Fish Cakes in the Air Fryer
Fish cakes can come out of the oven pale and soft, or burst open in a frying pan. Fish cakes in air fryer baskets turn out evenly golden and crisp all over in about 15 minutes, with no oil bath and no mess. Here is how to air fry fish cakes from frozen or chilled, how long they take, and how to make your own if you prefer.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 19min
- Prep
- 2min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 295kcal
Why the air fryer works for fish cakes
Fish cakes in an air fryer are one of the simplest ways to cook them. The circulating hot air browns the crumb on all sides at once, which is difficult to achieve in a frying pan, and the inside heats through without the fish drying out. You also need much less oil than with shallow frying, and there is no pan of hot fat to clean afterwards.
If you have ever wondered whether you can air fry fish cakes straight from the freezer, you can. Frozen fish cakes in air fryer baskets take about 15 minutes and do not need thawing. Because they are a ready-to-heat product, the aim is to make them steaming hot all the way through, which is why the thermometer check matters more than the colour.
How to make fish cakes in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Check the pack Look at the instructions on the packet and note whether the fish cakes are frozen or chilled, because the cooking time is different. There is no need to thaw frozen ones.
- Prepare the basket Brush the basket lightly with the oil so the crumb does not stick. Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C for .
- Cook Lay the fish cakes in a single layer with a small gap between them, in two batches if they do not all fit. Cook frozen fish cakes for , or chilled ones for , turning them over carefully after half the time.
- Check The crumb should be deep golden. Push a thermometer into the middle of one. Ready-to-heat fish products should be steaming hot all the way through, at 75 °C, so cook for another if not.
- Rest and serve Leave the fish cakes in the basket for to firm up, then serve with the lemon wedges.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Fish Cakes | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen breaded fish cakesTurn halfway | 190 °C | 14–16 min |
| Chilled fish cakesTurn halfway | 190 °C | 10–12 min |
| Homemade fish cakesChill 30 minutes first | 190 °C | 12–14 min |
| Salmon fish cakes, frozen | 190 °C | 14–16 min |
| Mini fish cakes (bites) | 190 °C | 8–10 min |
| Reheating cooked fish cakes | 160 °C | 5–6 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
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Cooking time: frozen or chilled
Frozen fish cakes take 14–16 minutes at 190 °C, while chilled ones take 10–12 minutes. Fish cakes in air fryer time varies a little with the thickness: thin, flat ones are ready sooner, while large, dense ones need a few more minutes. The packet instructions are written for the oven, so use them as a guide and trust the thermometer.
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Four to six fish cakes is plenty for most machines. Space between them lets the hot air get to the sides.
- Turn once, carefully. Wait until the underside has set. Use a spatula and a gentle hand, since soft fillings can burst the crumb.
- Add a little oil only if needed. A light brush on the basket is usually enough. Heavy oiling makes the crumb greasy rather than crisp.
Serving
Serve with a poached egg and wilted spinach, or with chips, peas and tartare sauce for a classic dinner. For a lighter lunch, serve with a green salad, or with broccoli or green beans. If you cook for children, fish fingers are quicker still.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooked fish cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, put them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 5–6 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Do not reheat them more than once. Fish cakes in the air fryer reheat better than in the microwave, as the crumb stays crisp.
Variations
- Homemade fish cakes: Mix 250 g cooked flaked white fish with 250 g mashed potato, 1 chopped spring onion, 1 tbsp parsley and salt and pepper. Shape into 4 cakes, coat in breadcrumbs, chill for 30 minutes and cook at 190 °C for 12–14 minutes, turned halfway.
- Smoked haddock: Replace half the white fish with flaked smoked haddock for a deeper flavour.
- Salmon fish cakes: Use cooked salmon and add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of dill to the mixture.
Troubleshooting
- The fish cakes are pale and soggy
- The basket was too full or not preheated. Cook them in a single layer, brush the basket with oil and spray the tops lightly if they look dry.
- The fish cakes split open
- They were turned too early or too roughly. Wait until the crumb has set, around the halfway mark, and turn with a spatula rather than tongs.
- The outside is dark but the middle is cold
- The heat was too high for the thickness. Frozen cakes need the full 14–16 minutes. Lower the temperature to 180 °C if the coating browns too fast.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fish cakes take in an air fryer?
Frozen fish cakes need 14–16 minutes at 190 °C and chilled ones 10–12 minutes, turned halfway. Always check that the centre is steaming hot at 75 °C.
Can you cook fish cakes from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, and you do not need to thaw them. Cook at 190 °C for 14–16 minutes, turning once, until the crumb is golden and the middle is steaming hot.
Can you air fry fish cakes without oil?
Yes. Most shop-bought fish cakes have enough fat in the crumb already. A light brush of oil on the basket stops sticking and helps browning, but it is not essential.
How do you reheat fish cakes in an air fryer?
Heat cooked fish cakes at 160 °C for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until steaming hot all the way through.
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