Air Fryer Fish Cakes: Quick, Crispy Treats

Fish cakes are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The cooking time for fish cakes in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the thickness of the cakes, but generally, they take around 10-20 minutes to cook through and turn golden brown. Some recipes suggest cooking fish cakes in an air fryer preheated to 360°F/180°C for 11 minutes, while others recommend a higher temperature of 400°F and a cooking time of 15-20 minutes. One recipe even suggests cooking the fish cakes for as little as 5 minutes on each side, for a total of 10 minutes.

How to make fish cakes in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use any white fish fillets, such as cod, halibut, flounder, or catfish. You will also need mashed potatoes, eggs, Panko or traditional breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Some recipes suggest adding extras such as sour cream, chives, mayonnaise, mustard, or green onions.

Method

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper and place them on a wire rack in the air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the air fryer and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, eggs, and any other ingredients you are using. Flake the fish and add it to the bowl, combining everything. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Form the mixture into cakes and pat each cake in the breadcrumbs. Place the fish cakes in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 400-425 degrees F. Place the chilled fish cakes in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.

What to serve with air-fried fish cakes

Air-fried fish cakes are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish cakes. They are a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air-fried fish cakes:

As an Appetizer

You can serve the air-fried fish cakes as an appetizer with a dip or tartar sauce. Mango salsa, lemon aioli, tzatziki, or green goddess sauce would all make excellent dips to accompany the fish cakes.

As a Main Course

If serving the fish cakes as a main course, there are several side dish options that would pair well:

• Zoodle Salad
• Cucumber Snap Pea Salad
• Spicy Fries
• Cast Iron Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Au Gratin
• Green salad
• Air-fryer baby potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini
• Rice bowls, grain bowls, or meal-prep bowls
• Beef tallow french fries or sweet potato fries ("fish and chips")
• Green vegetables like green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

Other Options

You can also make fish and potato cakes by adding mashed potatoes to the fish cake mixture. This variation can be served as an appetizer with a dip or as a main course.

How to store and reheat fish cakes

Fish cakes are a delicious and filling meal, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Well, you can store and reheat them! Here is a detailed guide on how to do it right:

Storing Fish Cakes:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not leave cooked fish cakes at room temperature. They need to be stored in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible to prevent spoilage. Leftover fish cakes should be stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for one to two days or frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Fish Cakes:

The best way to reheat fish cakes and retain their flavour and texture is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with tin foil or greaseproof paper and place the fish cakes on it. Loosely cover them with foil. Reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Use a thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 75°C (165°F) before serving. If not, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.

If you're short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the fish cakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with cling film. Microwave for three minutes on full power. Check the internal temperature as above and return to the microwave for 30-second intervals until they're ready.

A few tips for successful reheating:

• Reheat only once. Reheating seafood multiple times is not safe.
• Use the oven for the best results and to avoid sogginess.
• For a bit of texture, finish the fish cakes under the grill for a few minutes to add colour and crunch.
• Always cover the fish cakes when reheating to prevent drying out and to minimise fishy odours.

How to stop fish cakes from falling apart

To prevent fish cakes from falling apart, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that your mixture has a good binding agent such as eggs or breadcrumbs. Eggs are commonly used in fish cakes to act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and providing moisture. Breadcrumbs, particularly whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, can also help to bind the mixture and add a crispy texture.

Secondly, it is important to control the moisture content of your mixture. When using mashed potatoes, ensure they are relatively dry and leave some lumps to provide texture. If the fish cake mixture feels too moist, add small amounts of breadcrumbs until it holds together when forming patties.

Additionally, always chill the fish cake mixture before cooking. Refrigerating the mixture helps it to set, making it easier to form the cakes and ensuring they stay together during cooking. Aim for a chilling time of at least 30 minutes, or even freeze the fish cakes and cook them from frozen.

Finally, when forming your patties, aim for a consistent size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking and allow for smoother shaping.

How long to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, reducing the amount of fat in your food. They are also a lot less messy and can produce a crispy, golden-brown finish.

If you are cooking frozen fish cakes in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to 180 °C or 360 °F. This should take around 3 minutes. Place the frozen fish cakes into the basket of the air fryer and cook for 11 minutes. You may only need 9-10 minutes depending on your air fryer and the type of fish cake, so keep an eye on them. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure the fish cakes don't stick.

If you are making your own fish cakes, you can use any white fish, such as grouper, catfish or cod. You can also use imitation crab meat or canned fish such as tuna, salmon or crab. Combine the fish with Panko breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into cakes and chill for at least 30 minutes before placing in the air fryer.

To cook, preheat your air fryer to 400 °F. Lightly spray the fish cakes with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket. Cook for 9-10 minutes until the cakes are browned and their internal temperature reaches 140 °F.

Serve with lemon or lime wedges, tartar sauce, or a sour cream and dill dip.

Frequently asked questions