Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich Review

Fish sandwiches are some of my favorite fast food options because they are filling and flavorful, and slightly more healthy than hamburgers.

Some franchises offer fish year-round, while others only serve fish for a limited time each year. Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwiches are served with a generous Alaskan pollock filet that has a mild flavor, so it’s not overwhelmingly “fishy.” Fried fresh, it’s a great lunch option while on the go.

Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich History and Inspiration

While Arby’s is best known for its roast beef, the company is out to show they can offer more. In 2001, Arby’s introduced its fish sandwich for a limited time in select locations. The fish sandwich returned later that year for a limited time along with their new Fish n’ Cheddar sandwich, and now, it’s an option during seafood season and Lent. During Lent, many Catholics (and non-Catholics) give up meat for 40 days, so Arby’s advertises their Fish Sandwich as a Lent-safe option. It must be working because the fish sandwich returns each year, as early as December, and runs through the spring. Arby’s hopes that its customers find their fish sandwich to be a step up from traditional fish sandwiches by offering a larger-than-bun fish filet with tasty flavors.

Types of Arby’s Fish Sandwich

Arby’s offers three limited-time fish sandwich options: the Crispy Fish Sandwich, Fish N’ Cheddar, and the King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich.

• The Crispy Fish Sandwich features a crispy Alaskan pollock fillet, shredded iceberg lettuce, and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun.
• The Fish n’ Cheddar Sandwich is the same but with cheddar cheese sauce to accompany the tartar sauce.
• The King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe offers the same crispy fish filet with cheddar cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and tartar sauce on a toasted King’s Hawaiian bun.

This article will explore the taste and texture of the original Crispy Fish Sandwich.

Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich Review

The original Crispy Fish Sandwich is the best one to try first, as the other two are variations. The Crispy Fish Sandwich features a crispy Alaskan pollock fillet, shredded iceberg lettuce, and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun. It’s compared to the fish sandwiches offered by Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, and Popeyes, and we’ll often hear mixed reviews. The main difference is that if a sandwich is not prepared fresh and served hot, it’s a bit soggy and less appealing in its texture. However, if it’s made right, it’s a winner in my book.

Taste and Texture [4/5]

The first thing that catches my eye is the size of the sandwich.

The buns are usually fresh and fluffy, although a few times I had a sandwich where the bun was not being as soft as I’d like.

The Alaskan pollock fish filet is larger than the bun. It’s both thick and wide, instantly giving you the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting a good value. The fish smells and tastes natural, flaking off with each bite. Arby’s uses a beer batter for their fish, which makes for a light and crispy coating – unlike other restaurants that use a traditional bread crumb or flour breading. The exterior of the fish is nicely crispy, but I would not mind for the interior to be a bit more tender.

Tartar sauce gives this sandwich the tangy taste but for some, there might be almost too much of it. Every time I get my sandwich I am impressed with almost excessive amount of tartar sauce.

The lettuce gives it a fresh bite.

Overall, it’s a tasty sandwich and unique from other fast-food chains.

Are they healthy? [2/5]

It might seem like a fish sandwich is healthier than some other fast food options, but actually, the breading and the sauce make this a little questionable nutrition-wise. The Crispy Fish has 570 calories, 25 grams of fat, and 65 grams of carbs. You could make this a bit healthier by skipping the sauce or even eating the fish without the bun, but that’s not as much fun.

Are they Worth it? [4/5]

If you’re looking for a meat alternative at a fast-food restaurant, Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich is an excellent choice. It’s filling and tasty and has just the right amount of crisp to its bite. I appreciate the fresh shredded lettuce and tartar sauce to compliment the flavors of the fish, and as long as it’s prepared fresh and served hot, it’s well worth it.

Final Verdict

I like that the fish sandwich is only offered during certain months of the year, guaranteeing that the fish is fresh and in season. I also like that we can expect to see it included on the menu each year around the same time. It’s a smart way for Arby’s to accommodate its customers during Lent, and it’s priced reasonably at just $2.99.

Of all of the fast-food fish sandwich options, which franchise offers your favorite?

Let us know in the comments below.

Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich Nutrition Facts

• Calories – 570
• Total Fat – 25 g
• Saturated Fat – 4 g
• Trans Fat – 0 g
• Cholesterol – 45 mg
• Sodium – 990 mg
• Total Carbohydrates – 65 g
• Dietary Fiber – 3 g
• Sugars – 9 g
• Protein – 20 g

Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich Pricing

The Crispy Fish Sandwich is priced at $2.99, while the combo meal with a small fry and a small drink is priced at $4.99. You can also find Arby’s 2 for $6 Fish Sandwiches deal at participating locations this year.

• Crispy Fish Sandwich (Limited Time) $2.99
• Crispy Fish Sandwich – Meal (Limited Time) $4.99