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My Air Fryer Canned Sardine Cakes are a lighter, lower-oil version of traditional deep-fried sardine fritters. They’re a tasty, high-calcium, omega-3-rich alternative to tuna, and they also happen to be low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free. In this recipe, I mash canned sardines with herbs, spices, roasted red pepper, and scallions—adding bright flavor and a little texture to each bite. You’ll love this delicious, nutrient-packed recipe you can whip up in the air fryer!
Very good sardine recipe. 
– Mike
🛒 Keto Sardine Cakes Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make sardine cakes in the air fryer:
- 8 ounces canned sardines (227g)
- 2 tablespoons pork panko
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted red pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon drained capers
- ¼ teaspoon each: garlic powder, black pepper, dried dill, lemon zest
- ½ scallion, sliced (white part only)
- Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
- Tartar sauce, lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
You can use boneless tinned sardines if you prefer, but I highly recommend choosing sardines with bones—they’re a great source of calcium and other minerals. For extra flavor, try Spanish-style sardines or those packed in chili oil if you’re craving a spicier twist.
Pork panko keeps these fritters keto and gluten-free, though regular panko breadcrumbs work too. Air fryer times may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can canned sardines be eaten raw?
Canned sardines are fully cooked and safe to eat straight from the can. There’s no need to heat them unless you’re using them in a recipe, like we are here. Unlike raw seafood, you don’t have to worry about reaching a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)—they’re already ready to eat.
🐟 How to Make Air Fryer Sardine Cakes
Drain the sardines and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Mash them well with the back of a fork. Mix the panko, roasted red pepper, egg, capers, garlic powder, black pepper, dill, lemon zest, and scallion into the sardines.
Shape the sardine mixture into 4 patties. Do not try to make larger sardine cakes- they will crumble! My sardine patties were each about 2½-inches (6 cm) in diameter.
Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange the sardine patties in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Then, spray the tops of the patties with a bit more oil to help them stay moist as they cook.
Air fry the sardine cakes at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes total. After 5–7 minutes, once they’ve firmed up a bit, carefully flip them with a spatula. Give them another light spray of oil, then continue cooking until golden brown.
Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges (or some sriracha mayo for a spicy kick), and enjoy.
Stovetop Directions
To pan fry, heat olive oil in a cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook sardine patties for 4-5 minutes per side. Take care in flipping them; they are a bit fragile.
Storage Directions
Store leftover sardine fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Hold off on adding sauces or garnishes until just before serving.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet with a bit of oil or microwave on high for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze plain sardine cakes by wrapping them individually and placing them in freezer bags—just note they may soften slightly. Air frying can help restore their texture.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Canned Sardine Cakes (Keto Recipe)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces canned sardines 227 grams
- 2 tablespoons pork panko
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted red pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon capers
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ scallion, sliced (white part only)
- cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
- tartar sauce, lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Drain the sardines and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Mash them well with the back of a fork. Mix the panko, roasted red pepper, egg, capers, garlic powder, black pepper, dill, lemon zest, and scallion into the sardines.
- Shape the sardine mixture into 4 patties. Do not try to make larger sardine cakes- they will crumble! My sardine patties were each about 2½-inches (6 cm) in diameter.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange the sardine patties in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Then, spray the tops of the patties with a bit more oil to help them stay moist as they cook.
- Air fry the sardine cakes at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes total. After 5–7 minutes, once they’ve firmed up a bit, carefully flip them with a spatula. Give them another light spray of oil, then continue cooking until golden brown.
- Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). Here are some reasons why I love including sardines in my diet: Affordable: Canned sardines are one of the most budget-friendly seafood options. While they’re often slightly pricier than canned tuna, they offer unique health benefits that tuna doesn’t—more on that below! Omega-3 Power: Unlike tuna, sardines are oily fish—similar to salmon or herring—and are rich in heart- and brain-healthy omega-3s (EPA and DHA). Vitamin D Boost: Sardines are one of the few natural whole food sources of vitamin D, along with an array of B vitamins. They’re a great addition to a nutrient-dense diet. Non-Dairy Calcium: Sardines packed with bones provide a highly bioavailable source of calcium, unlike many plant-based options like spinach. Low in Mercury: As small, short-lived fish, sardines contain low levels of mercury, making them a safer choice for regular consumption. Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🍚 Sardine Cake Side Dishes
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
Very good sardine recipe. I made extra and cooked some in the air fryer, and what wouldn’t fit I put in a toaster oven. Both ways cooked equally well.
Hi Mike, I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for the feedback and rating!
Congratulation, Summer, on finding an appealing (and, of course, healthy) way to improve current circumstances. Being limited in both our mobility and in our shopping options has increased dependence on canned goods. Far from condemning our menus to die an undistinguished death, as many have, you’ve found a way to let the ingredients hum.
Current limitations or not. Once you have a full larder again, Summer, boy are we in for a treat! I mean, the fact the you wrested triumph from canned goods speaks highly of your talent.
Aw, thanks! I don’t really mind meat, poultry, and fish that has been canned or frozen but certain family members are pickier than I am. It requires a bit of creativity to make sure everyone likes the meal! Luckily, I don’t mind coming up with new dishes regularly. 🙂