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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Cook the potatoes, mash and set aside.
- Pulse the fish in a food processor, along with the seasonings.
- Mix the potatoes and fish together.
- Form into fish patties and coat in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Place covered in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Spray with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer.
- ENJOY!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Need more great air fryer recipes to try? Here are a few:
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Fish Cakes Recipe Air Fryer Method
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!
Beth
You have me ready to buy an air fryer. What a great recipe!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know right? I am so happy hubby insisted we get one. He is too.
Debra
OOh….Cod on sale this week (I think it’s always on sale in Boston) and I was looking for something new and different to make. I love how simple these are to make, with just a few ingredients. I had never though of using mashed potatoes to bind the fish. Great idea.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I wish I had access to fresh fish like that. Even better for this recipe.
Trish Bozeman
Wow, it seems like the air fryer can make everything these days! Love this healthier version of fish cakes. Love fish and chips, but we rarely eat it because we don’t fry much food in our house. We need to get ourselves an air fryer LOL!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I totally LOVE my air fryer. I sure didn’t think I needed one. NOW I know I would miss it for sure.
Maman de sara
These fish cakes look yummy. I will definitely try this recipe for my picky eaters.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You can have lots of fun making these just the way you like.
Mimi
I am definitely a fish lover! And I would love fish even more if it was always cooked similar to these fish cakes – can’t wait to try them.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is a great way to enjoy them for sure. So cripsy and golden brown.
April
Such an easy and delicious way to enjoy fish! Fantastic fish cakes that I can make any time of the week!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Yes, these are great for dinner any night of the week for sure.
Sean
I’m the opposite of you – I’ve jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon (hardcore), but I haven’t yet gotten into the airfryer. But man, I am sorely tempted. I’ve been pretty impressed with the recipes I’ve been seeing – and this is no exception! I love a good fried fish recipe, and definitely love a good fish cake, and this hits all the right notes. I’ve actually never used imitation crab/pollock to make a fish cake before, but I’m sure it would be lovely. I think pollock is an underappreciated fish in general, and too often falls victim to the whole ‘it’s not crab’ judgement. This is going in the ‘pros’ column on my pros/cons of buying an airfryer. (The cons are mostly ‘where am I going to put another kitchen gadget?!’)
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Well the pollock does work well, and is budget friendly too. As for the air fryer, that was my concern ROOM! So, we bought a new shelving unit, did a bit of arranging (and I love how it turned out). Made room for this totally and much NEEDED appliance. Hubby was right, I did need an air fryer.
Lindsay Cotter
Love the air fryer method! Easy dinner for the win!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Easy and delicious any night of the week. The family loves them too.
Dan
I love seafood and fish in nearly any capacity; particularly fish cakes, which we have only made once. I’m so intrigued by the whole air-fryer concept I guess it’s time for me to jump on the bandwagon! Thanks for the drool-worthy recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
YES I love my air fryer….and these turned out amazing. Check my link for the model I use!!
Annemarie
What a great way to have my crispy fish cakes and eat them too! All the fat in regular frying (and the mess) puts me off eating recipes like this, but with the air fryer I can enjoy them again. Thanks for the adaptable and simple recipe.
Homemade & Yummy
That is the beauty of air frying…ALL the crispiness…NONE of the fat!!
Heather
I am a frequent fish cooker but have never thought to make it into crunchy, delicious fish cakes! What a yummy idea; especially with a nice side of tartar sauce to dip them in 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
I think we like these better than fish and chips.
Charity
I feel like I’m wearing last year’s dress to the prom because, for some unknown reason, I still do not have an airfryer! But I have my eye on one! Once I get it, this is going to be the first recipe I make, Thanks Gloria!
Homemade & Yummy
I didn’t think I needed one either…boy was I wrong. I use it ALL the time.
Eileen Kelly
i just got my air fryer and I cannot wait to use it! These fish cakes are delicious! i love the flexibility of using different fish for these cakes! I love using crab too! i love making fish cakes but don’t like frying. using the air fryer is going to be awesome to make these fish cakes!
Homemade & Yummy
LOVE my air fryer. The Breville is fantastic…I use it more than my regular oven now.
Amanda
I eat a lot of fish, and this is such a fun twist to the usual preparation methods. And now with the weather finally turning nice, this looks like the perfect patio meal. Thanks for sharing!
Homemade & Yummy
We like this more than fish and chips…hope you give this a try soon.
Jacqueline Debono
These fish cakes look wonderful. I’m definitely going to try them and as you suggest experiment with different fish! I don’t have an air fryer (it’s on my wish list) but will fry them instead for now!
Homemade & Yummy
I think I am going to be experimenting too…you can’t go wrong with fish cakes. They will all be delicious.