Tillie Doyle
Fish cakes are a delicious and easy dish to make in an air fryer. With a crispy exterior and a tender, savoury filling, they are a mouth-watering treat. There are many variations of fish cakes, from Thai-style to French, and they can be made with a variety of seafood, including salmon, crab, and white fish. The key to a good fish cake is a binding agent like egg or mayonnaise to hold the ingredients together, and a chilling time of at least 30 minutes to ensure they don't fall apart during cooking. The air fryer's ability to create a crunchy texture without the need for excessive oil makes it a perfect appliance for cooking fish cakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Fish, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, lime wedges, green onion, potatoes, mustard, parsley, capers, lemon zest, oil, and more |
| Temperature | 180-425°F (82-218°C) |
| Timing | 9-20 minutes |
| Notes | Fish cakes can be cooked from frozen, but fresh fish is recommended for the best flavour and texture |
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What You'll Learn
Fish cake ingredients and preparation
Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and flavours. Here is a list of ingredients and preparation steps to make delicious fish cakes in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
- Fish: White fish such as salmon, tilapia, or crab meat (either imitation or canned) is commonly used. You can also experiment with other seafood options like calamari, tuna, or shellfish.
- Breadcrumbs: These are essential for the crunchy texture and to prevent the fishcakes from sticking to the air fryer basket. Panko crumbs or regular breadcrumbs can be used.
- Binding Agents: Eggs act as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together and provide moisture. Mayonnaise can also be added to help bind the mixture and add richness.
- Vegetables: Potatoes are a common addition to fish cakes, providing a starchy component. Mash the potatoes before mixing them with the fish. You can also include green peas, spring onions, or green beans for added texture and flavour.
- Spices and Seasonings: Parsley, fried onions, fish sauce, capers, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper can be used to enhance the flavour of the fish cakes. You can also add a kick of heat with sweet chilli sauce or Old Bay seasoning.
- Oil: Cooking spray or oil is necessary to grease the air fryer basket and ensure the fish cakes don't stick.
Preparation:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped or flaked fish, breadcrumbs, spices, and seasonings. You can also use a food processor to blend the ingredients into a consistent mixture.
- Add Binding Agents: Mix in the egg and mayonnaise to help bind the mixture and add texture.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and form them into patties. Aim for a consistent size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking during this step.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place breadcrumbs on a plate and coat each patty on all sides. This step adds an extra crispy layer to the fish cakes.
- Chill: Place the coated fish cakes in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. This step helps the mixture set and prevents the cakes from falling apart during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 180-200°C (350-400°F).
- Cook the Fish Cakes: Place the fish cakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overcrowd the basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them over, grease again with cooking spray, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. The fish cakes are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the fish cakes from the air fryer and serve them warm with lime wedges and your choice of sides, such as a refreshing salad or spicy fries.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your unique version of air-fried fish cakes!
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
The ideal air fryer settings and cooking time for fish cakes will depend on the model of your air fryer and the size and thickness of your fish cakes. As a general rule of thumb, you should preheat your air fryer to between 180–200°C (350–400°F).
For thinner fish cakes, five minutes on each side should be enough to cook them through. So, set your timer for five minutes, flip them over, spritz with cooking spray, and then set the timer for another four to five minutes. Your fish cakes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
For thicker fish cakes, you may need to cook them for up to 12 minutes in total. So, set your timer for six minutes, flip them over, spritz with cooking spray, and then set the timer for another six minutes. Again, your fish cakes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
If you are reheating refrigerated fish cakes in the air fryer, cook them at 190°C (375°F) for about five minutes or until warmed through. For frozen fish cakes, simply add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
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How to coat fish cakes with breadcrumbs
To coat fish cakes with breadcrumbs, you'll first need to prepare the fish cake mixture. This typically includes mashed potatoes, fish, salt, pepper, and egg, though you can also add in other ingredients like mustard, mayonnaise, or spring onions. Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and form them into small patties.
Once you have your fish cakes formed, it's time to start the coating process. Prepare three dishes: one containing flour, one containing a beaten egg, and one containing breadcrumbs. The amount of each ingredient will depend on the number of fish cakes you're making, but as a reference, 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of flour should be enough to coat about 6 fish cakes. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which are known for their extra crunch.
Now, it's time to coat the fish cakes. Carefully dip each fish cake into the flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip it into the beaten egg. Finally, coat the fish cake with the breadcrumbs, patting them down firmly so they stick to the fish cake. Make sure to coat each fish cake evenly on all sides.
After coating, place the breaded fish cakes on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to chill and firm up. This step is important as it helps the coating stick to the fish cakes and ensures they hold their shape during cooking.
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Reheating refrigerated or frozen fish cakes
Reheating Refrigerated Fish Cakes in the Air Fryer
To reheat refrigerated fish cakes in the air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and place the cakes in the air fryer basket for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can spritz the cakes with a little cooking spray or add a splash of water or milk to the air fryer basket to help keep them moist. If you prefer your fish cakes with a little kick, add a sprinkle of paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder before reheating. You can also add a refreshing twist by drizzling a little lemon or lime juice over the cakes before reheating.
Reheating Frozen Fish Cakes in the Air Fryer
To reheat frozen fish cakes in the air fryer, it is best to first thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the instructions for reheating refrigerated fish cakes. Add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
Other Methods for Reheating Fish Cakes
If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat fish cakes in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the fish cakes for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For microwave reheating, place the fish cakes on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. While convenient, the microwave may not deliver the same crispy texture as the air fryer.
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Serving suggestions and sides
Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. They pair well with a variety of sauces, dips, and sides.
For a refreshing kick, serve your fish cakes with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. You can also pair them with a variety of sauces, such as tartar sauce, aioli, spicy mayo, or a sour cream and dill dip. If you're feeling adventurous, try making a homemade tartar sauce or lemon aioli.
Fish cakes also go well with a variety of sides. For a heartier meal, serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries. If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh salad with vinaigrette is a great option. You could also try an Asian-inspired sesame cucumber salad for a unique twist.
If you're serving your fish cakes as an appetizer, consider making them bite-sized and providing a variety of dipping sauces, such as mayonnaise, cocktail sauce, or sweet chili sauce. These sauces will add a tangy, spicy, or sweet dimension to your fish cakes.
For a complete meal, pair your fish cakes with a protein like pork chops or include them in rice or grain bowls with vegetables. Some suggested vegetables include air-fryer baby potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini.
Remember, fish cakes are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and sides to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Fish cakes can be cooked in an air fryer in 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The thickness and size of the cakes can be adjusted to your preference but may impact the cooking time.
Basic ingredients include fish, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning. Many recipes also include potatoes, milk, and spices.
Ensure your mixture has a binding agent like egg or breadcrumbs, and refrigerate the mixture before forming and cooking the cakes.
Reheat refrigerated fish cakes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Frozen fish cakes will take a few minutes longer.
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