
Fish patties are a tasty, healthy, and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep and simple ingredients. They are a great alternative to traditional fried fish cakes, offering all the flavor without the extra oil. You can use a variety of fish, including crab, salmon, tuna, and cod, and serve them with a range of sauces and sides, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
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What You'll Learn

Fish patty ingredients
Fish patties are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here are the ingredients you will need to make delicious fish patties in your air fryer:
Fish:
You can use any type of fish you like for the patties. Some common options include white fish such as cod, tilapia, or catfish. You can also use canned or fresh salmon, tuna steaks, or even imitation crab meat.
Binders:
To help hold the patties together, you will need a binder such as an egg or two, depending on the quantity you are making. Mayonnaise can also be used as a binder and adds a tangy flavour to the patties.
Vegetables:
Potatoes are a common ingredient in fish patties, providing a starchy base. Be sure to cook and mash them before mixing with the fish. You can also add finely chopped onions or other vegetables of your choice for extra flavour and texture.
Seasonings:
Seasonings are essential to enhancing the flavour of your fish patties. Common seasonings include aromatic herbs such as cilantro, spices, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a zesty kick with some fresh lemon juice.
Breadcrumbs:
Breadcrumbs add texture and bulk to your fish patties. Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs or cornmeal for a crispy coating.
Dipping Sauce:
Fish patties go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can serve them with tartar sauce, aioli, garlic butter, soy-ginger sauce, sriracha mayo, nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce), or hot mustard.
Cooking Spray:
While not an ingredient per se, cooking spray is recommended to lightly coat the air fryer basket and the patties themselves to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking fish patties in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of fish, the thickness of the patties, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide to help you get perfectly cooked fish patties:
For frozen fish patties, it is recommended to cook them directly from frozen without thawing them first. This helps maintain the texture and makes them easier to handle. Set your air fryer temperature to between 380°F/193°C and 400°F/204°C. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties, but a good starting point is to cook them for 12 minutes, then flip them and continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. It is important to ensure that the fish patties are not overlapping in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
If you are using fresh fish to make your patties, the cooking time and temperature will vary slightly. It is recommended to coat the patties in cornmeal or breadcrumbs before cooking for a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and place the fish patties in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for around 15 minutes, or until the patties are golden and cooked through.
It is worth noting that different types of fish will have slightly different cooking times and temperatures. For example, salmon patties can be cooked at a lower temperature for a longer time to keep them succulent, while tilapia, cod, and catfish are great options for fish tacos and only need a few minutes in the air fryer.
Additionally, the thickness of the patties will affect the cooking time. Thinner patties will cook faster, so consider making smaller, bite-sized patties if you want them to cook more quickly. It is also important to ensure that your air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this can affect the crispiness of the patties.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to check on your fish patties during the cooking process and adjust the time and temperature as needed. Every air fryer is different, and you may find that you need to add an extra minute or two to get the desired level of crispiness.
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Fish patty coating
Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and cooked in different ways, including pan-frying and air frying. The coating is an important component of fish cakes as it adds flavour, texture, and crunchiness to the dish. Here is a detailed guide on coating fish patties for that perfect golden finish:
Preparing the Fish Patty Mixture:
Before coating the fish patties, it is essential to prepare the fish cake mixture. This mixture typically consists of cooked fish, mashed potatoes, and other ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and seasonings. The fish used can be any firm white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or flounder. You can also use cooked imitation crab meat or canned fish like tuna, salmon, or crab. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, making them as thin as possible as they cook faster and are easier to bite into.
The Coating Process:
The classic coating for fish patties involves a three-step process of dredging in flour, dipping in beaten egg, and finally coating with breadcrumbs:
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll the fish patties in it to ensure an even coating. Make sure to coat all sides and edges to avoid any naked spots.
- Next, dip the floured fish patty into a bowl of beaten egg. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the next step.
- Finally, coat the fish patty with breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Gently press the fish patty into the breadcrumbs and use your hands to pat them onto the surface. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the patty.
Refrigerating the Coated Patties:
Once the fish patties are coated, it is essential to place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the coating firm up and prevents the patties from falling apart during cooking.
Cooking the Fish Patties:
After the refrigeration period, your fish patties are ready to be cooked. You can choose to pan-fry or air-fry them. For pan-frying, heat some oil in a non-stick pan and gently place the fish patties in the hot oil. Fry them on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. For air frying, preheat your air fryer, place the fish patties inside, and cook them until they reach the desired level of crispness and doneness. No additional oil is usually needed for air frying.
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Fish patty preparation
Fish patties are a tasty and healthy treat, and they are easy to make in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing them.
Ingredients
You will need fish, of course, and there are many types to choose from. White fish is a good option, and you can use either fresh or frozen fillets. Salmon, cod, tilapia, and tuna are also popular choices. You can also use crab or canned fish, such as tuna, salmon, or crab.
For the other ingredients, you will need herbs and spices, an egg, breadcrumbs (preferably panko), and some kind of binder, such as mayonnaise or aioli. You can also add in mashed potato, or cornmeal for a crunchy coating.
Preparation
Start by preparing the fish mixture. If you are using fresh fish, you may want to cook it first, although this is not necessary. Then, mix the fish with your chosen herbs and spices, egg, and binder. Form the mixture into patties. You can make them whatever size you like, but remember that thinner cakes will cook faster and that you may want to make them bite-sized if serving as appetizers.
Next, coat the patties. You can use breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a combination of both for an extra crunchy coating. Place the coated patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F (193°C to 200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place the patties in the basket, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded, as this will affect how evenly they cook.
Cook the patties for around 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through, with a crispy coating.
Serving
Fish patties go well with many different sides and sauces. Try serving them with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or with tartar sauce, aioli, or another dipping sauce. They can be served as a meal or an appetizer, and go well with potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
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Fish patty serving suggestions
Fish patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried fish patties:
As a Sandwich
Turn your fish patty into a delicious sandwich by spreading tartar sauce on a soft brioche bun, adding lettuce, red cabbage, and cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as fresh dill, tarragon, basil, or cilantro. For a Tex-Mex twist, add chipotle mayo sauce, taco seasoning, avocado, and tomato. If you prefer a lighter option, forgo the bun and serve the fish patty on a bed of salad greens.
With a Side of Vegetables and Starch
Fish patties pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, long-grain white rice, string beans, or cauliflower tomato salad. For a healthier option, opt for air-fried vegetables like baby potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini.
With a Dipping Sauce
Fish patties can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course with a variety of dipping sauces. Try lemon aioli, tzatziki, green goddess sauce, or a classic tartar sauce. For an extra kick of heat, add some hot sauce or Sriracha.
As Part of a Hearty Meal
Fish patties can be the star of a larger meal. Serve them with a side of French fries for a twist on the classic fish and chips, or pair them with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
With a Squeeze of Citrus
A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten up the flavor of your fish patties. Serve your patties with a wedge of lemon or lime on the side, or add a slice of citrus directly to your sandwich for a refreshing twist.
No matter your preference, there are plenty of ways to enjoy air-fried fish patties. Get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favorite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fish cakes in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Combine breadcrumbs and milk and let it sit for 10 minutes. Cut the fish fillet into pieces and add to a food processor with spices, parsley, fried onions, fish sauce, and an egg. Add the soaked breadcrumbs to the mixture and blend. Refrigerate for an hour, then add green peas and mix. Shape the mixture into patties and coat with cornmeal.
White fish is a classic, but you can also use salmon, tuna, or crab meat for a different flavor profile.
Fish patties go well with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
You can use the air fryer to reheat refrigerated fish cakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Frozen fish cakes will take a few extra minutes to reheat.











































