Air-Fryer Fish Cakes: How Long To Cook Them?

Fish cakes are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to prepare them. Typically, fish cakes are deep-fried, but using an air fryer means you can cut down on the fat content and still achieve a tasty, crispy result. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of fish cake and the size of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 8-11 minutes to cook fish cakes in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for fish cakes:

• Set the Temperature: Adjust your air fryer to the desired temperature. For fish cakes, the ideal temperature is typically between 390°F and 400°F. However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 180°C or 360°F. Refer to your specific recipe for the optimal temperature.
• Allow Time for Preheating: After setting the temperature, give your air fryer a few minutes to heat up. Most air fryers will take around 3 minutes to preheat, but this may vary depending on the model. Check your user manual for specific instructions.
• Prepare the Basket: While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the basket. Grease the basket with non-aerosol cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your fish cakes don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier.
• Don't Overcrowd: When placing your fish cakes into the basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This allows proper air circulation and ensures even cooking.
• Lightly Spray: Before placing the basket into the air fryer, lightly spray both sides of the fish cakes with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of oil. This step promotes a golden and crispy exterior.
• Timing is Key: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and start timing. Preheating ensures that your cooking time is accurate and your fish cakes cook through evenly.
• Flip Midway: To achieve even browning, gently flip your fish cakes halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and attain that desirable golden colour.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is crucial for the best results. It ensures your fish cakes cook thoroughly and helps you achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Prepare the fish cake mixture

To prepare the fish cake mixture, you'll need a combination of fish, potatoes, eggs, and various seasonings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose your fish: Any firm white fish fillets suitable for pan-frying will work well. Some options include cod, grouper, catfish, tilapia, pollock, haddock, snapper, and salmon. Avoid fish that dries out easily, such as kingfish, tuna, or swordfish.
• Prepare the fish: You can poach, bake, grill, or steam the fish. If you're using canned fish, simply drain the liquid.
• Cook the potatoes: Bake or boil enough potatoes to yield the desired amount after peeling. Baking is preferred as it keeps the potatoes dry and preserves their flavour.
• Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fish, potatoes, eggs, and your choice of seasonings. Seasonings can include parsley, onion, garlic, chilli, green onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
• Mash and mix: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the fish and potatoes together. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix and create a mushy texture. You want some lumps for texture.
• Add extras: For additional flavour and moisture, you can add ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, or sweet chilli sauce.
• Form the patties: Use a scoop or measuring cup to portion out the mixture, then shape it into patties. You can make them any size you like, but smaller cakes will cook faster.
• Refrigerate: For best results, refrigerate the formed fish cakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and makes them less likely to fall apart during cooking.

Now your fish cake mixture is ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and coat the basket with cooking spray before placing the fish cakes inside. Enjoy!

Shape the fish cakes

Shaping the fish cakes is a crucial step in ensuring they hold together during cooking and achieve the desired crispy exterior and moist interior. Here is a detailed guide on shaping fish cakes for air frying:

Choose the Right Fish

Start by selecting the right type of fish for your cakes. White fish, such as cod, grouper, catfish, or haddock, work well due to their firm texture. Avoid delicate or flaky fish like whiting and flounder, as they may fall apart more easily. If you don't have access to fresh fish, canned salmon or frozen fish cakes are also good alternatives.

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the fish with your desired ingredients, such as breadcrumbs or panko, an egg, mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, and seasonings like salt and pepper. You can also add a secret ingredient like sweet chilli sauce for a tangy kick. Mix everything together until well incorporated. The key to a good fish cake mixture is ensuring it is not too wet, so if needed, add extra breadcrumbs or panko to absorb any excess liquid.

Form the Cakes

Now it's time to shape the fish cakes. Use a measuring cup or your hands to form the mixture into round, flat cakes, similar to a burger patty. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch and a diameter of around 3 inches. It's important that the cakes are of equal thickness and size to ensure even cooking. If you're making a large batch, place a layer of wax paper between the cakes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Pre-Cooking Tips

Before placing the fish cakes in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to the recommended temperature, usually between 390-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using parchment paper, ensure the air fryer is preheated first to avoid the paper being sucked into the heating element.

Cook the fish cakes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your fish cakes are prepared, it's time to cook them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Place the Fish Cakes in the Air Fryer Basket: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the desired amount of fish cakes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching.
• Spray the Fish Cakes: Lightly spray or brush both sides of the fish cakes with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This step is crucial for achieving a golden and crispy exterior.
• Cook the Fish Cakes: Close the air fryer and set the timer. For fresh fish cakes, cook at 400°F for 9 to 10 minutes. For frozen fish cakes, cook at 360°F for 8 to 11 minutes.
• Flip the Fish Cakes: Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the fish cakes to ensure even browning on both sides. Spray the fish cakes with cooking spray or oil again after flipping.
• Check for Doneness: Fish cakes are typically done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F to 145°F.
• Rest and Serve: Remove the fish cakes from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve warm with your choice of sides and sauces.

Tips for Perfect Fish Cakes:

• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there is proper air circulation in the air fryer by leaving space between the fish cakes. This helps them cook evenly.
• Flipping is Key: Flipping the fish cakes halfway through the cooking process ensures that they brown evenly on both sides.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish cakes. They are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness and size of your fish cakes, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start with the recommended time and add additional minutes if needed.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the fish cakes to rest for a minute or two after cooking makes them easier to handle and helps them firm up slightly.

Serve with sauce

Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, a main course, or a side. While they are delicious on their own, serving them with a sauce can enhance their flavour and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for sauces and dips to serve with air-fried fish cakes:

Tartar Sauce

A traditional choice for fish and chips, tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with fish cakes. It is typically made with mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and herbs, adding a briny, acidic kick to your fish cakes.

Lemon Aioli

For a zesty and creamy option, lemon aioli is an excellent choice. Aioli is a garlic mayonnaise, and the addition of lemon brings a bright, fresh flavour to the dish. This sauce is especially good if you're looking for something with a bit more punch than plain mayonnaise.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek yoghurt-based sauce with cucumbers, garlic, and dill or mint. It's a refreshing and healthy option that will add a nice Mediterranean twist to your fish cakes. The cool, creamy tzatziki is a great contrast to the crispy, golden fish cakes.

Green Goddess Sauce

This sauce is a vibrant, herby option that gets its green colour from a mix of parsley, tarragon, chives, and chervil. It often includes anchovies, which add a savoury, umami flavour to the sauce. Green Goddess sauce is a less common but delightful choice that will impress your guests.

Remoulade

Remoulade is a classic French sauce that is similar to tartar sauce but with a more robust flavour. It typically includes mustard, paprika, and herbs, giving it a tangy, slightly spicy kick. It's a great choice if you want something with a bit more heat to balance the mildness of the fish cakes.

Sriracha Aioli

If you're looking for something with a kick, sriracha aioli is a perfect choice. The combination of garlic and chilli in the sriracha brings a spicy, savoury element to the dish. It's an excellent option if you want to add some heat to your fish cakes without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the fish.

Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce is a classic choice for seafood, and it pairs well with fish cakes too. The combination of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and hot sauce adds a tangy, spicy flavour to the dish. It's a versatile sauce that can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.

Frequently asked questions