Craving something crispy without the grease? These Air Fryer Fish Cakes cook up in just 12 to 15 minutes—golden, flaky, and packed with fresh herby flavor!
Fish cakes have always been popular since I was a kid, and this air fryer version is even better—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of fresh flavor. Whether you’re using cod, tilapia, or whatever white fish you’ve got hanging out in the freezer, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and great for picky eaters too.
For more easy seafood ideas, check out my Beet Cured Salmon, Salmon Sushi Balls, or Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado.
Jump to:
💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy and light: No deep frying here—just a crispy coating with barely any oil.
- Quick and easy: From food processor to air fryer in 30 minutes or less.
- Customizable and flavorful: Works with lots of fish and seasoning combos and they freeze like a dream, making them perfect for batch cooking or last-minute dinners.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- White Fish Fillets: Mild fish like cod or tilapia work best—they’re flaky and quick to cook, and soak up all that seasoning.
- Cornmeal (or corn semolina): This gives the fish cakes their signature crispy, golden crust. I like using fine cornmeal for a delicate crunch, but you can try coarse for extra texture.
- Fresh Parsley + Garlic: This combo brightens up the fish cakes and makes the flavor pop. I always recommend fresh herbs here—so worth it!
- Lemon Juice: A little zing goes a long way. It lifts the flavor and balances the richness of the fish.
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: Try lime juice or even white wine vinegar for a similar tang.
- Fish Options: Use haddock, pollock, or salmon for a twist. Canned tuna also works in a pinch!
- Onion Swap: Shallots, spring onions, or even onion powder work well.
- Herbs: No parsley? Use fresh dill, cilantro, or basil—or swap in dried herbs if that’s all you have.
- Spices: Paprika, Italian seasoning, curry powder, or Old Bay make excellent flavor additions.
- Gluten-Free? Stick with cornmeal, or try almond flour for a grain-free coating.
If you love our recipes, don’t miss my Instant Pot Wild Rice with Pomegranates or the Best Carrot Rice Recipe—so good with fish!
🔪 How To Make Fish Cakes In The Air Fryer
- Step 1: Grind the fish in a blender until minced.
- Step 2: Add onion, garlic, salt, spices, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley to the minced fish. Grind the mixture again until well combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into patties. Roll each patty in cornmeal until evenly coated. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 4: Place the fish cakes in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the fish cakes from the Air Fryer and serve immediately.
💡Kid Friendly Hack: Let your little one help coat the patties in cornmeal (messy but fun). Sylvia likes shaping hers like hearts or fish for extra smiles at dinnertime.
🧊 Fish Cake Freezer Prep Kit
Want to prep these ahead for easy dinners later? Here’s how to freeze fish cakes like a pro:
- Step 1: Shape your patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze flat for 1–2 hours.
- Step 2: Transfer to a ziplock bag with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Label the bag with the date and air fryer instructions.
- To Cook from Frozen: No need to thaw—air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
🥣 Best Dipping Sauces for Fish Cakes
The type of sauce I choose depends on the spices I'm using in my fish cakes. Here are some top suggestions and flavor combinations to try.
| Mood | Spices to Add | Perfect Dip |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Garlic, parsley, black pepper | Tartar Sauce |
| Spicy | Paprika, chili flakes, cumin | Sriracha Mayo or Hot Sauce |
| Fresh | Lemon zest, dill, chives | Lemon Dill Yogurt Dip |
| Bold | Old Bay, smoked paprika | Sweet Chili Sauce |
| Sweet & Savory | Curry powder, coriander | Mango Chutney or Honey Mustard |
💡 Tip: Mix and match based on what you’ve got—these fish cakes are super forgiving and love to soak up flavor!
👩🍳 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
Preheat to 400°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. Make sure the internal temp hits 165°F. If reheating bake for 5-6 minutes until warm and crispy.
White fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, or pollock are perfect—flaky, mild, and blend well with spices.
Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before air frying, and don’t skip the cornmeal coating—it helps everything hold together.
Absolutely. You get that golden crunch without deep frying, which means fewer calories and less mess.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Pair your air fryer fish cakes with:
- Red Cabbage Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy, and refreshing.
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables or Okra Chips: Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Creamy Smashed Potato Salad: Classic and comforting.
- Green Avocado Salad: Light and bright for balance.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple veggie side with lemon.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery, and fun to eat.
- Beet & Pomegranate Salad: Sweet, earthy, and full of texture.
🍽 More Delicious Fish Recipes
What’s your go-to fish for fish cakes—cod, tilapia, or something fancy like salmon? Let me know in the comments! 🐟👇
Air Fried 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.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these air fryer fish cakes are a delightful twist on a classic! The perfect balance of flavor and texture.