Air Fryer Cod Fish Cakes
The ultimate comfort food meets healthy eating with these Air Fryer Cod Fish Cakes. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. You’ll love the flaky cod paired with veggies and quinoa, making it a dish you’ll want to make tonight!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cod Fillets
- 1.5 cups Cauliflower Florets
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Eggs mixed
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
- 0.25 cup Green Onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Almond Flour or any other flour
- 2 Egg Whites
- 0.25 cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Start by pouring about an inch of water into a skillet or wok and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial for cooking the cauliflower, so don’t rush it!
- Once the water is boiling, place the cauliflower florets into a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Allow them to cook until tender, which should take about four to eight minutes. If you don’t have a steamer basket, a sieve can work just as well.
- After the cauliflower is cooked, allow it to cool until it’s manageable to touch. Once cool, chop it coarsely. Remember, larger chunks will add texture, but don’t make them too big since they need to mix well with the other ingredients.
- Now, let’s prepare the cod. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake the cod for about twenty minutes. Once it’s cooked, allow it to cool slightly before shredding it using two forks. This step breaks down the fish into perfect, flaky pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cod, chopped cauliflower, and all the other ingredients. Mix well by hand until everything is incorporated. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add another half egg; if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some additional quinoa or breadcrumbs.
- Next, form the mixture into patties by hand. This part is really fun! Ensure your hands are slightly damp to prevent sticking.
- Prepare three bowls for the coating: one with flour, another with egg whites, and the last one with breadcrumbs. Coat each fish cake by rolling it first in flour, then dipping it into the egg whites, and finally rolling it in breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated fish cakes on a tray. At this point, you can refrigerate them for a bit, which helps them maintain their shape. A little resting time, anywhere from one hour to twenty-four hours, is great for optimal texture during cooking.
- Finally, it’s time to cook the cakes! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Place the patties in the basket and air-fry for ten minutes. After that, carefully flip each cake and cook for an additional five minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Tip 1: Cauliflower can also be softened in the microwave, but it takes about the same time as steaming. Just ensure it's covered to retain moisture.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the uncooked patties for later use. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking. Just defrost and cook when you need them!
- Tip 3: If you prefer to bake the cakes instead of air-frying, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and cook one side for ten to fifteen minutes, then flip and cook for another ten to fifteen minutes. Spraying the patties with cooking spray will give them a nice crisp.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the mixture for a personal twist! Dill or parsley would complement the fish beautifully.