Dinner

Fish Finger Sandwiches Recipe

ByElena Hart February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Fish finger sandwiches are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Crispy fish sticks paired with tangy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce make for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.

A sandwich on white sandwich bread with a thick crust, layered with green lettuce leaves at the bottom, followed by several golden-brown crispy fried pieces that look like shrimp or chicken nuggets. On top of these are thick green pickle slices covered with a creamy white sauce with visible herbs, all topped by another slice of white sandwich bread. The sandwich is placed on crumpled white wax paper on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Small sprigs of dill lie around the plate, and lemon wedges peek out from behind the sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 fish sticks (see notes)
4 slices white sandwich bread

2 tablespoons softened butter
½ cup chopped lettuce

6 slices dill pickles (more to taste)
Tartar sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup minced dill pickles
1 teaspoon fresh minced dill

1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: To make the sandwiches, spritz an air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each for air to flow. Spritz the tops with oil spray.

Step 2: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or until the fish sticks are hot and crispy.
Step 3: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On two slices, butter side down, layer the chopped lettuce, 3 fish sticks, and dill pickle slices. Drizzle tartar sauce over the top.
Step 4: Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up, to complete each sandwich.

Step 5: Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Step 6: To make the tartar sauce, combine mayonnaise, minced dill pickles, fresh dill, lemon juice, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Store any leftover tartar sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat or sourdough bread for a heartier sandwich.
Try adding a slice of tomato or some thinly sliced red onion for extra freshness.
For a spicier tartar sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeño.

If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the fish sticks in a conventional oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain crispness. The tartar sauce keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat fish sticks in an air fryer or oven to retain their crunch before assembling the sandwich again.

How to Serve

A sandwich with three layers of white bread, each slice showing a light brown crust dusted with flour. The bottom layer has a bed of light green lettuce leaves with a crisp texture. Above the lettuce, three golden-brown crispy fish sticks are placed side by side, showing a crunchy breaded surface. On top of the fish sticks, there are three thick slices of green pickles coated with a glossy creamy white sauce with visible small green flecks, likely herbs. The sandwich is served on white paper over a white plate, with a few small green dill sprigs scattered on the white marbled surface around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy and to enjoy the fish sticks while still crispy.

What kind of fish sticks work best?

Use your favorite brand of frozen fish sticks or homemade fish fingers for the best flavor. White fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock are commonly used.