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    Home » Recipes

    Air Fryer Fish Cakes

    February 4, 2020 *Updated* February 23, 2021 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 86 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    This Air Fryer Fish Cakes recipe is easy and delicious. Classic potato and fish patties made with crab and cooked to a golden brown.

    If you love fried food, but not the mess and ALL the calories, air fryer recipes are fantastic.

    Fish Cakes on a plate ready to eat.

    Are you a fish lover? We prepare it a lot of different ways in our house. Fish and chips have always been a favourite. I even remember when it was wrapped in newspaper! That was to absorb all the grease.

    Things have changed. Finding healthier ways to enjoy our favourite foods is the new norm. These healthy fish cakes are a prime example.

    Join Our Mailing List

    You will receive a FREE PANTRY STAPLES PRINTABLE and easy recipes to make with them.

    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for these healthy fish cakes are at the bottom of this post.

    There are so many great ways to create a spin on the fish and potato combination. Smoked Salmon Potato Appetizers are the perfect party dish. Guests go crazy for these.

    All the ingredients to make fish patties in the air fryer.

    Instead of the old standby, switch up your Friday with a Warm Potato Salad with Smoked Salmon. This is a GREAT dinner salad.

    If soup is your thing, Slow Cooker Creamy Fish Soup will be a hit. The ultimate comfort food.

    Or how about a delicious roasted tomato crab soup. The ultimate comfort food. Thick, hearty, and super easy recipe.

    For Air Fried Fish And Potato Cakes You Will Need:

    • fish (I used imitation crab because that is what I had in the house)
    • potatoes
    • egg
    • Dijon mustard
    • salt and pepper
    • green onions
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • cooking spray

    This healthy recipe was inspired by a blogger friend of mine. Mardi from Eat Live Travel Write has a great *(affiliate) cookbook to get kids involved in the kitchen.

    I actually gave this cookbook (autographed of course) as a Christmas gift to a young lady. This aspiring cook was thrilled when she opened it. I combined it with some great things like a Madeleine pan, quiche pan, and cookie cutters. I have been told that next time we visit, I can expect to be eating some delicious Madeleines.

    I did INDEED eat some beautiful Madeleines baked by Sophie. Her dad (and our very good friend) Tom has created a wonderful blog post entitled Little Cakes.  It is a wonderful read that revolves around ART. I am so happy to be part of Sophie’s culinary creativity. I look forward to many more tasty creations. 

    The minced fish in bowl getting ready to be made into patties.

    As I flipped through my copy of the cookbook one afternoon, trying to decide what to make for dinner, I came across the recipe for Crunchy Fish Cakes. After looking to see which ingredients I had (and which ingredients I did not have), I was able to switch up a couple of things to make it work.

    I decided to give these tasty fish patties a try in the air fryer instead of the frying pan. They turned out fantastic! 

    If you don’t already have an air fryer, I suggest you get one. There are lots of different brands on the market. I have a *(affiliate) Breville Smart Oven. Mine is like a mini oven. I use it all the time. 

    Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings are a must-try. 

    Close up of the fish cake mixture before it is made into patties.

    How To Make Fish Cakes In The Air Fryer  

    This recipe is super easy to make. These crab patties turned out golden brown and have a nice crunchy coating. Since they are cooked in the air fryer, no oil is needed.

    1. Cook the potatoes, mash and set aside.
    2. Pulse the fish in a food processor, along with the seasonings.
    3. Mix the potatoes and fish together.
    4. Form into fish patties and coat in Panko breadcrumbs.
    5. Place covered in the fridge for 30 minutes.
    6. Spray with cooking spray.
    7. Cook in the air fryer.
    8. ENJOY!
    Fish patties getting coated with panko breadcrumbs.

    What Kind Of Fish Patties Can You Make In The Air Fryer?

    There is lots of wiggle room with this recipe. Every country has a variation. Mardi prepared her French fish cakes (croquettes de poisson) with white fish. I didn’t have any at the time. The imitation crab meat worked really well.

    This is where you can really have fun. Here are a few great variations to try:

    • fish balls
    • salmon patties
    • haddock cakes
    • salmon croquettes
    • codfish cakes
    • mackerel cakes
    • fish croquettes
    • fish fritters

    For this recipe, I used cooked crab. You certainly can use raw fish. In fact, Thai fish cakes and traditional crab cakes raw fish.

    If you only have canned fish in the house, I would certainly give this easy recipe a try with canned tuna, canned salmon, or canned crab.

    A plate of fish and potato patties ready to cook.

    What the difference is between fish cakes and crab cakes?

    It’s all about the potato. Crab cakes do not contain potatoes. Crab meat, eggs, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, and seasonings are the staples for a great crab cake.

    Fish patties getting ready to go into the air fryer to get cooked.

    How To Keep Fish Patties From Falling Apart

    The key is to make sure you CHILL them for at least 30 minutes! 

    You can prepare these in the morning, and let them sit in the fridge till it is time to cook. 

    Alternatively, you can FREEZE the fish cakes and cook from frozen. What a great way to have something ready to cook instead of getting takeout for dinner.

    Fish cakes right out of the air fryer.

    What To Serve With Air Fried Fish

    This air fryer fish recipe makes a great appetizer. Just pair it with a dip or tartar sauce and eat! Mango Salsa would be a great choice.

    They also make a great main dish for dinner too. Some great sides would be:

    • Coleslaw
    • Green Salad
    • This fun Zoodle Salad would be a great side.
    • Roasted Vegetables
    • Spicy Fries are always a hit. Everyone loves fish and chips!
    • If you are looking for another potato option, Cast Iron Potatoes would be fantastic.
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Thinking of a potato casserole? Give this Sweet Potato Au Gratin a try.
    • Potatoes with Green Onion and Dill is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations.
    Fish cakes on a platter, tartar sauce in a bowl on the side.

    Need more great air fryer recipes to try? Here are a few:

    • Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
    • Sauerkraut Fritters
    • Onion Bhaji

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU. You will get a FREE PRINTABLE and recipes! FOLLOW ME on social media too.

    Air Fryer Fish Cakes Pin Image
    Fish Cakes on a plate ready to eat.

    Fish Cakes Recipe Air Fryer Method

    The classic fish and potato patties are cooked to a crispy, golden brown. This Fish Cake Recipe is perfect for fish Friday’s.
    5 from 78 votes
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    Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Keyword: fish cake
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Chill time before cooking: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 246kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 10 ounces mashed potatoes
    • 10 ounces imitation crab meat (or fish of your choice)
    • 1 egg
    • salt and pepper (to taste)
    • 1 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoons chopped green onion
    • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs (for coating)
    • cooking spray

    Instructions

    To Make the Fish Cakes:

    • Take about 2 large potatoes. Peel, cut and boil until tender. Once cooked, drain and mash (enough to make 10 ounces). Set aside.
    • In a food processor combine the fish, salt, pepper, and egg. Pulse 3-4 times until smooth. 
    • Place the fish mixture, mashed potatoes, mustard and green onion in a large bowl. Combine with a rubber spatula.
    • Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish (with a rim).
    • Divide the fish mixture into 6 portions.
    • Form each portion into a patty. (Roll into a ball, and lightly press to form a thick patty).
    • Coat each patty on all sides with the breadcrumbs.
    • Place the patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.

    To Cook the Fish Cakes:

    • Turn your air fryer on to 425º F.
    • Remove the fish cakes from the fridge.
    • Place them in the cooking basket of your air fryer. Depending on your model, you may have to cook these in 2 batches if they don’t all fit in the basket.
    • Spray them lightly with cooking spray on both sides.
    • Place in the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes (or until golden brown). I turned the patties over around the ½ way mark.
    • Remove from air fryer when done.
    • Place on a serving dish.
    • ENJOY!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 38.4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

    Notes

    Serve with tartar sauce, or even a sour cream and dill dip.  These can be eaten as a main course, but would also work well as an appetizer.
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gillian Didier Serre

      December 04, 2020 at 2:04 pm

      I noticed you did not mention the grainy mustard in the preparation it was mentioned in the ingredients..wad this supposed to be an option?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        December 05, 2020 at 11:13 am

        THANKS so much for bringing this to my attention. It certainly is part of the recipe, and I have fixed the instructions to reflect it. Just add it in with the rest of the ingredients.

    2. Veena Azmanov

      February 05, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Delicious, crispy and yum. Awesome combination. My family to love it.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        February 07, 2020 at 8:32 am

        Hope you give them a try. I love my air fryer.

    3. lauren

      March 31, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      My mom just got an air fryer, I’m totally going over there to try this out! I can’t wait to see the difference between air frying and pan frying – she is a huge fan. This recipe is perfect for lent too, a great way to switch up fish on fridays!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        April 01, 2019 at 4:58 pm

        OMG I use my little air fryer oven ALL the time. More than my regular oven.

    4. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      March 31, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      We love serving fish cakes at brunch, but I haven’t made them in such a long time. Thanks for reminding me how delicious they are! And I’m loving the air fryer method. Super crispy. I got an air fryer a few months ago and have been loving it. Need to cook fish cakes in it some time soon!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        April 01, 2019 at 4:59 pm

        Seriously I LOVE my air fryer. So glad hubby insisted on getting me one.

    5. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      March 31, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      I’ve been on the fence about getting another appliance but these look amazing! You have me rethinking that maybe I should get one! These look delish!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2019 at 5:56 pm

        I really don’t think you would regret it…especially if you got the Breville!!

    6. Jessica (Swanky Recipes)

      March 31, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      I’m headed to the store to make instant pot mashed potatoes for a cottage pie tomorrow and I’m going to make extra potatoes to have leftover for this on Wednesday. That’s one less meal idea I have to figure out! Plus, this will be perfect with asparagus that I need to use up, too.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2019 at 5:56 pm

        ENJOY…these are totally delicious and so easy to make.

    7. Michelle

      March 30, 2019 at 11:20 am

      I really need to get an air fryer, I’m loving all these amazing recipes I’m seeing using it. These fishcakes look perfectly cooked, I’m loving all the options you have given too, great post!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 31, 2019 at 6:00 pm

        I didn’t think I needed one either…but sure glad I got one.

    8. Julie

      March 29, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      I most definitely do not need another kitchen appliance, but these fish cakes are making me rethink this. They look delicious – maybe it’s time to get an air fryer!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2019 at 5:37 pm

        I didn’t think I did either…but I am sure glad that hubby insisted I did. We totally LOVE IT!!

    9. Veena Azmanov

      March 29, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      Love the Air Fryer option to making these Fish cakes. Surely delicious and healthy too. Have to make some for my family.They are flavorful and surely perfect.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2019 at 5:37 pm

        We love these. Perfect for any night of the week.

    10. Kate

      March 29, 2019 at 2:08 pm

      The crispy coating on these looks fantastic! I also like how you listed all the different varieties you could make – I bet a smoked salmon cake would be really delicious too 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2019 at 5:37 pm

        I know, I really have to try some of these options too. They all sound delicious.

    11. Shannon

      March 29, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      I took the leap a while back and bought an Instant Pot but I have yet to get an Air Fryer. Overtime I see an Air Fryer recipe though I am so tempted to go add to my kitchen appliance collection! I love any type of seafood cake so these look like they would be absolutely delish!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2019 at 5:39 pm

        I am so glad we got the air fryer. We use it all the time.

    12. Toni | Boulder Locavore

      March 29, 2019 at 1:30 am

      This is perfect! Can’t wait to try it with my air fryer!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2019 at 5:39 pm

        Enjoy, these are easy to make and super delicious too.

    13. Anne Lawton

      March 28, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      I have new air fryer and I just love it. These fish cakes are so crispy and delicious, I can’t wait to make them again!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        March 28, 2019 at 9:22 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for letting me know.

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