Fish Potato Patties Recipe- Coconut Masala & Air Fryer Method

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fish Potato Patties Recipe – Coconut Masala & Air Fryer Method

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a delicious snack or starter that’s a little bit different. These Fish Potato Patties, bursting with a fragrant coconut masala and perfectly crisped in the air fryer, are exactly that. I first made these for a family get-together, and they were gone in minutes! They’re a little bit of work, but trust me, the flavour is SO worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average fish patties. The combination of flaky fish, fluffy potatoes, and a vibrant coconut-based masala is just divine. Plus, air frying keeps them wonderfully crispy without all the oil. They’re perfect as a teatime snack, a starter for a special occasion, or even a light meal. You’ll love how easily they come together, and the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavourful patties:

• 2 tablespoon fresh shredded coconut
• 1/2 inch piece ginger, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoon gram dal (pottukadalai)
• 1 pod garlic
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 3 green chillies
• 1.5 teaspoon poppy seeds (khus khus)
• 2 tablespoon water (for soaking poppy seeds)
• 1/2 cup water (divided)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon curry leaves
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 3 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled & grated
• 250 grams white fish fillet (Tilapia/Catfish)
• 10 plain rusk (ground)
• 2 tablespoon corn starch
• 1/4 cup water (cornstarch slurry)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe special:

• Coconut: Freshly shredded coconut really elevates the flavour. Don’t skimp on this!
• Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): Soaking these is key to getting a smooth masala paste. It also mellows out their flavour.
• Gram Dal (Pottukadalai): This adds a lovely texture and nutty flavour to the masala.
• Fish: I’ve used Tilapia or Catfish here, as they’re readily available and have a mild flavour that works beautifully. But feel free to experiment with other firm white fish like cod or basa. Coastal regions in India often use different local fish varieties – feel free to use what you love!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the masala paste. Grind the coconut, ginger, gram dal, garlic, fennel seeds, green chillies, and soaked poppy seeds with 1/2 cup of water into a super smooth mixture. Set this aside.
2. Next, boil your potatoes until tender. Peel them and grate them – don’t worry about being too perfect! Coarsely mince the fish fillet. You want it broken down, but not completely mushy.
3. Now for the flavour base! Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the curry leaves and chopped onions and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Add the salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and cinnamon powder to the pan. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the masala paste and cook until it’s dry and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, cooked masala, and minced fish. Mix everything together really well.
7. Shape the mixture into patties. They should be about 2-3 inches in diameter.
8. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water. Dip each patty into the slurry, then roll it in the ground rusk, ensuring it’s fully coated.
9. Place the coated patties in your air fryer basket in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
10. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will steam the patties instead of crisping them up.
• For a more intense flavour, marinate the fish in a little turmeric and salt for 15-20 minutes before mincing.
• Make sure your masala paste is really smooth. This will give the patties a better texture.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the fish for jackfruit (shredded and seasoned) or a plant-based fish alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Just make sure the rusk you use is certified gluten-free!
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies to control the heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add an extra chilli or two!
• Festival Adaptations: These are fantastic served during coastal festivals like Onam or Ganesh Chaturthi. They’re a great addition to a festive spread.

Serving Suggestions

These patties are delicious on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce! Try serving them with:

• Mint-coriander chutney
• Sweet tamarind chutney
• A dollop of plain yogurt
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Storage Instructions

Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of fish works best for these patties? Firm white fish like Tilapia, Catfish, cod, or basa are ideal.
• Can I make the masala paste ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• How long will it keep? The masala paste will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Can I bake these patties instead of air frying? Yes, you can! Bake them at 180°C/350°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• What is the purpose of soaking the poppy seeds? Soaking softens them and makes them easier to grind into a smooth paste.
• What is rusk, and can I substitute it with breadcrumbs? Rusk is a twice-baked bread product, common in India. You can substitute it with breadcrumbs, but the texture will be slightly different.

Enjoy making these delicious Fish Potato Patties! I hope they become a favourite in your home, just like they are in mine. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!