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

Fish cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal oil for a healthier alternative to traditional frying. The cooking time for fish cakes in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness and size of the cakes, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook them thoroughly. The key to achieving a crispy texture and preventing the cakes from falling apart is to chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the patties.

How to make fish cakes in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use any type of white fish fillets for your fish cakes, such as cod, halibut, flounder, hoki, sea bass, grouper, catfish, or haddock. You will also need mashed potatoes, an egg, Panko or traditional breadcrumbs, and seasoning. For flavour, add some sour cream, chives, and spice blends such as Italian Spice or Girl Carnivore Over Easy.

Method

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F and lining the wire rack with parchment paper. Season the fish fillets and place them on the wire rack. Fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the tray and allow the fish to cool for five minutes.

In a large bowl, add the mashed potatoes, sour cream, salt, pepper, chives, and eggs. Flake the fish and add this to the bowl, mixing everything together. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Form the mixture into cakes and pat each cake in the breadcrumbs. Arrange the fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 425 degrees F. Arrange the chilled fish cakes in the wire basket and cook until heated through and golden brown on the outside, which should take around 15-20 minutes.

Tips

• To prevent your fish cakes from falling apart, limit the moisture in the mixture. Use dry mashed potatoes with some lumps for texture, and add an extra egg or breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.
• You can reheat fish cakes in the air fryer, oven, or on the stove.
• Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a sour cream and dill dip.

How to reheat fish cakes in an air fryer

If you have leftover fish cakes, you can reheat them in an air fryer. This method will ensure your fish cakes are heated through and maintain a golden brown exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Grease the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Place the Fish Cakes in the Air Fryer:

Arrange the fish cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Reheat the Fish Cakes:

Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat the fish cakes for 5 minutes. Then, flip them over gently and spritz or brush them with cooking spray or oil. Continue reheating for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until they are heated through and golden brown on both sides.

Serve:

Remove the fish cakes from the air fryer and serve them warm. You can serve them with lemon or lime wedges, tartar sauce, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer for consistent cooking results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Lightly spray or brush the fish cakes with oil for a golden and crispy exterior.
• Flip the fish cakes halfway through reheating to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
• Let the fish cakes rest for a minute or two after reheating to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.

What to serve with air fryer fish cakes

Air fryer fish cakes are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried fish cakes. They are a great appetizer or main dish and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer fish cakes:

• Dipping Sauces: Lemon Aioli, Tzatziki, Green Goddess Sauce, or tartar sauce. Mango Salsa is also a great choice for a fruity and spicy kick.
• Salads: Zoodle Salad, Cucumber Snap Pea Salad, or a crisp green salad.
• Fries: Spicy fries, beef tallow french fries, or sweet potato fries. Serve them with the fish cakes for a fun take on fish and chips!
• Potatoes: Cast Iron Potatoes, Sweet Potato Au Gratin, or potatoes with green onion and dill.
• Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Rice: Serve the fish cakes with a simple side of rice or add them to rice bowls or grain bowls.
• Other: Air-Fryer Baby Potatoes, Air-Fryer Cauliflower, or Air-Fryer Zucchini.

How to stop fish cakes from falling apart

To prevent fish cakes from falling apart, there are several steps you can take during preparation and cooking:

• Limit moisture in the mixture by using dry mashed potatoes with some lumps for texture.
• Ensure you are using the proper amount of eggs to bind the mixture. The recipe calls for two eggs per 20 cakes.
• If the mixture is too moist, add Panko breadcrumbs, about 1/3 cup at a time, until it holds together when formed into patties.
• Chill the fish cakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them firm up.
• If the mixture seems wet, add extra Panko breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
• Use firm fish such as cod or salmon, and avoid delicate or flaky fish like whiting and flounder.
• If using canned fish, be sure to remove larger bones and skin.
• Finely chop the fish using a knife or food processor until it is crumbly or finely minced.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the fish cakes to ensure even cooking.
• Place the fish cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding, to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Lightly spray or brush both sides of the fish cakes with cooking oil or another thin layer of oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior.
• Flip the fish cakes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Cook the fish cakes until they are golden-brown and crispy, and let them rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow them to firm up slightly.

How long to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen fish cakes, as they can produce crispy fish cakes with a golden brown finish using minimal oil.

The length of time it takes to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer will depend on the quantity of fish cakes, the size of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. However, as a general rule, it should take around 10-15 minutes to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Cakes

Start by gathering your ingredients, which typically include fish (such as imitation crab, cod, or catfish), mashed potatoes, salt, pepper, and eggs. Combine the fish, seasonings, and any other desired ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the potatoes and fish together. Form the mixture into patties and coat them in breadcrumbs. Place the fish cakes in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375-425 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Fish Cakes

Lightly spray the fish cakes with cooking spray on both sides. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish cakes in batches.

Step 4: Cook Time

Cook the fish cakes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, flip the fish cakes halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the fish cakes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Frozen fish cakes can be served as an appetizer with a dip or tartar sauce, or as a main course with sides such as salad, rice, or fries.

Frequently asked questions