Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich (Easy Filet O Fish Recipe)

If you’ve ever loved the McDonald’s filet o fish, this easy filet o fish recipe is going to hit the spot. This classic McDonald’s fish sandwich is crispy, creamy, and comforting – and now you can make a copycat McDonald’s fish sandwich right at home with simple ingredients.

McDonald’s Filet O Fish Sandwich Recipe

Confession: a McDonald’s Filet O Fish Sandwich is a fast food guilty pleasure for me. One I’m not ashamed to admit either. Take me through a McDonald’s drive-through any day of the week, and I’m gonna get a Filet-O-Fish meal with those amazing McDonald’s French fries and a giant Diet Coke.

If you ask me, the fish sandwich McDonald’s fans rave about is one of those underrated menu items that quietly has a loyal following. And once you try this homemade version, you may decide it’s even better than the real thing from the Golden Arches.

This Filet o Fish recipe is everything you want in a homemade version of the famous sandwich – crispy coating, flaky fish, creamy sauce, and soft buns. Whether you call it a filet of fish, fish filet sandwich, or filet-o-fish, one thing is certain… It’s a dang good sandwich.

Next time that craving for a McDonald’s fish sandwich recipe hits, skip the drive-thru and make this easy, delicious version at home.

Why You’ll Love This Filet-O-Fish Recipe

• Crispy, golden brown coating on every bite
• Made with flaky white fish like cod
• A true copycat recipe that tastes like the original
• Includes a creamy, delicious tartar sauce
• Simple enough for any day of the week

Tools You’ll Need

• Large bowl
• Medium shallow bowl or shallow dish
• Food processor (optional)
• Large skillet
• Wire rack
• Paper towels or small paper towel
• Large plate or lined baking sheet

Filet O Fish Ingredients

Most of these ingredients are already in your pantry!

For the Fish Sandwich

• Cod fish fillets (or any firm white fish) – you likely won’t have perfect squares like the McDonald’s version but it won’t matter!
• Salt, divided
• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Corn starch
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Light oil for frying (enough for about an inch of hot oil)
• Soft brioche buns or potato buns – you could also use a regular hamburger bun or slider buns if that’s what you have!
• American cheese slices (or use half a slice of cheese per sandwich like the original) – any other kind of cheese just won’t be the same

Tartar Sauce Recipe

• Mayonnaise
• Dill relish
• Sugar
• Finely chopped white onion

How to Make a Copycat McDonald’s Fish O Filet Sandwich

This recipe might take a little work, but it’s oh-so-worth it to enjoy a homemade fish sandwich that tastes so much like the famous Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s. 

How to Make a Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, corn starch, flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to make your egg mixture (wet batter).
2. Place panko in a food processor and pulse briefly for a finer texture. Transfer to a shallow dish and mix with paprika and remaining salt (your dry ingredients).
3. Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil heats and is ready. You want enough oil for even frying.
4. Pat fillets dry, then dip each cod filet into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, then coat in breadcrumbs. Set on a large plate.
5. Carefully add the breaded fish to the hot oil, cooking in batches so the fish cooks evenly.
6. Fry 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
7. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain fish and remove excess oil while keeping the coating crisp.

How to Make Tarter Sauce

1. Meanwhile, stir together all tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl to make a creamy homemade tartar sauce.

Make a Fish Sandwich

1. To assemble your filet o fish sandwich, place a slice of American cheese on the bottom buns, then add a hot, crispy fish filet.
2. Spoon tartar sauce over the top of the fish, then add the top buns.
3. Serve immediately while warm for the best fish fillet sandwich experience.

Tips for the Best Fish Sandwich

• Cod gives you that classic McDonald’s Fish Sandwich flavor, but tilapia fillets work too.
• Let fish rest on a wire rack instead of just paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• A lightly steamed bun or toasted bun makes it taste more like the original.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder to the tartar sauce for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook remaining fish in batches for even crisping.
• Serve your filet-o-fish sandwiches with frozen fries, or homemade fries, or get fancy with Garlic Parmesan Potatoes.
• Add pickles or lettuce if you like.

How to Make a Fish Sandwich in Air Fryer

For a lighter version of this fish filet sandwich recipe:

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Spray the battered fish lightly with cooking spray.
• Place in the air fryer basket.
• Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You’ll still get a crispy fish filet with less oil.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover fish fillets in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy texture
• Avoid microwaving—it softens the coating

FAQs

This Filet o Fish recipe is everything you want in a homemade version of the famous sandwich – crispy coating, flaky fish, creamy sauce, and soft buns. Whether you call it a filet of fish, fish filet sandwich, or filet-o-fish, one thing is certain… It’s a good sandwich you’ll want to make again.

Next time that craving for a McDonald’s fish sandwich recipe hits, skip the drive-thru and make this easy, delicious version at home.