Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Patties are the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful. With a golden exterior and moist, flaky interior, these patties offer a fast, healthy way to enjoy salmon without pan-frying or excessive oil. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or light lunches.

Salmon patties have long been a comfort-food staple, traditionally pan-fried in oil. While delicious, that method can be messy and inconsistent. Using the air fryer eliminates splatter while delivering evenly cooked patties that hold together beautifully.

This recipe is intentionally flexible. It works with canned salmon for convenience or fresh cooked salmon for a more elevated option. The seasoning is classic and adaptable, allowing these patties to pair well with salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

Why Salmon Patties Are Ideal for the Air Fryer

The air fryer excels at cooking foods that need exterior crispness without deep frying. Salmon patties benefit in several ways:

  • Consistent browning on both sides
  • Minimal oil required
  • Faster cook time than oven baking
  • Moist interior without falling apart

Because salmon already contains healthy fats, it stays tender even with air frying, making this method especially forgiving.

Choosing the Right Salmon

You can use either canned or fresh salmon:

Canned Salmon:

  • Affordable and pantry-friendly
  • Rich in calcium if bones are included
  • Ideal for quick meals

Fresh Salmon:

  • Cleaner flavor
  • Slightly firmer texture
  • Best if cooked and flaked beforehand

Both options work well as long as excess moisture is removed.

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces salmon (canned, drained, or cooked fresh salmon)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. If using canned salmon, drain well and remove skin and large bones if desired.
  2. In a large bowl, flake salmon with a fork until evenly broken up.
  3. Add egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Form mixture into 6 evenly sized patties.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
  8. Arrange patties in a single layer without overlapping.
  9. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip carefully, then cook another 5–6 minutes until golden.
  10. Remove and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties

  • Drain salmon thoroughly to prevent soggy patties
  • Chill mixture for 10 minutes if patties feel too soft
  • Flip gently using a spatula
  • Spray lightly with oil for extra crispness

Flavor Variations

Lemon Garlic:
Add minced garlic and extra lemon zest.

Spicy Salmon Patties:
Mix in cayenne pepper or sriracha.

Mediterranean Style:
Add capers and chopped olives.

Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
  • Add to brioche buns for salmon burgers
  • Pair with roasted vegetables
  • Serve with yogurt-dill or tartar sauce

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Cooking in the air fryer keeps the recipe lighter while preserving nutritional value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping moisture removal
  • Overmixing the mixture
  • Cooking at too high a temperature
  • Overcrowding the basket

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a reliable, healthy, and flavorful solution for quick meals. Crispy outside, tender inside, and endlessly versatile, they prove that comfort food can be both nutritious and easy.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Crispy air fryer salmon patties with a tender, flaky interior and classic seasoning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 patties
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Salmon Patties
  • 14 oz salmon canned or cooked fresh
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix all ingredients gently in a bowl.
  2. Form mixture into patties.
  3. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes per side.
  4. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Chill mixture briefly if patties feel too soft.

Leave a Reply