Air-Fryer Breaded Fish Patties: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking breaded fish patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, golden finish without the grease. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish patties and the temperature you're frying at, but generally, it takes around 12-15 minutes for the fish to cook through and the breading to turn golden brown.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breaded fish patties in an air fryer will depend on a few factors, such as the type of fish used, the thickness of the patties, and the model of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking breaded fish patties is between 370°F and 425°F. The specific temperature setting may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Prepare your breaded fish patties by coating them with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil, and then covering them with seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavour.
• Place the breaded fish patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.
• Set the air fryer temperature between 370°F and 425°F. The exact temperature will depend on your preference and the model of your air fryer. For example, one source recommends cooking at 380°F/193°C for the best results.
• Cook the breaded fish patties for 12 minutes at the set temperature. Then, flip the patties over and continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the specific model of your air fryer.
• Check the doneness of the fish patties by inserting a fork. The fish should flake easily when fully cooked. If necessary, add an additional minute or two of cooking time until the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Once the fish patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve them with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, aioli, garlic butter, or soy-ginger sauce.

Remember that the cooking time and temperature may require slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your fish patties. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the fish is cooked to the safe minimum internal temperature.

How to prepare the fish

Preparing the fish is a crucial step in making breaded fish patties in an air fryer. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Fish

Select a firm, white-fleshed fish such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or walleye. Ensure the fish is fresh and of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Thaw the Fish

If your fish is frozen, it's essential to thaw it properly. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, for smaller pieces, submerge them in ice-cold water for an hour until they're completely defrosted.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish Fillets

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture can affect the breading process. You can also season the fillets with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice.

Step 4: Create a Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process: one with flour, another with beaten eggs mixed with mayonnaise, paprika, and cayenne (optional), and the third with breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, and if desired, add spices like onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, or salt.

Step 5: Bread the Fish

Dredge each fish fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, coat the fillet generously with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing them onto the fish.

Step 6: Form the Patties

Place the breaded fish fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your hands or the bottom of a glass to flatten each fillet into a patty shape. This step helps ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.

Step 7: Refrigerate (Optional)

At this stage, you can cover the patties and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This step is not necessary but can help the patties hold together better during cooking.

Now that your fish is prepared, you can move on to cooking it in the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer and cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they get nice and crispy!

How to bread the fish

To bread the fish, you will need to prepare a mixture of dry ingredients, coat the fish fillets in oil, and then cover them in the dry mixture.

Start by preparing a shallow dish with your chosen dry ingredients. You can use dry bread crumbs, preferably Italian, and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Next, coat the fish fillets in a thin layer of oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Make sure the fish is well coated, as this will help the dry mixture stick to the fish.

Now, take each oiled fillet and gently press it into the dry mixture, making sure the fish is evenly and fully coated on both sides.

Finally, place the coated fish fillets into your air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Brush the basket with a little oil beforehand, or line it with parchment paper, to prevent sticking.

How to cook the fish

Ingredients:

• Fish fillets (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Breadcrumbs (dried or panko)
• Spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
• Tartar sauce (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

• If using frozen fish fillets, defrost them first. Drizzle or brush the fillets with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
• Prepare the breading by mixing breadcrumbs with your choice of spices in a shallow dish.
• Coat each fish fillet evenly with the breading, shaking off any excess.
• Place the breaded fillets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Set the air fryer to 380°F to 425°F (depending on your air fryer model) and cook for 12-15 minutes.
• Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process, usually around the 8-10 minute mark.
• The fish is ready when it is golden brown and easily flaked with a fork.
• Serve hot with optional tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Tips:

• You can use any kind of fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or salmon.
• If using frozen fish, a thin layer of olive oil will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fillets.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish, thickness of fillets, and your air fryer model.

What to serve with the fish

There are many side dishes that can complement your breaded fish patties. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A fresh salad is a nutritious and versatile option that can be customised with your choice of vegetables, nuts, protein, and dressing. A Greek salad, for instance, can be a refreshing accompaniment with its crisp lettuce, cucumber slices, and tangy feta cheese.

Vegetables

Sautéed or roasted green beans can be a classic, nutritious, and versatile side dish. You could also try Italian broccoli, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, or asparagus with hollandaise sauce for a crunchy and vibrant element to your meal.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile option and can be served in various ways. You could have them as loaded baked potatoes, twice-baked potato casserole, or garlic Parmesan fries. Crispy roasted potatoes can also be a delightful contrast to the breaded fish, offering a satisfying crunch.

Bread and Corn

Onion rings are a classic side dish for fried meals, offering a golden, crispy exterior and a tender interior. For a blend of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes, you could try bacon jalapeño cornbread.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something more substantial, you could try baked mac and cheese, which offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures. For a Southern flair, serve up some sweet and savoury corn pudding, or hush puppies, which are deep-fried cornmeal batter treats.

These suggestions should provide a good starting point for creating a delicious and well-rounded meal with your breaded fish patties.

Frequently asked questions