Fish cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. They are typically made by combining fish, potatoes, and various seasonings, and then shaping the mixture into patties before frying. However, frying them in oil can add unnecessary calories and make them greasy. In recent years, air fryers have become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to deep frying. In this article, we will explore how to cook fish cakes in an air fryer, resulting in a dish that is both easy and crispy.
Preparing the Fish Cakes
The first step in cooking fish cakes in an air fryer is to prepare the mixture. Traditionally, fish cakes are made using white fish such as cod or haddock, but you can use any fish of your choice. Start by cooking the fish until it is tender and flaky. This can be done by poaching, steaming, or baking the fish in the oven. Once cooked, allow the fish to cool slightly before flaking it with a fork.
While the fish is cooling, you can prepare the other ingredients. Peel and boil some potatoes until they are soft and mashable. Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth, without any lumps. You can add a knob of butter, a splash of milk, or even some cream if you prefer richer fish cakes. Season the mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice.
Adding Flavor to the Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be customized with various flavorings to suit your taste. Some popular additions include finely chopped onions, garlic, spring onions, or herbs like parsley or dill. You can also add some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to give the fish cakes a refreshing zing. Mix these flavorings into the mashed potatoes and fish until they are well combined.
Forming the Fish Cakes
To form the fish cakes, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Make sure the patties are of equal thickness, as this will help them cook evenly in the air fryer. You can make them as big or small as you like, depending on your preference. Place the formed patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. Chilling the fish cakes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Cooking Fish Cakes in an Air Fryer
Once the fish cakes have chilled, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the fish cake coating. You will need three shallow bowls or plates – one filled with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dip each chilled fish cake into the flour, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated. Finally, place the dipped fish cake into the breadcrumb plate, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the fish cakes.
Air Frying the Fish Cakes
Once the fish cakes are coated, place them into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the fish cakes for approximately 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish cakes, as well as the model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them during cooking to prevent them from burning.
Serving Suggestions
Once the fish cakes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Fish cakes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes and condiments. They can be served with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even on a bun as a burger. Tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or a squeeze of lemon juice are all great accompaniments to enhance the flavors of the fish cakes.
Tips and Variations
– Experiment with different types of fish to create unique flavors. Salmon, tuna, or even a combination of fish can be used instead of traditional white fish.
– If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step and cook the fish cakes immediately after shaping them. However, chilling them helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
– To make your fish cakes even crispier, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying. This will help achieve a deep-fried texture without the excess oil.
– If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers as a substitute.
In conclusion, cooking fish cakes in an air fryer is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this popular dish. By following these easy steps, you can achieve deliciously crispy fish cakes without the need for deep frying. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade, flavorful fish cakes that are both easy and crispy?