Another air fryer win! Salmon Patties turn out perfect after a quick cook in your air fryer.
Canned salmon was rolled out in the late 19th century but really hit its stride during the Depression and World War II years when times were tough. Canned salmon, tuna, and other fish are shelf-stable and provide a healthy protein boost that is much more economical than fresh fish. Salmon patties, creamed peas, and mashed potatoes were a solid meal choice through much of that era. Most salmon patties were pan-fried in vegetable oil or whatever oil was on hand. Delicious, yes. Messy, also, yes.
Enter the air fryer. It’s no secret Americans love their air fryers, which have been popular for over a decade now. Air fryers can take a greasy dish and deliver the same as a perfectly cooked, crisp version — without the added fat, calories, or mess of frying in oil. Almost as popular as air fryers are the keto and low-carb diets, and these salmon patties tick the boxes on those as well.
You will love these Air Fryer Salmon Patties for those reasons, but P.S., they taste great, too! A little crunchy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside, with that classic salmon flavor. Additionally, salmon is notably mild in flavor, so even people who normally don’t like fish usually like it (including kids!). This recipe is family-friendly and easy enough to prepare on a weeknight for a wholesome, filling meal.
Canned Salmon Choices
When you’re shopping for canned salmon, the larger cans (14.75 oz) are usually the traditional canned salmon. That means there are skin and bones in the can. Some people opt to eat everything in the can. You can certainly clear them out, but if you’d like an option without those elements, opt for several of the smaller cans (5 oz each) marked “skinless and boneless.” Stock up when they’re on sale, and the price difference won’t hurt as much. It’s a nice option if you don’t want to pick through to get the skin and bones out! Many brands today also feature wild-caught salmon, which is the healthiest for you.
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounces canned salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray for air fryer
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked salmon, egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and place the patties in the basket, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
Step 5: Cook in the air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve the salmon patties hot with your choice of sides or toppings.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Air Fryer Salmon Patties can be made ahead. Just let them cool after preparing, and you can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Double-wrap them in plastic wrap, and you can freeze them individually for up to 2 months. Leftovers can be stored the same way.
Don't I need to flip the salmon patties?
Unlike traditional pan frying, in a basket air fryer, you do not need to flip the salmon patties. They cook thoroughly without any flipping, which is good news since they can fall apart during the flip when pan-frying. To make sure the patties cook evenly, shape them into similar sizes. Most air fryer baskets can accommodate 4 patties at a time.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Easily! If you swap out the traditional breadcrumbs with either gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, these Air Fryer Salmon Patties are deliciously gluten-free. Just use the same amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour the recipe calls for. Additionally, this is a way to further reduce carbs if you so desire.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Salmon Patties are so good with a squeeze of fresh lemon and some roasted or mashed potatoes on the side. For instance, try our Delicious Diced Potatoes or Roasted Mashed Potatoes. In warmer months if you don’t want a warm side dish, try Air Fryer Salmon Patties alongside our Greek Orzo Salad. These salmon patties also make excellent toppers for entree salads or Buddha bowls.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounces canned salmon drained and flaked
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray for air fryer
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked salmon, egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and place the patties in the basket, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Cook in the air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the salmon patties hot with your choice of sides or toppings.
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