You will no longer order fish burger as a takeout once you know how to make it at home. The crispy panko-breaded cod burger is packed with light, flaky and seriously delicious flavors. It is quick, easy, and better than McDonald's filet-O-fish. A great alternative to beef burgers.
Serve as is or with homemade oven chips, potato wedges or air fryer French fries.
Crispy fish burger recipe
Who doesn’t like a great burger? If you are looking for an alternative to beef burgers or patties then you have come to the right place.
This recipe is definitely worth the 30 minutes spent making it. Crispy fried fish sandwiched between a super soft brioche bun and herby mayonnaise sauce.
This recipe uses fish fillet which saves you time as you don’t need to blend or process the fish like you would with patties. One less job to do!
What type of fish to use
I used fresh cod fish but you can use any other type of white fish such as Basa fish, tilapia, or haddock. If you are looking to use the exact fish McDonald's uses, then you will need Alaskan pollock which is similar to Codfish.
Are fish burgers healthy?
Yes, compared to beef burgers, they are relatively healthier especially if baked. Although today’s recipe is shallow-fried, it is still more beneficial than being deep-fried.
Fish just like any other type of protein should be consumed in moderation and of course, nobody should be eating a burger every day as it is highly calorific and contains saturated fat.
Related posts: air fryer turkey burger, air fryer chicken patties, air fryer frozen burger and pork meatballs.
What you need to make fish burger
To make this quick and easy cod burger at home, you will need the following ingredients.
- Codfish fillet or any other white fish
- Panko breadcrumbs: you can use plain or golden breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Romaine lettuce
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil to fry
- brioche bun
Dill Mayonnaise burger sauce
Mayonnaise
Fresh dill: substitute with dried dill
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice or lime juice for a milder taste
Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of my homemade garlic and and herb seasoning with some lemon juice to mayonnaise and you would be good to go.
How to make perfect fish burger
Pat the fish dry with a kitchen towel then season on both sides with salt and pepper
Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl, and add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper (remember the fish is already seasoned). Whisk to combine
In a separate bowl, add panko or plain breadcrumbs
Add the fish one at a time to the seasoned egg and carefully coat until covered then place in the breadcrumbs and coat on all sides, shaking off any excess. Transfer the fish to a plate then repeat the process with the remaining ones.
Heat up oil on medium-high heat, not overcrowding the pan, and fry the fish for about 3 to 4 minutes on both sides. Remove from the pan and transfer on a kitchen towel to drain off excess oil.
Make the dill-mayo sauce: to a small bowl add mayonnaise, chopped dill, mustard, and lemon juice and mix to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add about a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar to lighten it up.
Assemble the fish burger: you can toast the burger bun if desired otherwise simply use it plain. Spread the burger sauce on both sides of the bun, add the lettuce to the bottom bun, fish, and cover with the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
To make the fish in the air fryer or oven
Air fryer: follow all the steps above, transfer the breaded fish to the air fryer basket then lightly spray with cooking oil. cook at 200C/390F for 10 to 12 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Flip it halfway through, the fish should flake away easily when it is fully cooked
Oven baked: Same as above, transfer the fish to a baking tray then spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C/365F for 12 to 15 minutes flipping it halfway through the cooking time.
Tips
- Bring the fish out from the fridge about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking and place on a kitchen paper towel to soak up all the excess moisture from the fish. This will help the fish stay crispy when fried.
- If you would be cooking the fish in batches, place the fried ones in a preheated oven or air fryer at 170C/340F to help keep the fish warm while you finish off the rest. It also helps the fish from getting soggy too.
- Apart from lettuce, you can use tomatoes, avocado slices, or even gherkin and cheese slices to top the burger.
More takeout recipes
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Crispy Fish Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 codfish fillet or any other white fish
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs you can use plain or golden breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil to fry
- ½ tsp chicken stock powder optional
other ingredients
- Romaine lettuce to serve
- 4 Burger buns brioche or plain burger bun
Dill-Mayonnaise burger sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice for a milder taste
- pinch of salt to season optional
- 1 tablespoon water optional
Instructions
- Pat the fish dry with a kitchen towel then season on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl, and add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken stock powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper (remember the fish is already seasoned). Whisk to combine
- In a separate bowl, add panko or plain breadcrumbs
- Add the fish one at a time to the seasoned egg and carefully coat until covered then place in the breadcrumbs and coat on all sides, shaking off any excess. Transfer the fish to a plate then repeat the process with the remaining ones.
- Heat up oil on medium-high heat, not overcrowding the pan, and fry the fish for about 3 to 4 minutes on both sides. Remove from the pan and transfer on a kitchen towel to drain off excess oil.
Make the dill-mayo sauce
- to a small bowl add mayonnaise, chopped dill, mustard, and lemon juice, and mix to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add about a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar to lighten it up.
- Assemble the burger: you can toast the burger bun if desired otherwise simply use it plain. Spread the burger sauce on both sides of the bun, add the lettuce to the bottom bun, fish, and cover with the top bun. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
S says
Also, in the photo, chicken stock powder is mentioned, but it's not mentioned in the recipie? Where is that used? Thanks!
Ajoke says
Thanks for the observation, recipe is now updated accordingly.
S says
Thank you so much, Ajoke! Looks easy and delicious and I look forward to making these tomorrow 🙂