Fish cakes usually mean a spitting pan of oil. The air fryer crisps them golden with barely any, homemade or shop-bought, and they hold together beautifully. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do fish cakes take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry fish cakes at 190°C (375°F) for 10–14 minutes, turning once, until golden and hot through.
Q: Can you cook them from frozen?
A: Yes — cook from frozen at 190°C for 14–18 minutes.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade (chilled) | 190°C / 375°F | 10–14 min |
| Shop-bought (fresh) | 190°C / 375°F | 10–12 min |
| From frozen | 190°C / 375°F | 14–18 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Fish Cakes
Ingredients
- 300g cooked salmon or cod, flaked
- 300g mashed potato
- 1 spring onion, parsley, lemon zest
- 50g breadcrumbs to coat
Method
- Mix fish, mash and seasonings; shape patties.
- Coat in breadcrumbs; chill 15 minutes.
- Spray with oil; air fry at 190°C for 10–14 min.
- Turn once until golden.
240 kcal
18g protein
20g carbs
9g fat
0.6g salt
Tips
- Chill before cooking so they hold together.
- Spray, don't drench — a light mist crisps the crumb.
- Serve with green beans or a salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fish cakes take in an air fryer?
Around 10–14 minutes at 190°C, turning once. Shop-bought are at the quicker end; frozen need 14–18 minutes.
How do you stop fish cakes falling apart?
Chill them for 15 minutes before cooking and don't skip the breadcrumb coating — both help them hold their shape.
Can you cook frozen fish cakes in an air fryer?
Yes — straight from frozen at 190°C for 14–18 minutes, until golden and hot all the way through.