These air fryer salmon patties are one of my favorite ways to turn salmon into a quick and delicious meal. They are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and filled with fresh herbs and flavor. Whether you're looking for an easy dinner, a meal prep option, or a protein-packed appetizer, these salmon cakes never disappoint.
If you enjoy seafood recipes that are simple to make but still fill you up, these salmon patties are definitely worth adding to your menu. Try my delicious Air Fryer Curly Fries as a side.
Try These Air Fryer Salmon Patties
I love this recipe because it uses simple ingredients, and you don’t need to worry about spending all day in the kitchen. The air fryer gives the patties a crisp crust, and there is no need for deep frying. The salmon stays moist and flaky inside. They're also a great way to use leftover salmon and make an easy meal the whole family will enjoy.
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Video Instructions
Why You'll Love It
- High-protein meal: These salmon patties have a lot of protein and healthy omega-3 fats.
- Air fryer advantage: The air fryer makes them nice and crispy, and you don’t need loads of oil to make them.
- Great for leftovers: This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover cooked salmon.
- Meal-prep friendly: I like to make a batch ahead of time, and I enjoy them throughout the week.
- Family favorite: Even people who don't usually love seafood tend to enjoy these crispy salmon cakes.
Ingredients
- Cooked salmon: The star ingredient. I prefer using leftover salmon because it gives you a firmer texture and richer flavor than fresh salmon.
- Mayonnaise: This is what helps keep the salmon moist and tender and adds some richness to the mixture.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give a lighter texture than traditional breadcrumbs and are what holds everything together.
- Dijon mustard: I like adding this as it gives flavor and helps bind the mixture.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the diced onion, parsley, dill, and panko breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the mixture.
Tip: You can add additional spices here, including a tiny bit of garlic powder or a pinch of paprika if you want a bit of a bite.
3. Gently fold in the flaked salmon, keeping the larger pieces intact, and then divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
4. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick.
5. This is optional, but I like to place the patties in the freezer for 12-15 minutes to help them firm up.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray both sides of the patties with oil.
7. Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce according to your personal preference. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley on the tops of the patties for additional visual appeal.
Cooking Tips
- Let the breadcrumbs soak before adding the salmon. This helps create tender patties that hold together well.
- Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture, or the patties can become dense.
- Chill the patties if the mixture feels too soft.
- Cook in a single layer for even browning.
- A light spray of oil helps create the crispiest exterior.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Tartar sauce or remoulade sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Tzatziki
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Coleslaw
FAQs
Yes. I do suggest you drain it well and remove any large bones before mixing.
Absolutely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Yes. Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, and spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
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Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the diced onion, parsley, dill, and panko breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the moisture.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon, keeping the larger pieces intact and then divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick.
- This is optional, but I like to place the patties in the freezer for 12-15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray both sides of the patties with oil.
- Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.Taste & Texture
These salmon patties are crispy and golden on the outside with a moist, flaky center. The fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, and lemon give them a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooked salmon patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving these with a simple salad and a yogurt-based sauce for lunch or dinner. They're also great tucked into a sandwich, wrapped in pita bread, or served as appetizers for gatherings.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Salmon: Leftover cooked salmon provides the best texture, but canned salmon works well too.
- Panko: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, almond flour, or crushed pork rinds can be substituted.
- Dill: Replace with extra parsley, chives, or green onions.
- Seasoning: Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or garlic herb blends all work wonderfully.
Proper Storage Tips
- Allow patties to cool completely before storing.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Freeze individually for easy meal prep.
- Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
Pro Tips
- Use leftover salmon for the best texture.
- Let the breadcrumb mixture hydrate before adding the fish.
- Keep larger salmon flakes intact for a more premium texture.
- Chill the patties before cooking if they feel soft.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges for the best flavor.
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