Air Fryer Salmon Patties: A Healthy and Efficient Seafood Recipe
Looking for a meal that’s healthy but doesn’t eat up your whole evening? Air fryer salmon patties might just be the answer.
With an air fryer, you get patties that are crispy outside, tender inside, and you barely need any oil.
Honestly, it’s hard to beat that combo if you want something satisfying and quick. No need to hover over the stove, either.
Use either canned or fresh salmon, whatever’s in your pantry or on sale. Air frying speeds things up and the cleanup is almost laughably easy.
Most recipes, like the ones at Skinnytaste and The Country Cook, have you eating in about 10 minutes.
You don’t need chef skills for this. Just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes, and you’ve got a meal that’s both nutritious and honestly pretty tasty.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties?
Air fryer salmon patties are simple to throw together. You just need a few ingredients, and the air fryer does most of the work.
The right mix of salmon, binders, and seasonings gives you a patty that’s got crunch and flavor. Not too fussy, either.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
For classic salmon patties, you’ll want canned or cooked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and mayo. Salmon’s the star, eggs and mayo hold things together, and breadcrumbs keep the patties from falling apart.
Chopped onions or green onions add a punch of flavor. Herbs like dill or parsley? Totally fair game. Lemon juice brightens it all up. If you’re watching sodium, just grab low-salt salmon.
Panko gives a lighter crunch if you swap it for regular breadcrumbs. Gluten-free? Use crushed GF crackers or oats. No eggs in the house? Try a flaxseed or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground seeds and 2.5 tablespoons water).
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Tuna, cooked white fish |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko, oats, GF crackers |
| Egg | Flaxseed or chia seed egg |
| Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt |
Step-By-Step Preparation Process
Start by tossing your salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, onions, and seasonings into a big bowl. If you’re using canned salmon, pick out any big bones or skin. Mix gently with a fork, overdoing it can make the patties tough, and nobody wants that.
Divide the mix into equal portions and shape them into rounds, about an inch thick. Lay them out on a plate or tray.
Want extra crunch? Spray or brush both sides with a little oil. If you need to pause, just cover and chill the patties in the fridge for up to an hour so they hold together better.
When you’re ready, move the patties to your air fryer basket. Don’t cram them in, give each one some breathing room so they cook evenly.
Optimal Air Fryer Settings for Perfect Patties
Set the air fryer for 390°F to 400°F. Some models need a 2-3 minute preheat, so check your manual. Line or spray the basket to keep things from sticking, trust me, it’s worth the extra second.
Pop the patties in, spaced out. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and hot in the middle. Thicker patties take a bit longer, so keep an eye on them.
Some air fryers need you to shake or move things around during cooking, so don’t zone out completely. For even more crunch, spray the tops with a little oil before you start. For nitty-gritty details, check out Skinnytaste for air fryer times and The Country Cook for settings.
Tips for Achieving Crispiness and Moist Texture
For a crisp crust, keep your mix from getting too wet. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs until it feels right. Always spray both sides with oil before air frying, it really does help with that golden crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to move around for that crispy finish. Overcooking dries them out, so pull them as soon as they’re done. Want serious crunch? Coat in panko before cooking.
Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. That helps the texture settle. Serve right away for the best experience. For extra pointers, check out Sweet Peas and Saffron’s salmon patties guide.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Air fryer salmon patties go with just about anything, hot or cold. If you store and reheat them right, they’ll taste almost as good as fresh.
Recommended Side Dishes
Pair these patties with a salad—think cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zingy vinaigrette. That fresh crunch is a nice balance to the salmon.
If you want something warm, roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are solid choices. Rice or quinoa works well too, soaking up any juices.
Coleslaw or cabbage slaw adds a different texture. Corn on the cob or a baked potato? Also good. Or slap a patty in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato for a burger vibe.
Hosting? Cut the patties into smaller pieces and stick in some toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
Sauces and Toppings Pairings
The right sauce can make these patties sing. Tartar sauce (mayo, pickles, lemon juice) is a classic, but Greek yogurt with lemon and dill is a lighter option.
Avocado crema, just mashed avocado with lime juice, pairs nicely with the crispy texture. If you like a little heat, go for sriracha mayo or garlic aioli. Add cucumber slices or pickled onions if you want a tangy crunch.
Try topping with sliced tomato, lettuce, or red onion. Or get a little wild and add a scoop of coleslaw on top, like some air fryer salmon patties recipes suggest.
Guidelines for Storing and Reheating
If you’ve got leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you stack them, separate layers with parchment or wax paper, otherwise, they tend to stick, which is annoying. Taste of Home has more on this.
They’ll keep for up to three days. Want to freeze them? Lay them on a tray till solid, then toss in a freezer bag. To reheat, set your air fryer to 350°F and warm for 3-5 minutes (or until hot and crisp). Oven works too. I’d skip the microwave, it just makes them soggy.
Let them cool before covering for storage. Only reheat what you’ll eat so they stay at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (Air Fryer Salmon Patties)
Fresh or canned salmon both work for air fryer salmon patties. You can tweak the cooking time or swap out binders if you’re skipping certain ingredients.
How long should salmon patties be cooked in an air fryer?
Usually, 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F does the trick. Flip them halfway so both sides get crispy. Just check they’re hot and firm before pulling them out.
Can canned salmon be used for making salmon patties in an air fryer?
Yep, canned salmon is totally fine. Drain it well and pick out any big bones or skin. A lot of folks swear by canned pink salmon for its mild flavor and how easy it is to use, like in this air fryer salmon patties recipe.
Is it possible to prepare salmon patties in an air fryer without mayonnaise?
You can absolutely make salmon patties without mayonnaise. Just swap in something else to help hold everything together.
Eggs work well, or you might try Greek yogurt or even a bit of mustard. These options add moisture and help the patties keep their shape when you toss them in the air fryer.
