Salmon Patties Air Fryer Recipe for Crispy, Easy Meals

Salmon patties are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that everyone in the family can enjoy. Using an air fryer to prepare these patties not only cuts down on cooking time but also reduces the amount of oil needed, making this dish lighter and crispier than ever before.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salmon patties air fryer recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vibrant flavors, these patties pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create perfectly crispy salmon patties with a tender, flaky interior using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The air fryer ensures an even cook with minimal mess, and the step-by-step instructions make the process straightforward and enjoyable.

So, let’s dive into the world of crispy, flavorful salmon patties made effortlessly in the air fryer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salmon patties air fryer recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses canned salmon, which makes it budget-friendly and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Next, the air fryer cooks the patties to golden perfection with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice.

Additionally, these patties are incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasoning to your taste, add veggies for extra nutrition, or serve them with your favorite dips and sides.

And because they come together quickly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.

Finally, the recipe is kid-friendly and suitable for all skill levels, whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef. With a balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease, these salmon patties will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.75 oz each) of pink salmon, drained and skin/bones removed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil, for air fryer basket

Equipment

• Air fryer (preferably with a basket size of at least 3 quarts)
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher (to flake the salmon)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or silicone brush (for oiling the basket)
• Plate or tray for shaping patties

Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon: Open the canned salmon and drain thoroughly. Remove any large skin pieces and bones if desired, although small, soft bones are edible and provide extra calcium. Use a fork or potato masher to flake the salmon into smaller pieces in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the binding ingredients: To the flaked salmon, add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. These ingredients help bind the patties together and add moisture and flavor.
3. Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped parsley if using. Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly until you have a cohesive mixture that holds together when pressed.
4. Shape the patties: With your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Place them on a plate or tray ready for cooking.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy exterior.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Cook the salmon patties: Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Check doneness: The patties should be firm to the touch and cooked through. If needed, add 1-2 more minutes for extra crispiness.
9. Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the patties from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Tips & Variations

For the crispiest patties, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

• Add vegetables: Finely chopped bell peppers, celery, or grated zucchini can be mixed into the patties for added nutrition and texture.
• Herb swaps: Try fresh dill, chives, or cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Storage: Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Salmon patties pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces. Consider these serving ideas to round out your meal:

• Classic tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for freshness.
• Roasted or air-fried vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• Quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, wholesome side.
• Avocado slices or guacamole add creaminess and healthy fats.

For a Southern-inspired twist, serve your salmon patties with creamy coleslaw and cornbread on the side.

Conclusion

This salmon patties air fryer recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It offers a quick way to enjoy a seafood dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside without the extra calories and mess of traditional frying.

Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or looking for a healthier alternative to fried patties, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the magic of the air fryer, these patties come together effortlessly and are sure to satisfy your craving for something savory and wholesome. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it easily to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Give it a try and discover a new favorite meal that’s both delicious and good for you!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Salmon Patties Air Fryer Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy and flavorful salmon patties cooked quickly in the air fryer. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or main dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT12M”, “totalTime”: “PT27M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“14 oz canned salmon, drained and flaked”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “1 large egg”, “2 tablespoons mayonnaise”, “1 tablespoon Dijon mustard”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “Olive oil spray”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix until well combined and form into 8 equal-sized patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat the air fryer to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C) for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spray both sides of the patties lightly with olive oil spray.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 6 minutes until golden and crispy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}