If you’ve never tried salmon patties in air fryer, you’re in for a real treat. These golden, crispy cakes are full of tender salmon, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning — and the best part? They’re ready in minutes. No messy frying pans, no splattering oil. Just pop them in the air fryer and let it do the work.
Salmon patties have been a go-to in many households for decades. They’re budget-friendly, versatile, and can be made with either fresh or canned salmon. Using the air fryer makes them lighter but still just as satisfying, giving you that crunchy exterior without soaking in oil. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a freezer-friendly meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
And since they’re packed with protein and omega-3s, they’re not just delicious — they’re good for you, too. Let’s dive into why the air fryer is the ultimate way to make salmon patties.
Why Make Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer
Sure, you can pan-fry salmon patties, but that usually means standing over the stove, dodging oil pops, and cleaning up greasy pans. Baking is a bit cleaner, but it can leave the patties dry or unevenly cooked. The air fryer gives you the best of both worlds — crisp outsides, tender insides, and hardly any cleanup.
Because the air fryer circulates hot air around the patties, you get an even cook every time. Plus, you only need a light spray of oil to get that beautiful golden crust. It’s also faster — most batches cook in just 8–10 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
Another perk? You can easily reheat leftovers in the air fryer without losing that crispy texture. So whether you’re meal prepping or cooking on the fly, the air fryer makes salmon patties quick, healthy, and tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of salmon patties is how simple they are. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon – Fresh, cooked salmon or canned salmon, drained and flaked.
- Breadcrumbs – Regular or panko for extra crunch.
- Egg – Helps bind the patties together.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Fresh herbs – Dill or parsley for brightness.
- Onion – Finely chopped for flavor.
- Lemon juice – A splash for freshness.
Optional add-ins: A little Dijon mustard for tang, shredded zucchini for extra moisture, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Tip: If using canned salmon, remove any large bones before mixing. They’re edible but can be unpleasant in texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making salmon patties in air fryer is easy once you know the flow. Here’s how to get that perfect crispy outside and tender inside:
Prep the salmon – If using fresh salmon, cook it first by baking or steaming until flaky. Let it cool, then flake into small pieces. If using canned, drain well and remove any large bones or skin.
Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, herbs, onion, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is just combined — don’t overmix or the patties will be dense.
Shape the patties – Form the mixture into equal-sized patties (about ½ inch thick). This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer – Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes.
Cook the patties – Spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place patties in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve and enjoy – Pair them with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even on a sandwich bun for a quick dinner.
If you love easy weeknight dinners, check out our Healthy 15-Minute Dinners guide for more quick meal ideas.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Don’t skip the chill time – If your mixture feels loose, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping. This helps the patties hold together.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest exterior without deep-frying.
- Spray, don’t soak – A quick spritz of oil is all you need for a golden crust.
- Flip halfway for even crisping on both sides.
- Serve with a sauce – Try tartar sauce, a lemon-dill yogurt dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
For another delicious air fryer seafood option, you might like our Blackened Salmon in Air Fryer recipe — it’s packed with flavor and ready fast.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon patties are versatile and pair well with all kinds of sides:
- On a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce for a healthy burger-style meal.
- With a salad like cucumber dill salad or fresh coleslaw for a light, summer dinner.
- Over grains like quinoa or brown rice with steamed veggies for a hearty, balanced plate.
Want more air fryer inspiration? Try our Chicken Cutlet in Air Fryer for another crispy, protein-packed dinner idea.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about salmon patties in air fryer is how well they store and reheat.
- Refrigerator – Place cooled patties in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it makes them soft.
If you love make-ahead meals, check out our Gluten-Free Dutch Baby — a sweet breakfast you can prepare ahead of time.
Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
Author: Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Total: 20 minutesEquipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cans 14.75 oz each pink salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, then shape into 8 equal patties.
- Lightly spray both sides of each patty with olive oil spray.
- Arrange patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
- You can use cooked fresh salmon instead of canned — just flake it before mixing.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
FAQs About Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Absolutely! Just cook and flake the salmon before mixing it in.
Eggs and breadcrumbs work perfectly. For gluten-free, swap in almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Yes, preheating helps the patties cook evenly and get that golden crust.
Yes — try oat flour or mashed sweet potato for a different texture.
Definitely! They’re rich in protein, healthy fats, and nutrients, especially when air-fried instead of deep-fried.
For more speedy and healthy dinner ideas, visit our Healthy 15-Minute Dinners guide.
Final Thoughts
With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up crispy, flavorful salmon patties any night of the week. They’re quick, healthy, and perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Whether served on a bun, with a salad, or over rice, these patties are sure to become a family favorite.
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