Tillie Doyle
Fish cakes are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior and a moist, savoury filling. This method also reduces the mess and calories associated with traditional frying methods. In this guide, we will cover the steps to cooking frozen fish cakes in an air fryer, from preparation to serving, so you can enjoy this culinary delight in the comfort of your own home.
How to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180°C/360°F |
| Cook time | 8-10 minutes |
| Flip | Halfway through |
| Reheat | 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes |
| Frying time | Increase to 6 or 7 minutes per side if frozen |
| Result | Golden brown and crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking frozen fish cakes in an air fryer may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your air fryer and your personal preference for the level of doneness. However, here is a general guide:
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Greasing the basket of the air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper is also recommended.
When your air fryer is preheated, you can place the frozen fish cakes in the basket without stacking them on top of each other. Set the temperature to 180°C/360°F and cook for 4 minutes. Then, remove the fry basket, flip the fishcakes, and put the basket back in for another 4 minutes. This means a total of 8 minutes is needed to cook the fishcakes, with a flip halfway through. The fishcakes should now be golden brown and crispy.
If you are reheating refrigerated fish cakes, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is recommended for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. If they are frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
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Fish cake ingredients
Fish cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for a quick snack or a main dish. The key to a great fish cake is in the ingredients—keeping the potato chunky, the fish in big flakes, and adding a variety of spices and herbs to give it a flavourful kick.
For the fish, any firm white fish fillets suitable for pan-frying will work. This includes cod, haddock, pollock, hake, sea bass, salmon, and many more. You can also use canned tuna and salmon, but be aware that fish that dries out easily, like kingfish, tuna, swordfish, and mahi-mahi, may not be the best option. It's best to keep the fish in nice big chunks to ensure it doesn't break apart during cooking.
The potato is an important component, adding a buttery, garlicky flavour and a chunky texture to the fish cake. Try using Yukon gold potatoes, keeping them in relatively large pieces to avoid a mushy consistency.
To add extra flavour, include some garlic, chilli, green onion, thyme, and parsley. A splash of lemon juice will also brighten up the dish. For some added crunch, coat the fish cakes in breadcrumbs before frying.
If you're making frozen fish cakes in an air fryer, simply cook them at 180°C/360°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and you're done!
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Preparing the air fryer basket
- Greasing the Basket: Before placing the frozen fish cakes in the air fryer, it's essential to grease the basket. Use a non-aerosol cooking spray and coat the entire surface of the basket evenly. This step ensures that your fish cakes don't stick to the basket and makes cleaning up easier.
- Lining with Parchment Paper (Optional): While greasing the basket is often sufficient, you can also line the basket with parchment paper for added convenience. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket and place it neatly inside. This extra layer provides a barrier between the fish cakes and the basket, making it even easier to remove them once they're cooked.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360°F and 400°F, depending on the specific model and instructions. This step ensures that your fish cakes start cooking at the right temperature as soon as they're placed in the basket.
- Placing the Frozen Fish Cakes: Open the air fryer basket and place the frozen fish cakes inside. Ensure that you do not stack the fish cakes on top of each other. Leave enough space around each fish cake to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.
- Cooking in Batches: If you have a large number of frozen fish cakes, you may need to cook them in batches. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, place as many fish cakes as can fit comfortably in a single layer. This ensures that each fish cake cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness.
- Setting the Timer: Once the fish cakes are in the basket and the air fryer is preheated, set the timer according to the cooking instructions. For frozen fish cakes, the cooking time can range from 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the cakes. Don't forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking!
By following these steps, you'll have a well-prepared air fryer basket, and you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy frozen fish cakes cooked to perfection.
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Placing the fish cakes in the air fryer
When placing the fish cakes in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are not stacked on top of each other. This will allow them to cook evenly and achieve the desired golden brown and crispy texture. Place the fish cakes in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the fish cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Once the fish cakes are arranged in the air fryer basket, you can proceed with setting the temperature and cook time. For frozen fish cakes, preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your fish cakes, but on average, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer.
It is important to note that you should flip the fish cakes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. After the first 4 minutes, remove the fry basket and use a spoon or spatula to carefully flip each fish cake. Return the fry basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.
By following these steps and paying attention to the timing, you will be able to achieve delicious, crispy fish cakes with a golden brown exterior and a moist, flavorful core. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air will create a crunchy texture without the need for excessive oil, resulting in a healthier and tastier dish.
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Flipping the fish cakes
When flipping the fish cakes, use a spoon or a spatula to carefully lift and turn them over. Be gentle, as the fish cakes will still be partially frozen and fragile at this stage. It is important not to stack the fish cakes on top of each other in the air fryer basket, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
After placing the fish cakes in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 180°C/360°F and cook for 4 minutes. Then, remove the fry basket and carefully flip each fish cake with a spoon. Return the fry basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
Checking the fish cakes regularly is crucial to avoid overcooking or burning. The total cooking time for frozen fish cakes in an air fryer is typically around 8-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish cakes. Aim for a consistent golden-brown colour on both sides.
If you are reheating refrigerated fish cakes, set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. For frozen fish cakes, simply add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes roughly 8-10 minutes to cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer.
Frozen fish cakes should be cooked at 180°C/360°F.
Place the frozen fish cakes in the air fryer basket without stacking them. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip the fish cakes with a spoon and cook for another 4 minutes. Check if the fish cakes are golden brown and crispy.
Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes. Slice the fish fillet into pieces and transfer them to a food processor along with spices, parsley, fried onions, fish sauce, and an egg. Add the soaked breadcrumbs to the mixture. Shape the mixture into patties and freeze them until they are frozen solid. Grease the air fryer basket and cook the fish cakes for 6-7 minutes per side.
