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Air fryer fish cakes with a crispy golden crust and tender flaky fish filling, served with fresh dill and lemon wedges on a white plate.
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Air Fryer Fish Cakes - Crispy, Light, and Easy

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) cooked, flaky white fish or salmon (baked, poached, or steamed), flaked and cooled
  • 1 cup cold mashed potatoes (or 1 large russet, boiled and mashed; can sub 1 cup panko)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions or red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (adds moisture and helps bind)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or 1/2 tsp paprika + 1/4 tsp celery salt + pinch cayenne)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4–1 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided (1/2 cup for the mixture if using mashed potato; the rest for coating)
  • Olive oil spray or a light, high-heat oil spray
  • Optional for serving: lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or lemon-dill yogurt sauce

Instructions

  • Prep the fish. If using leftover cooked fish, flake it into small pieces and remove any bones and skin. If cooking fish now, season lightly with salt and pepper and bake at 400°F (205°C) until just opaque, then cool and flake.
  • Mix the base. In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish, mashed potatoes, egg, scallions, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon zest, lemon juice, Old Bay, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold to avoid breaking down the fish too much.
  • Adjust texture. Add 1/4–1/2 cup panko to the mixture if it feels very soft. You want a mixture that holds together when pressed but isn’t dry. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Shape patties. Form 8 small or 6 medium patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps them keep their shape.
  • Coat with panko. Spread the remaining panko on a plate. Lightly press each patty into the panko on both sides to coat. This adds extra crunch.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to reduce sticking.
  • Air fry the first side. Arrange patties in a single layer without crowding. Lightly spray the tops. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the bottoms are golden.
  • Flip and finish. Carefully flip, spray again, and cook another 5–7 minutes, until deep golden and crisp and the centers are hot. Internal temp should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
  • Serve. Squeeze with lemon and serve with your favorite sauce. They’re great with a simple salad, slaw, or in a brioche bun.