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+ servings
five air fryer fish cakes set on a platter with a garnish of lime slices and a dipping sauce set on the side.

Air Fryer Fish Cakes

Katerina | Diethood
Crispy and golden, these easy Air Fryer Fish Cakes are savory and lightly sweet on the inside, made with tender white fish, fresh cilantro, and sweet chili sauce.
Servings : 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces cod fillets, or any other firm white fish, coarsely chopped
  • cup pork rind panko crumbs, you can also use regular breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 400˚F.
  • Grease the basket of the air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
  • Transfer the chopped fish to a food processor and process until crumbly. (see notes below)
  • In a bowl combine the crumbled fish, pork rind crumbs, cilantro, chili sauce, mayo, egg, salt, and pepper; stir until well incorporated.
  • Shape the mixture into four patties.
  • Place the patties in the air fryer basket and coat them with cooking spray.
  • Cook for 5 minutes; flip over the fish cakes, spray with cooking spray, and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from air fryer basket.
  • Serve fish cakes with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for at least a few minutes before adding the fish cakes. This ensures even cooking.
  • Manual Chopping: If you don't have a food processor, finely mince the fish using a knife.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Place fish cakes in a single layer without them touching to allow proper air circulation and ensure they cook evenly.
  • Oil Spray: Lightly spray both sides of the fish cakes with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of oil. This promotes a golden and crispy exterior.
  • Regular Flipping: Halfway through cooking, gently flip the fish cakes to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
  • Temperature Check: Fish cakes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
  • Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness and size of your fish cakes, cooking times can vary. Start with the recommended time and add additional minutes if necessary.
  • Post-Cooking Rest: Let the fish cakes sit for a minute or two after cooking. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.

Nutrition

Serving: 4 ounces | Calories: 176 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 85 mg | Sodium: 422 mg | Potassium: 371 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 114 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 23 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Appetizer, Appetizer / Lunch / Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer for fish, cod fillets, fish patties, seafood appetizer