Description

These Garlic and Herb Cod Cakes are a delicious, nutrient-packed dish featuring wild-caught cod combined with fresh herbs, almond and coconut flours, and fragrant spices. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful interior, these cod cakes can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried, making them versatile for any meal or occasion. Gluten-free and Whole30-friendly, they serve wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner or elegant appetizer, especially when paired with your favorite sauce and fresh lemon.

Ingredients

Fish and Base Ingredients

1 pound wild-caught cod fillet, skin removed
2 large eggs, whisked

Flours

⅔ cup fine almond flour (use more if you have less fish)
2 Tablespoons coconut flour or oat flour (sifted works best)

Seasonings and Herbs

½ teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 small garlic cloves)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ cup finely chopped herbs or ½ Tablespoon dried (basil, parsley, or oregano work best)

Cooking Oils

Avocado oil, pure olive oil, or refined coconut oil for frying

Serving

Sauce of choice for serving – optional (e.g., Aioli or Marinara sauce)
Lemon wedges and herbs for garnishing

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Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Clean and shred the cod into small pieces and place into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the fish is well broken down for easy mixing.
Mix Ingredients: Add whisked eggs, almond flour, coconut or oat flour, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika to the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add Herbs and Chill: Fold in the finely chopped or dried herbs, then cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and the batter to firm up.
Form Patties: After chilling, scoop about ¼ to ⅓ cup of the mixture and roll into balls. Flatten each ball into a patty about 2-3 inches wide. Repeat until you have 6-7 patties.
Pan-Fry the Cod Cakes: Heat a thin layer of neutral oil (refined avocado, coconut, or light olive oil) in a medium pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add patties in batches (3 at a time if pan is small) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Oven Baking Option: Place formed patties on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F on the center rack for 20-25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Spray grate with non-stick spray. Arrange patties on grate, spray tops lightly with olive or avocado oil spray. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping at 4 minutes and lightly spraying again. Check internal temperature to reach 145°F. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges, your choice of sauce such as aioli or marinara, and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

The ideal pan-frying temperature is between 350ºF and 375ºF to get a crisp exterior while cooking the inside thoroughly without greasiness.
If quality cod is unavailable, canned tuna or fresh halibut can be used as substitutes; cooking times and texture will vary accordingly.
Make sure the internal temperature of cod cakes reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
Refined oils are recommended for frying to prevent burning and maintain a clean flavor.
The recipe is flexible for air frying or baking depending on your preferred cooking equipment or convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (pan-frying), 25 minutes (oven baking), 8 minutes (air frying)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American