Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
There’s something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into a plate of crispy baked fish & chips with tartar sauce. This homemade version brings the best of both worlds: flaky, tender fish that melts in your mouth paired with golden, crunchy chips that satisfy every craving. It’s a dish that not only warms the heart but also fills the belly, reminiscent of cozy pub meals enjoyed on a Friday night. The real beauty lies in the effortless preparation that turns a typically indulgent meal into a wholesome homemade feast.
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Growing up, fish and chips were a staple in my household. I remember my excitement every time we’d have this dish for dinner. Now, I’ve taken that nostalgic classic and given it a healthy twist without sacrificing any of the delightful textures and flavors. With this recipe, you can enjoy the crispiness of deep-fried favorites without the guilt. It’s not just a great weeknight deal; it’s also perfect for gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try this crispy baked fish & chips with tartar sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe takes about 60 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite offers a delightful crunch paired with tender, flaky fish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant golden color of the chips and perfectly crusted fish make for a visually stunning plate.
- Flexible Serving: Great for lunch, a comforting dinner, or as a hearty snack any time.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and peeled: These provide the best texture for crispy chips. Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative if you prefer waxy potatoes.
- 3 tablespoons oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil for roasting potatoes; it helps in achieving that golden crisp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm color and a subtle flavor to the chips.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A nice addition to the seasoning mix, enhancing the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the flavor profile with a hint of garlicky goodness.
- 1 pound (453g) cod or other firm white fish: Cod is highly recommended for its mild flavor and flaky texture; you can substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used for dredging that helps the batter adhere to the fish.
- 1 large egg: This works in the binding process for the fish coating.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds richness and moisture to the egg wash.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- 1 cup (70g) panko breadcrumbs: These create an extra-crispy coating; regular breadcrumbs can be used if needed.
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a delicious, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A repeat because it amps up the beautiful color and taste of the fish coating.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: To enhance the coating’s flavor on the fish.
How to Make Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 425℉ (220℃). This temperature is perfect for ensuring everything cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Prepare Potatoes: Cut the washed and peeled potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice each half into three wedges. This method yields the ideal thickness for evenly cooked chips.
Season Potatoes: Arrange the potato wedges on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil and season them with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss everything together to ensure the wedges are coated evenly.
Bake Potatoes: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the potatoes for 15 minutes. This initial phase helps establish a nice base crispiness.
Flip Potatoes: Remove the baking sheet and flip the potatoes to ensure even browning. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing them to turn golden brown.
Pat Fish Dry: While your chips are baking, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This step is crucial to avoid sogginess in the final product.
Cut Fish: Slice the fish into strips approximately 1 inch by 4 inches. Keeping pieces uniform helps them cook evenly. Set these aside on a plate.
Toast Panko: In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-low heat. Add the 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly. Cook until they turn golden brown—it usually takes about 3–4 minutes. This toasting enhances the flavor and crunch.
Mix Coating: Transfer the toasted panko into a shallow dish, and add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
Prepare Dredging Stations: In another shallow dish, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. In a third dish, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth.
Coat Fish: Take one piece of fish, dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko coating, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all fish pieces and ensure they’re evenly coated.
Combine on Baking Sheet: Move the baked potato wedges to one side of the baking sheet and place the coated fish strips on the other. This one-pan approach simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Bake Fish: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has a beautiful golden crust.

Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let your crispy baked fish & chips cool completely and transfer them into an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to an hour. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze them, do so in an airtight container for a maximum of 3 months. Reheating works best in an oven preheated to 375℉ (190℃) for about 10 minutes, refreshing that crunchy texture. Just keep in mind, some texture and flavor may alter during storage, so you may want to drizzle with a bit more oil or fresh seasoning to perk them up.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your fish is completely dry before coating to prevent a soggy outcome.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor compared to pre-grated.
- If the panko mix isn’t staying on the fish, try pressing it in gently during coating.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley into the panko mixture.
- Be mindful of timing, sticking to the prescribed baking times for best results.
When it comes to making crispy baked fish & chips with tartar sauce, every detail counts. From the perfect potato wedges to the crispy fish coating, each step brings you closer to that beloved pub-style dish right at home.
Question?
Can I use different types of fish?
Absolutely! While cod is a favorite for its flaky texture and mild flavor, you can easily substitute it with haddock, tilapia, or even salmon. Just keep in mind that different types of fish may vary in cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make my chips even crispier?
For extra crispy chips, soak the potato wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This process removes excess starch, which can lead to softer potatoes. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! You can swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging. Ensure that your mayonnaise is also certified gluten-free.
What should I serve with this meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with homemade tartar sauce, but you could also serve it with malt vinegar, lemon wedges, or a fresh green salad. Enjoying it with a side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch that complements the meal perfectly!
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📖 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: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor Crispy Baked Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce, featuring tender fish coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and golden, seasoned potatoes. This easy recipe is ideal for a quick dinner or comforting meal.
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 and then cut each half into 3 wedges.
- Place the potato wedges on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and seasonings, then toss to coat evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and flip the potatoes over.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
- Cut 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 constantly until the panko turns golden.
- Pour the toasted panko into a shallow dish and mix in parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, add flour. In another, whisk together the egg, mayo, and mustard.
- Dip each fish piece into the flour, then into the egg wash, and finally into the panko mixture.
- Move the potatoes to one side of the baking sheet and place the coated fish on the other side.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Notes
Ensure fish is dried properly to avoid sogginess after baking.
Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch; regular breadcrumbs can be a substitute if necessary.
Serve with homemade tartar sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
