Air-Fryer Fish Cakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Fish cakes are a tasty treat and a great way to get your seafood fix. They are usually deep-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still gives you a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful core. You can use a variety of fish, from salmon to crab, and add your own twist with spices and sauces. Making fish cakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, and you can serve them with a range of sides, from mashed potatoes to sweet potato fries.

Fish cake ingredients

Fish cakes are usually made with a base of white fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, sea bass, salmon, or even canned tuna. The fish is often flaked or pureed and mixed with a binder like flour or egg whites to help the cakes hold their shape. Other common ingredients include potatoes, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and various seasonings such as salt and pepper, garlic, chilli, green onion, and thyme. Some recipes also include crab meat or imitation crab, and the cakes can be served with a variety of sauces such as tartar sauce, mayonnaise, aioli, or sweet chilli sauce.

For a simple fish cake recipe, you can start by boiling and mashing two large potatoes. In a separate bowl, combine the fish, salt, pepper, and an egg. You can also add in some chopped green onions or other herbs like thyme or garlic. Mix the fish and potato mixtures together, forming them into patties. Coat each patty with breadcrumbs and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

When it comes to cooking, an air fryer is a great option as it gives the fish cakes a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and grease the basket with cooking spray. Place the fish cakes in the basket, spritz them with more cooking spray, and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip the cakes over, grease them again, and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also pan-fry the fish cakes in a skillet with some butter or oil over medium heat. Fry the cakes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and heated through. Drain them on paper towels and serve with your choice of sauce.

Air fryer temperature and timing

When preparing fish cakes in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance to ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispiness. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This should be done for at least a few minutes, and ideally for around three minutes.

For frozen fish cakes, set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for about 8 to 11 minutes. Flip the fish cakes halfway through to ensure even browning. The cakes are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.

For refrigerated fish cakes, the air fryer should be set to a higher temperature of 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C). The cooking time varies between 10 to 15 minutes, and the cakes should be flipped halfway through. As with frozen fish cakes, the refrigerated ones are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size of the fish cakes, as well as the brand and model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the fish cakes during cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

Fish cake binding agents

Yes, you can cook fish cakes in an air fryer.

Fish cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, and using an air fryer makes the process even simpler. The air fryer's ability to crisp up the fish cakes without the need for excessive oil is a definite plus.

Now, onto the binding agents that will help keep your fish cakes together.

Eggs

A common binding agent in fish cakes is eggs. They help the patties hold their shape, adding texture and richness.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is another binding agent that adds some extra flavour to the fish cakes. It helps bind the mixture, and you can use your favourite variety.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a great way to add crunch to your fish cakes and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. They also act as a binding agent, helping to hold the fish cake together.

Natural Gelling Agents

If you're looking for a vegan alternative to eggs, natural gelling agents can work well as binders. Agar, gelatin, konjac jelly, pectin, and carrageenan are all options to consider. These alternatives may require some experimentation to get the right consistency, but they can be very effective.

Oatmeal and Flaxseed

For another vegan option, oatmeal soaked in a small amount of hot water or broth can create a thick mixture to bind the fish cake. Flaxseed meal mixed with water is another possibility, although it should be used with caution due to potential trace amounts of cyanide in large quantities of flaxseed.

Potato

Potato is a key ingredient in fish cakes, and while it may not be the primary binding agent, it does contribute to the overall binding of the cake. When combined with other binding agents like eggs, mayonnaise, or natural gelling agents, the potato helps to create a cohesive mixture that holds its shape during cooking.

Remember, the key to successful fish cakes is to ensure your mixture isn't too wet, which can lead to sogginess. If your mixture seems wet, add some extra breadcrumbs or potato to absorb the excess moisture.

Fish cake accompaniments

Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or a hearty dinner. They are often crispy and savoury, with a hint of sweetness. Here are some ideas for accompaniments to elevate your fish cakes:

Sauces and Dips

Sweet chilli sauce, mayonnaise, aioli, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce are all popular choices to enhance the flavour of fish cakes. A simple squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also add a tangy freshness.

Salads and Vegetables

A fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing can provide a healthy and vibrant contrast to the heartiness of the fish cakes. For a more substantial side, roasted vegetables or a simple stir-fry of broccoli florets and bell peppers will add a crunchy and nutritious element to the meal. Grilled courgette ribbons or steamed broccoli with olive oil and lemon zest are elegant and tasty options. For an Asian-inspired twist, try a sesame cucumber salad or an Asian slaw with a sesame-ginger dressing.

Starch and Carbs

Potato is a classic side dish, and with fish cakes, it can take many forms. Mashed potatoes, hasselback potatoes, potato wedges, or even chips can be a comforting and filling addition to the meal. If you want to avoid the extra carbs, boiled new potatoes or rice are good alternatives.

Meat and Fish

For a more substantial meal, add some grilled halloumi or a fried egg to the plate. Pork chops or crab cakes are also delicious accompaniments to fish cakes.

Drinks and Desserts

While not a direct accompaniment to the fish cakes themselves, choosing a carefully selected beverage and dessert can elevate the entire dining experience.

There are endless ways to enhance your fish cakes, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures!

Reheating fish cakes

To reheat fish cakes in an air fryer, first, allow the cakes to cool down to room temperature to prevent condensation and sogginess. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, simply put the fish cakes back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat frozen fish cakes in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time, but it's best not to refreeze them once they've been thawed.

Another option for reheating fish cakes is to place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in the oven at 400˚F until heated through. This method may take longer than using an air fryer and may not produce the same level of crispiness, but it is still an effective way to reheat fish cakes.

Frequently asked questions