Air-Frying Fish Cakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Fish cakes are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to get that perfect crispy exterior and moist, flavorful core. The air fryer method is also healthier than traditional deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil. You can use a variety of ingredients to make fish cakes, including white fish, crab, or salmon, and add flavors like sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and lime wedges. The key to success is in the preparation: chilling the mixture before cooking helps prevent the cakes from falling apart, and a binding agent like egg or breadcrumbs holds the ingredients together.

Fish cake ingredients and variations

Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some common ingredients and variations to consider when making fish cakes in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Fish: Any firm white fish fillets suitable for pan-frying can be used, such as cod, haddock, salmon, tilapia, pollock, catfish, or canned tuna. Keep the fish in nice big chunks to avoid mushiness.
• Potatoes: Potatoes act as a filling starch and provide a fluffy texture to the fish cakes. It is essential to mash or puree them before mixing with the fish.
• Bindings: Eggs and mayonnaise help bind the mixture and add texture and richness.
• Flavourings: Garlic, chilli, green onion, thyme, parsley, capers, mustard, and horseradish can enhance the flavour of fish cakes.
• Breadcrumbs: These provide a crunchy coating and help absorb moisture, preventing the fishcakes from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Variations:

• Thai-style: Process salmon with curry paste, coriander, fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, spring onion, and egg. Mix with flour and green beans, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry.
• French: Use white fish or imitation crab meat to make croquettes de poisson.
• Crab cakes: Use cooked crab meat, eggs, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
• Sweet and tangy: Add sweet chilli sauce to the fish cake mixture for a tangy kick.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking fish cakes in an air fryer depend on the recipe you are following and the type of air fryer you are using. However, generally, you should preheat your air fryer to around 400˚F (200˚C). Some recipes suggest cooking at slightly lower temperatures of 180˚C or 375˚F (190˚C).

The cooking time for fish cakes in an air fryer is typically around 12 minutes at 400˚F (200˚C). However, it is important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness and size of the cakes. For example, some recipes suggest cooking for 15-20 minutes at 180˚C, while others recommend cooking for 9-10 minutes at 400˚F (200˚C), flipping the cakes halfway through.

It is important to ensure that the fish cakes are cooked through and golden. If you are reheating refrigerated fish cakes, you can use a lower temperature of 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. For frozen fish cakes, simply add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Binding agents

Yes, you can cook fish cakes in an air fryer. They turn out golden brown and have a nice crunchy coating.

A binding agent is essential to help your fish cakes hold their shape and texture. Here are some options for binding agents that you can use in your fish cakes:

• Eggs — Eggs are a common and effective binding agent. They help the patties hold their shape, and add texture and richness.
• Flour — Flour can be used as a binding agent, but be cautious as it may not be enough to hold the fish cakes together. You can also try cornmeal or a combination of both.
• Breadcrumbs — Breadcrumbs are a good binding agent and also add a crunchy texture to the fish cakes.
• Mayonnaise — Mayonnaise helps bind the mixture and adds moisture to the fish cakes.
• Natural gelling agents — Natural gelling agents such as agar, gelatin, konjac jelly, pectin, or carrageenan can be used as an alternative to eggs. These options are especially useful for vegan diets.
• Oatmeal — Oatmeal is another vegan alternative to egg as a binder. Soak the oats in hot water or broth to create a thick mixture, then combine with the other ingredients.
• Flaxseed meal — Flaxseed meal mixed with water is a common vegan alternative, but use caution as large amounts of flaxseed may contain trace amounts of cyanide.

Serving suggestions

Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They can be served as an appetizer or a main course. If serving as an appetizer, consider making smaller, bite-sized fish cakes that can be dipped into your favourite sauce.

For a refreshing and light appetizer, serve the fish cakes with a fresh salad with vinaigrette, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or with lemon wedges on the side. For a more indulgent option, serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries.

If serving the fish cakes as a main course, they can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Some options include a simple side salad or rice. For a more substantial meal, serve them with beef tallow French fries or sweet potato fries for a modern twist on the classic British "fish and chips". They also pair well with green vegetables like green beans, asparagus, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

For an extra kick of flavour, serve the fish cakes with a sauce such as tartar sauce, aioli, spicy mayo, or a sour cream and dill dip.

Reheating refrigerated or frozen fish cakes

Yes, you can reheat refrigerated or frozen fish cakes in an air fryer.

Reheating Refrigerated Fish Cakes in an Air Fryer

To reheat refrigerated fish cakes in an air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Reheating Frozen Fish Cakes in an Air Fryer

To reheat frozen fish cakes in an air fryer, first, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the same instructions as for refrigerated fish cakes: set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Add a few extra minutes to the reheating time for frozen fish cakes.

Tips for Reheating Fish Cakes in an Air Fryer

• To prevent fish cakes from becoming soggy, always allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• You can also reheat fish cakes in the microwave or oven, but they may not be as crispy as when reheated in an air fryer.
• If your fish cakes are dry, add a splash of water or milk to the air fryer basket before reheating to create steam and add moisture.
• To add extra flavour to your reheated fish cakes, sprinkle them with paprika, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder, or drizzle with lemon or lime juice before reheating.

Frequently asked questions