If you’re looking for a delightful seafood dish that’s both quick and incredibly flavorful, let me introduce you to the Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe. These patties strike the perfect balance between a crispy golden crust and a tender, savory inside, all while being lighter thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Made with pantry-friendly canned salmon and a few simple ingredients, they’re an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone will be begging for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and balance, using ingredients that bring flavor, texture, and just the right touch of freshness. Each one plays a crucial role in making your salmon patties utterly irresistible.
- 12 oz canned salmon: The star of the dish, drained and mashed for a rich, flaky texture.
- 2 eggs: These help bind everything together perfectly without adding heaviness.
- ¼ cup mayo: Adds creaminess and a little tang to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Gives structure and that satisfying crispy golden finish on the outside.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the patties with a fresh, citrusy zing that wakes up your taste buds.
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or 2 teaspoons fresh: Brings an aromatic herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ingredients Together
Start by placing your drained salmon in a large bowl. Make sure to mash it well, removing any skin or bones if you prefer a smoother texture. Next, add eggs, mayo, salt, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and dill. Use a spatula to mix everything until evenly combined. This mixture is the foundation of your patties, so take your time to get the texture just right.
Step 2: Measure Out Patties
Using a ½ cup measuring cup, firmly pack the salmon mixture before tapping it out into your palm. This method ensures each patty is uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. Consistency is key to achieving that perfect golden crust.
Step 3: Form Patties
Gently pat the salmon mixture into round patties, keeping them no thicker than 1 inch. The goal is to have an even thickness so the patties cook evenly from edge to center. These shouldn’t be too tight or compact, or they risk becoming dense instead of flaky and tender.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, then carefully place the patties inside. Give the tops a quick spray of oil as well—it helps encourage that glorious crispiness. Cook the patties for 8 minutes total, spraying them one more time about 1-2 minutes before the end. If you’re using a basket-style air fryer, there’s no need to flip them; they come out beautifully golden on all sides. For oven-style air fryers, just rotate the trays midway through cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, your air fryer salmon patties will be a perfect golden brown and wonderfully crispy. You can top them with your favorite garnishes and serve immediately. Trust me, the crunchy outer shell with the tender salmon inside is absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to dress these patties is with fresh dill sprigs, a dollop of creamy yogurt or tzatziki, and a squeeze of lemon wedges for that fresh acidity. These simple additions highlight the flavors while adding brightness and creaminess that pair so well with the salmon.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crisp cucumber slices, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, try them with roasted potatoes or a light quinoa salad. The patties’ crispy texture also makes them fantastic as a protein-packed option in sandwiches or wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn these patties into sliders by placing them on mini buns with avocado slices and a tangy remoulade. Or even break them up gently and serve over a bed of mixed greens for a deconstructed fish cake salad. The versatility of this Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe means the presentation can be as creative as you want it to be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some leftover salmon patties, cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze pre-formed patties to enjoy later. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with wax paper between each patty. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover patties in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, spraying lightly with oil to revive the crispy exterior. This method brings them back to just-right warmth without drying them out. Enjoy them as if they were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be poached or baked, flaked, and substituted in place of canned. Keep in mind fresh salmon may require slight adjustments to binding ingredients to maintain the right patty consistency.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! These patties can also be cooked in a conventional oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined tray for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. For stovetop, pan-fry in a little oil over medium heat until golden on both sides.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap won’t change the texture or flavor much at all.
Why do I need to spray oil on the patties?
The light spray of oil helps the patties crisp up in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. It also prevents them from sticking, giving you that coveted golden, crispy crust.
Can I make the patties ahead of time and freeze them raw?
Yes! Form the patties beforehand, flash freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw and air fry as usual. This makes meal prep a breeze!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a hot, crispy salmon patty that’s tender on the inside with bright, fresh flavors shining through. This Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a quick, healthy, and delicious meal made from simple pantry ingredients. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite salmon dish that’s packed with comfort and crunch!
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Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and golden air fryer salmon patties made from canned salmon, these patties are a healthy and flavorful dinner option that reduces oil use while delivering a satisfying texture. Perfect for quick pantry meals, they are seasoned with lemon zest and dill, then air fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz canned salmon (or 3 x 125 g cans); drained, mashed, skin and bones removed if desired
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or 2 teaspoons fresh dill
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh dill
- Yogurt or tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh cucumber slices
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together: In a large bowl, use a spatula to thoroughly combine the drained and mashed salmon (removing skin and bones if desired) with eggs, mayonnaise, salt, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and dill until evenly mixed.
- Measure out patties: Using a ½ cup measuring cup, firmly pack the salmon mixture into the cup. Tap it out gently into the palm of your hand.
- Form patties: Gently shape the mixture into patties no more than 1 inch thick, ensuring they are of uniform thickness throughout for even cooking.
- Preheat air fryer: Heat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties into the basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the patties with oil. Cook for a total of 8 minutes, spraying again 1-2 minutes before cooking completes. For basket-style air fryers, flipping is not necessary. For oven-style air fryers, rotate trays halfway through cooking.
- Serve: Remove the patties and serve topped with fresh dill, a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki, lemon wedges, and fresh cucumber slices for a bright and refreshing finish.
Notes
- Depending on your air fryer size, you can cook 2-4 patties simultaneously. Adjust spacing to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- If using an oven air fryer, rotate the trays halfway through cooking and monitor closely as cooking times may slightly vary compared to basket air fryers.
- To store, cool patties completely and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat patties by air frying at 350°F for about 5 minutes, spraying with oil before and possibly during reheating.
- For advance prep, form patties and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours separated by wax paper, or freeze solid on a parchment-lined tray for up to 3 months, transferring later into a sealed container with wax paper between patties. Thaw before cooking.
