Description
Crispy air fryer fish cakes with spinach, lemon, feta and dill. Greek-inspired flavors, simple ingredients, ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz cooked white fish (cod, haddock, pollock), flaked
- 3/4 cup mashed potatoes (fairly dry)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup frozen spinach, thawed and very well squeezed
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (1/4-1/3 cup)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the coating
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare coating
On a microwave-safe plate, toss panko with olive oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until lightly golden and fragrant (1-1½ minutes total). Set aside.
Step 2: Make the cake mixture
In a large bowl, mix mashed potato, Dijon, lemon zest, salt, pepper, spinach, scallions, dill, and feta until evenly combined. Gently fold in the flaked fish, keeping some larger pieces intact.
Step 3: Form and chill
Divide mixture into 4-5 portions and shape into patties about 3 inches wide and ¾ inch thick. Chill for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 4: Coat and air fry
Lightly press each side of chilled patties into the toasted panko, coating evenly.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place patties in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, until the crumbs are deeply golden and the patties are heated through.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let patties rest 2–3 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with lemon and Homemade Gyro Sauce.
Notes
- Fish must be fully cooked before adding to the mixture. Season raw fillets with salt and pepper and air fry at 375°F until cooked through, then cool and flake.
- Squeeze the spinach very well. Excess moisture will prevent the cakes from holding together.
- Chilling for 20-30 minutes is essential. This is what replaces eggs and allows the patties to hold their shape.
- If using very dry mashed potatoes and the mixture won't hold together, add 1-2 teaspoons of mayonnaise as a binder.
- If your air fryer doesn't have strong circulation, flip the patties gently at the 6-7 minute mark to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Let patties rest 2-3 minutes after cooking. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Easy Recipe
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: Greek