Air-Fried Fish Cakes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Fish cakes are a delicious and simple dish to make, and using an air fryer makes the process even easier. With a crispy exterior and a moist, flavourful core, air fryer fish cakes are a tasty treat that can be served as an appetiser or a main course. This guide will teach you how to make perfect fish cakes in your air fryer every time.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

White fish, such as cod, grouper, or catfish, is an excellent choice for fish cakes due to its mild flavour and firm texture. It cooks up well without falling apart, making it ideal for shaping into patties. Salmon is another popular option, offering a different flavour profile and beautiful pink colour. For a more budget-friendly option, canned fish like tuna, salmon, or crab can be used.

Fresh vs. Frozen

While fresh fish is always preferable for optimal flavour and texture, frozen fish can be used if properly defrosted and patted dry before use. Just be aware that frozen fish may contain more water, which can affect the consistency of your fish cakes.

Texture

When selecting your fish, opt for firmer varieties, as they hold up better during cooking. Delicate or flaky fish like whiting or flounder should be avoided, as they tend to fall apart more easily. You want a fish that will provide a good base for the other ingredients and maintain its shape when formed into patties.

Sustainability and Quality

Whenever possible, choose sustainably sourced fish. Look for wild-caught options or farm-raised fish with responsible farming practices. Ensure the fish looks fresh, feels firm to the touch, and has a pleasant, fresh sea scent.

Quantity

Most recipes for fish cakes call for around 10-12 ounces (280-340 grams) of fish fillet. This amount will yield about four to six patties, depending on the size you make them. If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the recipe and cook in batches in your air fryer.

Remember, the key to choosing the right fish is considering flavour, texture, and sustainability. By selecting a suitable type of fish and ensuring its freshness and quality, you'll be well on your way to making delicious fish cakes in your air fryer!

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. This is a crucial step, as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness of your fish cakes. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 180°C and 400°F, depending on the recipe you are following.

Next, grease the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking oil spray or line it with parchment paper. This step is important as it prevents the fish cakes from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

If you are using parchment paper, it is recommended to add it after preheating the air fryer. This is because the weight of the patties will hold the parchment paper down, preventing it from being sucked up by the fan or catching fire.

Once your air fryer is preheated and prepared, you can then place your fish cakes into the basket for cooking. Ensure they are not overcrowded and have enough space around them for even cooking.

By following these steps, your air fryer will be ready for cooking, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy fish cakes!

Making the fish cake mixture

• White fish fillets (coarsely chopped)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Salt and black pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving

You can also add some extra ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as:

• Salmon, tuna, or crab meat
• Spices like curry powder, paprika, or fish sauce
• Vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or onions

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Combine the fish, breadcrumbs, cilantro, chili sauce, mayonnaise, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add any extra ingredients you've chosen.
• Stir everything together until well incorporated and fully combined.
• For a Thai-style twist, you can blitz the ingredients in a food processor with the curry paste, coriander, fish sauce, and lime juice.
• Form the mixture into small or large patties, depending on your preference. You can make four large patties or six smaller ones.
• Place the patties on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the cakes firm up and ensures they don't fall apart during cooking.
• After chilling, remove the patties from the refrigerator and spritz them with cooking spray.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket and gently press them down to slightly flatten them.
• Air fry at 400°F for approximately 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Your fish cakes are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, tartar sauce, aioli, or a spicy mayo for an added kick.

Forming the fish cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by cutting your chosen fish into chunks or slices. If you're using raw fish, make sure it's fresh rather than frozen, as this will help to prevent your fish cakes from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place the fish into a food processor along with your chosen herbs, spices, and flavourings. Blitz until the mixture is finely chopped but not a paste. Aim for a consistent texture.

Next, transfer the fish mixture to a bowl and add your binding agents, such as breadcrumbs, flour, or eggs. You can also add other ingredients like mashed potato, mustard, or mayonnaise. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes will help it to set, making it easier to form the cakes and preventing them from falling apart during cooking.

Step 4: Form the Cakes

After chilling, take the mixture out of the refrigerator and divide it into equal portions. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then form each portion into a ball and gently press it down to form a thick patty. Aim for a consistent size and thickness to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Coat the Cakes

Prepare a shallow dish of breadcrumbs. Gently coat each patty on all sides with the breadcrumbs. This step will give your fish cakes a crunchy exterior and help prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 6: Chill Again (Optional)

For best results, place the coated patties back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to chill. This step is optional but will help ensure your fish cakes hold their shape during cooking.

Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 425°F. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 8: Cook the Fish Cakes

Lightly spray or brush both sides of the fish cakes with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This step will promote a golden and crispy exterior. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space for even cooking.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. For thicker fish cakes, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, gently flip the fish cakes to ensure even browning on both sides.

Step 9: Serve

Remove the fish cakes from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, lime wedges, or your favourite sauce. Enjoy!

Cooking and serving

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to cook your fish cakes in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It's 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.
• Make the Fish Cake Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your chosen fish (chopped or flaked), breadcrumbs or panko, an egg, and your choice of seasonings and flavourings (e.g. curry paste, coriander or cilantro, fish sauce, lemon juice, etc.). Stir everything together until well incorporated.
• Form the Fish Cakes: Divide the fish mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. You can decide how big you want your fish cakes to be, but keep in mind that thicker cakes might take longer to cook.
• Coat the Fish Cakes: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each patty on all sides with the breadcrumbs. This step will give your fish cakes a crunchy exterior.
• Chill the Fish Cakes: Place the coated fish cakes on a plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cakes firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
• Cook the Fish Cakes: Place the fish cakes in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other for even cooking. Spray them lightly with cooking spray on both sides. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fish cakes, so keep an eye on them.
• Serve: Your fish cakes are now ready to be served! Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, lime wedges, or your favourite sauce on the side. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Some side dish suggestions include tartar sauce, salad, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries.

Tips for Success:

• Always use fresh fish for the best flavour and texture.
• Don't skip the chilling step, as it helps the cakes firm up and prevents them from falling apart.
• Aim for a consistent size and thickness when forming your patties to ensure even cooking.
• Wet your hands when shaping the patties to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
• All air fryers are different, so keep a close eye on your fish cakes during the first attempt to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions