Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the satisfying crunch of golden potatoes with the tender flakiness of baked fish. The fish, often cod, is coated in a light layer of seasoned panko breadcrumbs, creating a crispy exterior that locks in flavor while keeping it moist inside. It’s a classic comfort food that deserves a place at your dining table, especially for those who appreciate a healthier twist on a pub favorite.
Table of Contents

From my kitchen to yours, I can assure you how rewarding it feels to serve freshly made fish and chips, especially when paired with a zesty tartar sauce. I first made this dish on a cozy Friday night, craving something nostalgic yet easy. The wonderful thing about Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce is that it fulfills both the comfort of home-cooked meals and the excitement of taking your taste buds on a flavor journey. It’s easy to whip up and sure to impress everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just an hour to cook, you can have this delightful meal ready for family or friends.
- Flavor-Filled Crunch: The combination of panko and parmesan gives a satisfying crunch and savory depth.
- Perfectly Satisfying: Hearty russet potatoes paired with flaky fish make it a great dish for any meal.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy at dinner, as a fun snack, or to impress guests at a weekend gathering.
- Customizable Options: You can easily swap out cod for other firm white fish, making it versatile and adaptable.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Optimal for baking, they become fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- 3 tablespoons oil: Use a high-quality olive or vegetable oil for even cooking and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color to both fish and chips.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a savory depth, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of aroma.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of both the fish and potatoes.
- 1 pound (453g) cod or other firm white fish: Cod is a great choice for its mild flavor and flaky texture.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Provides a base coating for the egg wash, helping the panko adhere.
- 1 large egg: Binds the coating and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the egg wash for extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard: Incorporates a tangy kick that enhances the fish.
- 1 cup (70g) panko breadcrumbs: Creates that desired crunchy texture.
- ¼ cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For an extra layer of flavor in the breadcrumb mixture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For consistency of flavor in the coating.
How to Make Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 425℉. This high temperature is key to achieving those crispy edges on both the fish and potatoes.
Prepare Potatoes: Wash and peel 4 medium russet potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise, and each half into 3 wedges. You want them to be uniform for even cooking, ensuring they get crispy all over.
Season Potatoes: Place the potato wedges on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of oil, then season with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss everything together until well-coated; this will help them develop a golden color.
First Bake for Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial bake allows them to start cooking through before adding the fish.
Flip Potatoes: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet and flip the potatoes over to promote even browning. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Prepare the Fish: While the potatoes are baking, pat 1 pound of cod dry with a paper towel. It’s crucial to have dry fish to achieve that crispy texture; moisture will make it soggy.
Cut Fish: Cut the fish into equal-sized strips about 1 inch by 4 inches. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures they cook evenly.
Toast Panko: In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly, cooking until the panko turns golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and crispiness of the final dish.
Combine Coating Ingredients: Pour the toasted panko into a shallow dish. In this dish, also add ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. This mixture creates a deliciously crispy coating for the fish.
Set Up Dipping Stations: In a separate shallow dish, place 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. In another dish, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard until smooth. The mixture adds richness and flavor to our fish.
Coat the Fish: Dip each piece of fish first into the flour, then into the egg wash, and finally into the panko mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This triple-layering creates a fantastic crunchy texture.
Arrange and Bake: Move the potato wedges to one side of the baking sheet. Place the coated fish on the other side. Bake everything for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the potatoes are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, serve your Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with a side of homemade tartar sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and flavor with each bite!

Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the fish and chips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze them, place the cooled food in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 375℉ for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Feeding on leftovers might slightly alter their crunchiness, but a quick reheat will help refresh them.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Soggy Fish: Ensure fish strips are thoroughly dried before coating; moisture leads to sogginess.
- Perfectly Cut Potatoes: Cut potatoes evenly, so they bake uniformly for the best texture.
- Timing Matters: As you bake the potatoes before adding the fish, be attentive to the color change for optimal crispiness.
- Flavor Infusion: Try seasoning the flour with additional spices for a more robust flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fish up to the coating step, refrigerate, and bake right before you’re ready to eat.
With crispy edges, fluffy interiors, and a zesty sauce that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the cod, this recipe truly stands out. You’ll love how uncomplicated it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual family dinner or showcasing it at a gathering, this is a dish that will shine on any table. Enjoy experimenting with your own variations, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! While cod is a popular choice because of its firm texture and mild flavor, you can use any firm white fish, such as haddock or pollock. Just ensure that the fish is fresh for the best results.
What should I serve with fish and chips?
This dish pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon wedge and homemade tartar sauce. Feel free to add a side salad or coleslaw for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
How do I ensure the potatoes get crispy?
To achieve crispy potatoes, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space for hot air to circulate. Also, make sure they are coated with oil evenly before baking.
Can I bake the fish and chips ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare everything ahead of time and at the last minute, bake them together. Just remember that reheating can change the texture slightly.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Orange Chicken Meatballs
- Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter
- Ground Beef Tacos | Easy Weeknight Taco Recipe
- Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
- Greek Chicken Marinade
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
- Prep Time: No Data
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful meal with Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce. This dish features flaky cod and golden, seasoned potato wedges, all baked to perfection. Simple prep and amazing flavor make it an ideal choice for a quick dinner or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and peeled
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon each: paprika and onion powder
- ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder and salt
- 1 pound (453g) cod or other firm white fish
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup (70g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then into 3 wedges.
- Place the wedges on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and seasonings, then toss to coat evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes before removing from the oven to flip the potatoes.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to avoid sogginess.
- Slice the fish into equal-sized strips, about 1 inch by 4 inches, and set aside.
- Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil and the panko.
- Stir continuously until the panko turns golden brown.
- Transfer to a shallow dish and mix in the parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, add flour. In another, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard.
- Dip each strip of fish first in flour, then in the egg wash, and finally coat with the panko mixture.
- Move the potatoes to one side of the baking sheet and arrange the fish on the other side.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the fish easily flakes apart.
Notes
For added flavor, you can season the potatoes with additional herbs or spices of your choice.
Ensure the fish is dry before breading to achieve a crispy texture.
Serve with homemade tartar sauce for an authentic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
