Who says you need to stand over a hot stove to make perfectly crispy salmon patties? Not me! I discovered the magic of making air fryer salmon patties when I was trying to find a quicker way to get dinner on the table for Emily and me on busy weeknights.
These golden, flaky patties come together in just 22 minutes and taste way better than anything you'd get from a restaurant. Trust me – I've tested this recipe more times than I can count, and every single batch turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
If you're looking for more delicious salmon recipes, you'll also love my salmon cake recipe that's equally simple and satisfying!
Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Super quick cooking time – Ready in just 22 minutes from start to finish
- Crispy exterior with tender inside – The air fryer creates the perfect texture every time
- Budget-friendly meal – Uses affordable canned salmon that's always in my pantry
- Kid-approved flavor – Emily devours these every time I make them (and that's saying something!)
- Healthy protein option – Packed with omega-3s and way less oil than pan-frying
- Meal prep friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick dinners later
Ingredients For The Best Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Here's what you'll need to make these crispy salmon patties in your air fryer:
- 14.75 ounce canned salmon (I prefer pink salmon for the best flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional but adds great color)
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
The key to amazing salmon patties in air fryer is using quality canned salmon and making sure you pick out all the bones and skin. I learned this the hard way when Emily bit into a bone during our first attempt – lesson learned!
How To Make Salmon Patties In Air Fryer
- Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful golden crust we're after.
- Open your canned salmon and drain it well. Here's my secret trick: pick through every bit of salmon to remove bones and skin, then give it a rough chop. This creates the perfect texture for your patties.
- Add the prepared salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, fresh lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley to a large bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined, but don't overmix – you want the mixture to hold together without being too dense. The consistency should be moist enough to form patties but not so wet that they fall apart.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form them into patties about 3 inches wide and ¾ inch thick. Don't pack them too tightly – loose patties stay more tender!
- Place the salmon patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook on the air fry setting at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until the patties are fully cooked and golden brown. No need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe – another time saver!
- Check for doneness – the patties are ready when they're golden brown and feel firm to the touch. If you want them extra crispy, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
Storage And Reheating Your Salmon Patties
These air fryer salmon patties keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I often make a double batch on Sunday for quick lunches throughout the week.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. They taste almost as good as fresh!
Tips And Variations For Perfect Salmon Patties Air Fryer Style
Want to switch things up? Here are some of my favorite variations that Emily and I have tried:
- Add a kick of heat – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce
- Go Mediterranean – Replace dill with dried oregano and add a tablespoon of capers
- Make them gluten-free – Swap panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour
- Boost the vegetables – Fold in finely diced bell peppers or green onions
- Try different herbs – Fresh chives or basil work wonderfully too
One thing I've learned through trial and error? Don't skip the mayo! It keeps the patties moist and helps create that perfect golden crust. I tried making them without it once, and they turned out dry and crumbly.
If you're serving these as a main dish, pair them with my frozen hash browns in air fryer for a complete meal that's ready in minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Salmon Patty Recipes
Cook salmon patties at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your patties and your specific air fryer model. Start checking at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Set your air fryer to 390°F degrees for the best results with these salmon cakes. This temperature creates the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and tender interior without drying out the fish.
Reheat leftover salmon patties at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This method works so much better than the microwave and brings back that fresh-cooked texture.
Yes, cook frozen salmon patties at 390°F for 14-16 minutes, adding 2-4 extra minutes to the original cooking time. You can cook them straight from frozen – no need to thaw first!
Recipes You May Like
If you enjoyed these air fryer salmon patties, you'll love these other quick and delicious recipes:
- Blackened Salmon With Mango Salsa – Another fantastic salmon recipe with bold flavors
- Egg Bites With Cottage Cheese – Perfect protein-packed breakfast or snack
- Southern Living Biscuits And Gravy – Comfort food at its finest
Final Thoughts On These Air Fryer Salmon Patties
These crispy air fryer salmon patties have become one of our go-to weeknight dinners, and I think they'll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. They're simple enough for busy nights but tasty enough to serve to guests.
The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. So why not give them a try tonight?
Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite dipping sauce – Emily loves them with tartar sauce, but I'm partial to a little spicy mayo myself.
Let me know how yours turn out! I love hearing about your cooking adventures and any tweaks you make to the recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounce canned salmon pink salmon preferred
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
- lemon wedges for serving
- tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful golden crust we're after.
- Open your canned salmon and drain it well. Here's my secret trick: pick through every bit of salmon to remove bones and skin, then give it a rough chop. This creates the perfect texture for your patties.
- Add the prepared salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, fresh lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley to a large bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined, but don't overmix – you want the mixture to hold together without being too dense. The consistency should be moist enough to form patties but not so wet that they fall apart.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form them into patties about 3 inches wide and ¾ inch thick. Don't pack them too tightly – loose patties stay more tender!
- Place the salmon patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook on the air fry setting at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until the patties are fully cooked and golden brown. No need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe – another time saver!
- Check for doneness – the patties are ready when they're golden brown and feel firm to the touch. If you want them extra crispy, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
Leave a Reply