Codfish Balls in Air Fryer: light, tasty, and quick to prepare.
If you’re looking for a way to make fish appealing to kids, these codfish balls are the perfect solution! Light, tasty, and quick to prepare thanks to the air fryer, they make an ideal main dish for a balanced dinner without sacrificing flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility: you can enjoy them as they are, perfect as finger food, or pair them with a fresh seasonal salad. For a rich and complete meal, do as I do: serve them with a side of peas and cherry tomatoes for an irresistible flavor contrast.
Let’s see right away how to prepare the codfish balls in an air fryer.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 14 oz cod (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (medium)
- 1.8 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 bunch parsley (fresh)
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1 glass water
Tools
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Air Fryer Liner
- 1 Fork
How to Prepare Codfish Balls in Air Fryer
Place the frozen cod in a pan and add a glass of water until it partially covers the fish. Turn on the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the fish well and transfer it to a large bowl. Mash it thoroughly with a fork until it is completely minced.
Add salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Start incorporating the breadcrumbs and mix everything well.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. This step is important to prevent the heat of the fish from cooking the eggs instantly.
Once cool, add the eggs (or egg whites) and mix until you obtain a homogeneous and compact mixture.
With slightly damp hands, form balls.
Place the balls in the basket of the air fryer. Add a drizzle of oil and cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, remembering to turn them halfway through to make them crispy on all sides.
Serve yourself. You can serve them immediately, hot and crispy as an appetizing finger food. Accompany with a fresh seasonal salad dressed with lemon. Pair them with a flavorful side of peas and cherry tomatoes, perfect for dipping and creating a balanced one-dish meal.
Storage
You can store the codfish balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To make them crispy again, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 356°F. If you used fresh cod, you can also freeze them after cooking.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I substitute the cod?
If you don’t have cod, you can use hake (very similar in taste) or plaice fillet for an even more delicate flavor.
Can I substitute eggs with egg whites?
If you want a lighter or fit version, you can replace the two whole eggs with three egg whites (about 90-100 g). Egg whites have a great binding power and will make your balls very compact and protein-rich, while keeping the inside soft.

