Looking for a healthy and delicious seafood dish? Try these Air Fryer Fish Cakes! Made with tender white fish fillets, aromatic herbs, and spices, these fish cakes are coated in crispy cornmeal and air-fried to perfection. They are light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. Serve these easy fish cakes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy and Light: Made with fresh white fish fillets and air fried to perfection, these fish cakes are a healthy alternative to traditional fried versions, offering all the flavor without the extra oil.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these delicious fish cakes ready in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Versatile and Flavorful: Packed with aromatic herbs and spices, these fish cakes are bursting with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, they pair well with a variety of sides and sauces, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
🥘 Ingredients
- Fish Fillet (white): White fish fillet, such as cod or tilapia, provides a mild flavor and tender texture, perfect for making delicate and flavorful fish cakes.
- Onion: Onion adds a slight sweetness and a savory depth to the fish cakes, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
- Garlic: A small amount of garlic brings an aromatic and subtle spiciness that complements the fish and other seasonings.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors in the fish cakes, making them more pronounced and delicious.
- Spices for Fish: Tailor the taste with your favorite fish spices, such as paprika, cumin, or dill, to add layers of flavor and complexity.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a mild heat and a hint of earthiness, perfect for balancing the other ingredients.
- Corn Semolina: Also known as cornmeal, this ingredient is used to coat the fish cakes, giving them a crispy and golden exterior when air fried.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note, making the fish cakes taste bright and vibrant.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a zesty tang and brightness, cutting through the richness of the fish and enhancing the overall flavor.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Lemon Juice: For lemon juice, lime juice provides a slightly different citrus flavor, or you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for acidity.
- Types Of Fish: For the fish fillet, you can substitute with other mild fish varieties like haddock or pollock, or for a different flavor, use salmon or tuna.
- Onions: If you don't have fresh onion, use shallots or green onions for a milder taste, or onion powder as an alternative. In place of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste, or minced shallots for a different twist.
- Seasoning: For spices, a pre-made fish seasoning blend works well, or you can experiment with different spices like curry powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute black pepper with white pepper, or use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Instead of fresh parsley is unavailable, cilantro, dill, or basil make good substitutes, or use dried parsley, adjusting the quantity as needed.
🔪 How To Make Fish Cakes In The Air Fryer
Step One: Grind the fish in a blender until minced.
Step Two: Add onion, garlic, salt, spices, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley to the minced fish. Grind the mixture again until well combined.
Step Three: Shape the mixture into patties. Roll each patty in cornmeal until evenly coated. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step Four: Place the fish cakes in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the fish cakes from the Air Fryer and serve immediately.
Best Dipping Sauces For Fish Cakes
- Tartar Sauce: A classic choice, tartar sauce's tangy and creamy flavors perfectly complement the fish cakes.
- Garlic Aioli: This rich, garlicky sauce adds a robust flavor that enhances the savory taste of the fish cakes.
- Lemon Dill Sauce: A refreshing blend of lemon and dill creates a bright and zesty accompaniment.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For a bit of heat and sweetness, sweet chili sauce provides a delicious contrast.
- Cilantro Lime Sauce: This vibrant and fresh sauce pairs well with the fish cakes' delicate flavors.
- Yogurt Cucumber Dip: A light and cooling dip, yogurt cucumber dip adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
- Mango Chutney: The sweetness and spice of mango chutney offer a delightful contrast to the savory fish cakes.
- Remoulade Sauce: A tangy, slightly spicy sauce, remoulade adds a kick of flavor.
- Mustard Dill Sauce: Combining the sharpness of mustard with the freshness of dill, this sauce enhances the fish cakes beautifully.
- Avocado Lime Sauce: Creamy and zesty, avocado lime sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the fish cakes.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh white fish fillets. If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before grinding.
- Don't Over-Grind: When grinding the fish and other ingredients, pulse just until combined. Over-grinding can make the mixture too mushy.
- Chill the Mixture: After forming the patties, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.
💭 FAQs
Cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the fish cakes. Generally, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the fish cakes for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Yes, you can air fry frozen fish cakes without thawing. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the frozen fish cakes for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
White fish varieties like cod, haddock, or catfish are excellent choices for fish cakes due to their mild flavor and flaky texture. Ensure the fish is finely chopped or flaked before mixing with other ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
To maintain their shape, refrigerate the formed fish cakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and reduces the likelihood of breaking apart during air frying.
Air frying uses less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, resulting in fish cakes with lower fat content while still achieving a crispy exterior. This makes air-fried fish cakes a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Yes, you can make fish cakes ahead of time. Prepare the fish cake mixture as directed and shape into patties. Place the patties on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with air frying or baking as directed. This makes meal prep easy and ensures you have delicious fish cakes ready to go whenever you need them.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Pair Air Fryer Fish Cakes With These:
- Coleslaw: Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that complements the fish cakes perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, adds a healthy and colorful side.
- Potato Salad: A classic Potato Salad, whether creamy or vinegary, pairs wonderfully with fish cakes for a hearty meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh Green Avocado Salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the savory fish cakes.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly Grilled Asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice makes a simple and elegant side.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled Air Fryer Corn On The Cob brings a sweet and buttery element to the meal.
- Beet and Pomegranate Salad: This light and refreshing salad adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Fish Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fish fillet
- ½ Onion Finely chopped or diced
- ½ teaspoon Garlic
- 1 pinch Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper Optional
- ½ cup Corn semolina
- 2 tablespoon Parsley Finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Grind the fish in a blender until minced.
- Mix Ingredients: Add onion, garlic, salt, spices, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley to the minced fish. Grind the mixture again until well combined.
- Shape and Coat: Shape the mixture into patties. Roll each patty in cornmeal until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fish cakes in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the fish cakes from the Air Fryer and serve immediately.
