This is a shortcut version of a copycat recipe of the McDonald’s Filet ‘O Fish sandwich with French fries. We are using frozen fish fillets and preparing them in the air fryer. We also made the frozen fries in the air fryer. The tarter sauce is a mix of multiple copycat recipes which I tweaked to my preference.

Full disclosure here, I haven’t eaten at a “Mickey D’s” in many, many, many years. I cut out fast food almost 20 years ago (with a few exceptions). When I did eat at McDonald’s it would not have been the Filet ‘O Fish sandwich. My all time favorite was the two cheeseburgers with large fries. Their fries are so good. 🤤

Why would a copycat a recipe for a sandwich I would never have ordered? Super simple, my wife grew up eating them so nostalgia for her sake.

We could have used fresh fish, breaded and fried it, that would probably have been better. I often make home made French fries, and those are really good. In this easy, copycat recipe we took almost all the shortcuts to speed this up. Frozen fish is pretty good these days. If you haven’t had Alexia frozen fries in the air fryer (or oven) do yourself a favor and give them a try.

Next up, the tarter sauce. Making this copycat sauce is super easy and will keep in the fridge just fine for awhile.

The McDonald’s Filet ‘O Fish has a white burger bun. I already had locally made brioche buns, so use what you have.

Finally we come to the cheese. It seems weird to put cheese on a fish filet but it is McDonald’s so we went with American cheese slices. At least we used Boar’s Head and not the over processed packaged slices. 😆

All in all, these turned out very good. The frozen fish and fries and air fryer made this an quick, weeknight friendly dinner. Most importantly, my wife was very happy. She said it tasted just like she remembered.

Ingredients for Tartar Sauce

• 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1-2 tbsp sour cream
• 4 tbsp dill relish
• 15-20 capers, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 pinch of sugar
• 1 pinch of salt

Other Ingredients for Filet ‘O Fish Sandwich

• 4 frozen fish sandwich filets, we used Gordon’s
• 4 brioche buns
• 4 slices American cheese
• 1 bag of frozen French fries , we love Alexia House Cut Fries
• Nonstick spray
• Salt to taste

How to make McDonald’s Copycat Tartar Sauce

• Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill relish, minced capers, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, lemon juice, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl.
• Mix to combine and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Air Fry you Frozen French Fries

1. Follow the direction on the bag or here is what I do.
2. You will likely need to do at least two batches.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 385F for a least 3 minutes.
4. Spray with nonstick spray to coat the bottom of the fryer.
5. Add the frozen fries (do not thaw them). Spray the tops of the fries with more non-stick spray.
6. Cook for 6-7 minutes, season with more salt (remember these are McDonald’s copycat fries). Toss the fries and season the other side.
7. Cook another 6-7 minutes and continue tossing until you get desired crispiness.
8. Preheat your oven to 210F. Place the first batch of fries in a large, heat proof mixing bowl and put them in the oven.
9. Continue to the next batch. The fries will keep warm to not cook at that temperature.
10. Add the other batches to the mixing bowl and keep warm until ready to eat.

Air Fry your Frozen Fish Filets

1. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400F.
2. You shouldn’t need to add more nonstick spray but add more if needed.
3. Add the frozen fish filets to the fryer and spray the tops with nonstick spray.
4. Cook for 7 minutes and turn the fish over. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature is at least 165F.

Assemble your McDonald’s Copycat Filet ‘O Fish Sandwich with Fries

1. Place the buns on a plate and a slice of American cheese on the bottom of the bun. Place on the microwave oven for 15+20 seconds until the bun is softened and the cheese just starts to melt.
2. Add the fish filet straight our of the air fryer on top of the cheese.
3. Smear a healthy amount of the tarter sauce on the top of the bun.
4. Squish the sandwich together.
5. Surround the Filet ‘O Fish sandwich with French fries and…
6. Enjoy!

Did you try this Copycat Filet O’ Fish Sandwich and Fries? Let us know in the comments. Check out our other Copycat Recipes. Please consider following us on IG, X, FB, PI or TT.