
Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce feature golden, crunchy fish strips with a tender, flaky interior, perfectly paired with a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful texture and flavor combination, ideal for a satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Cod Strips:
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use air fryer)
- Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan in breadcrumbs
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Tartar Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season them with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Coat the Fish: Place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder in a third bowl. Dip each cod strip into the flour first, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Fry or Air-Fry: For frying, heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 180°C (350°F) and fry the coated cod strips for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. For air-frying, lightly spray the coated strips with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Once cooked, drain on paper towels.
- Make the Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, optional capers, and chopped parsley or dill. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the crispy cod strips hot alongside the tartar dipping sauce and fresh lemon wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If using an air fryer, spraying the fish lightly with oil helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Patting the cod strips thoroughly dry before seasoning ensures better coating adhesion.
- Feel free to swap parsley with dill in the tartar sauce depending on your preference.
- Leftover tartar sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy cod strips, tartar sauce, fish strips, fried fish, air fryer fish, homemade tartar sauce, seafood appetizer
