If you’re craving a quick, wholesome meal that bursts with flavor and boasts a wonderfully crispy exterior, this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Combining tender canned salmon with fresh herbs and a perfect balance of seasoning, these patties cook up quickly in the air fryer, making dinner both effortless and delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, offering a comforting, golden crust with a moist, flavorful center every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing these salmon patties. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s lending moisture, flavor, or that irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Canned salmon (14.75 oz, drained and flaked): The star protein, packed with healthy omega-3s and a natural flaky texture perfect for patties.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together without making the mixture too dense.
- Mayonnaise (3 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and moisture for tender patties that won’t dry out.
- Panko breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Provides a light, airy texture that keeps patties crisp on the outside and soft inside.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavor, balancing out the richness of the salmon and mayo.
- Dried dill (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, herby note that complements seafood perfectly.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle savory depth without overpowering the salmon.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Delivers warmth and a hint of bite to enhance the overall taste.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and herbaceous finish.
- Olive oil nonstick cooking spray: Helps create that beautiful golden crust without excess oil.
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce (for serving): Classic accompaniments that elevate the patties with a zesty and creamy touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket
Begin by spraying the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil nonstick cooking spray to prevent your patties from sticking. This step ensures easy flipping and clean-up later, plus it helps develop a perfectly golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Salmon Patty Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked canned salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, fresh lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough, so a light touch is the secret to tender bites.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four even portions and carefully shape each into a round, flat patty. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. The size should be just right for a satisfying single serving—hearty but not overwhelming.
Step 4: Air Fry the Patties
Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the patties for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This flipping step ensures both sides develop that irresistible golden texture while the inside stays moist.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Fresh
Once cooked through and browned to perfection, remove the patties carefully and get ready to serve your masterpiece warm, with fresh lemon wedges and a dollop of tartar sauce for that classic seafood pairing.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like lemon wedges add a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon patties beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can add a lovely pop of green and fresh aroma that makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve these salmon patties alongside crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even some crunchy roasted potatoes. They also pair wonderfully with coleslaw or a light cucumber salad to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn the patties into crunchy sliders with mini buns and your favorite condiments. Or serve them atop a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for an elegant lunch. Even crumbled over warm quinoa or rice bowls, these patties add delightful texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salmon patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh while allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously.
Freezing
To enjoy this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe anytime, you can freeze cooked patties. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making for an easy reheatable meal.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated salmon patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. This method retains their delightful texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be cooked, flaked, and used in the same way. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing with the other ingredients for best results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Panko is preferred for its lightness and crispiness, but other options work in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses panko breadcrumbs, which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I make these salmon patties without an air fryer?
Yes! You can pan-fry these patties over medium heat with a bit of oil until golden and cooked through. The air fryer just makes them quicker and easier to crisp up evenly.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Using the egg and mayonnaise as binders helps hold the patties together. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients and handle the patties gently when shaping and flipping to keep them intact.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s truly a quick and delightful way to enjoy nutritious seafood with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, these patties never disappoint. Give them a go, and I promise you’ll appreciate how simple, tasty, and satisfying salmon can be when cooked just right!
Print
Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties made with canned salmon, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. These patties are quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner served with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14.75 oz canned salmon (drained and flaked)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray to prevent the salmon patties from sticking during cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained and flaked canned salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, fresh lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley if using. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a round patty, making sure they hold together but are not compacted tightly.
- Place Patties in Air Fryer: Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the patties with olive oil cooking spray for a crisp finish.
- Cook Patties: Air fry the patties at 390°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.
- Serve: Once the patties are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Serve warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the canned salmon is well drained to avoid soggy patties.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; you can add more lemon juice or herbs if preferred.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these patties can be cooked in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
