Air Fryer Salmon Patties: Savory, Guilt-Free & Simple to

Craving a delicious, healthy, and quick meal? I know I often am! And if you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. Well, get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Air Fryer Salmon Patties! These savory delights are not only incredibly simple to make, but they’re also a fantastic way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of salmon without spending hours in the kitchen.

Have you ever wondered how to get perfectly crispy salmon patties without all the fuss and mess of pan-frying? The air fryer is the answer! In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create guilt-free and delicious salmon patties in your air fryer that are ready in minutes. Plus, I’ll share some pro tips and variations so you can customize them to your liking. So, are you ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up some amazing air fryer salmon cakes? Let’s get cooking!

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Ever find yourself craving a flavorful, healthy meal but dreading the cleanup? I’ve been there! That’s precisely why I’m so excited to share this game-changing recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Patties. These aren’t your average salmon patties; they’re crispy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

What’s even better is that they’re a fantastic way to enjoy all the goodness of salmon – those omega-3s and lean protein – without the added guilt. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the best air fryer salmon patties from scratch, sharing my tips for achieving perfectly cooked, golden-brown patties every time.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light and satisfying lunch, these air fryer salmon cakes are sure to become a new family favorite. So, are you ready to discover the secret to healthy salmon patties in the air fryer? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Okay, let’s dive into the heart of these delicious Air Fryer Salmon Patties – the ingredients! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to your liking. But first, let me share my go-to list for perfectly crispy and flavorful patties:

Salmon: You’ll need about 1 pound of salmon. Canned salmon (look for wild-caught) works great for convenience, just make sure it’s drained well. Alternatively, you can use fresh salmon fillets – just cook them first (poaching or baking works well) and then flake them. Using fresh salmon does elevate the flavor, but canned is a fantastic budget-friendly option.
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup. These act as a binder and help create a nice texture. I often use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs or even gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly too.
Egg: 1 large egg. This is another key binder that holds everything together.
Onion: ¼ cup finely chopped. Red or white onion both work well, or you can even use shallots for a milder flavor. Finely dicing is crucial so you don’t end up with big chunks in your patties.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will do in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor and complements the salmon beautifully.
Dill: 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill). Dill and salmon are a match made in heaven! If you’re not a fan of dill, parsley or chives are great substitutes.
Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt): 2 tablespoons. This adds moisture and helps bind the patties. Greek yogurt is a lighter, healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously! I also like to add a pinch of paprika for a little extra color and flavor.
Olive Oil (or Cooking Spray): For spraying the air fryer basket. This prevents the patties from sticking.

Now, a quick note on substitutions: If you’re looking to boost the health factor, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Also, remember that using gluten-free breadcrumbs makes this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to make some easy air-fried salmon patties!

How to Make AIR FRYER SALMON PISTACHIO CRUSTEDAir Fryer Salmon Patties

Alright, now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get down to the fun part: making these delicious Air Fryer Salmon Patties! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked salmon patties in no time:

Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the salmon (canned or flaked cooked), breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon juice, dill, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
Shape the Patties: Now, it’s time to form the patties. I like to use about ¼ cup of the salmon mixture for each patty. Gently shape them into round, slightly flattened patties. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform; a little rustic charm is always welcome! Aim for patties that are about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is nice and hot when you add the patties, which helps them get nice and crispy.
Cook the Patties: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the patties from sticking. Place the salmon patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
Rest and Serve: Once the patties are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making them even more flavorful.

Pro Tips and Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Patties, let’s talk about some insider tips and fun variations to make them your own. These little tweaks can elevate your salmon patties from simple to sensational:

Pro Tips for Perfect Patties

Don’t Overmix: I mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Overmixing the salmon mixture can result in tough patties. Just mix until everything is combined, then step away!
Chill the Patties: For even firmer patties, especially if you’re using fresh salmon, you can cover them and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better.
Even Cooking: Make sure your patties are roughly the same size and thickness so they cook evenly. This prevents some patties from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Temperature Check: A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring your salmon patties are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Crispy Skin Secret: For extra crispy outsides, lightly spray the patties with cooking spray just before placing them in the air fryer.

Creative Variations

Spicy Kick: Want to add some heat? Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the salmon mixture.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of dill, try parsley, chives, or even a little tarragon. Fresh herbs always add a burst of flavor.