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Cheesy Cod Fish Balls
📹 Video Tutorial from YouTube
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🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 1 pound cod fillets, cooked and flaked
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray for air-fryer
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
Preheat your air-fryer to 375F
In a large bowl, combine flaked cod, mashed potatoes, and shredded cheese
Add eggs, parsley, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined
Form mixture into 16 equal-sized balls (about 2 tablespoons each)
Lightly spray the air-fryer basket with cooking spray
Place fish balls in the air-fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation
Cook in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
Fish balls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- Air-fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Fish turner or spatula
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon for portioning
- Paper towels
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for variety
Add different herbs like dill or chives for unique flavors
Make smaller balls for appetizer portions
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for extra nutrition
Add chopped jalapeos for a spicy kick
Include lemon zest for bright citrus notes
Try different types of white fish like haddock or pollock
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 45min, Running 20min, Swimming 30min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store cooled fish balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator
- Do not stack fish balls to maintain their shape
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat in air-fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes until heated through
- Avoid microwave reheating as it can make them soggy
- Let stand for 1 minute after reheating before serving
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Form fish balls and store uncooked in refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Cook potatoes and fish ahead of time and store separately
- Prep herbs and aromatics up to 1 day in advance
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze cooked fish balls in a single layer until solid
- Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Accompany with steamed vegetables
- Serve over rice or quinoa
- Offer with a side of coleslaw
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Making fish balls too large which prevents proper cooking
- Overcrowding the air-fryer basket
- Not flipping the fish balls during cooking
- Using wet or undrained fish which makes mixture too loose
- Not preheating the air-fryer properly
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean style with feta cheese and oregano
- Asian fusion with ginger, green onions, and soy sauce
- Cajun style with cayenne pepper and Old Bay seasoning
- Italian version with mozzarella and basil
- Mexican inspired with cilantro and lime
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Yes, but ensure it's completely thawed and well-drained before using
They should be golden brown outside and reach 145F internal temperature
Yes, simply omit the cheese and add extra seasonings for flavor
The mixture might be too wet - add more breadcrumbs or chill before forming
Yes, any starchy potato works well, including Yukon Gold or Russet
Up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, well-covered
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute
Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon measure for consistency
Yes, finely chopped celery or carrots work well, but avoid watery vegetables
Spray the air-fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the balls
Yes, but cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding
Medium to sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melting properties
Yes, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon aioli complement these fish balls perfectly
