The Crispiest Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crispy air fryer salmon patties convert ordinary fish into a delectable meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.

These golden-brown delights offer a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying methods, promising less oil and maximum crunch.

Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon patties make an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air, creating a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, flaky interior.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these patties come together, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of herbs, spices, and fresh salmon that will tantalize your taste buds.

You’ll love how these patties emerge from the air fryer looking restaurant-worthy and tasting absolutely remarkable.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties That Are Crisp and Juicy

• Craft Quick Seafood Delight: These air fryer salmon patties deliver a speedy, delicious meal packed with protein and flavor, ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Healthier Cooking Technique: Air frying creates crispy exterior without excess oil, offering a lighter alternative to traditional pan-frying while maintaining perfect texture and moisture.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch prep, or casual dinner parties, these patties pair beautifully with fresh slaw and can be customized with different herbs and garnishes.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Requires basic pantry staples and fresh salmon, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want a nutritious, restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3 fatty acids and creates a delicious base for patties. Wild salmon offers better flavor and nutrition compared to farm-raised options.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help bind the salmon mixture and provide structure to the patties. Panko breadcrumbs offer a crispier texture.
• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Add moisture and tangy flavor to enhance the salmon's taste. Choose a quality, creamy mayonnaise for best results.

• Dill, Parsley, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Fresh herbs and spices that boost the salmon's natural flavor profile. Dried herbs work well if fresh are unavailable.

• Olive Oil Spray: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents sticking in the air fryer. Use a neutral cooking spray for best results.
• Greek Yogurt, Lemon, Additional Chopped Dill: Provide fresh, bright garnish to complement the salmon patties. Fresh lemon adds a zesty finish.

How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon Patties in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

Remove salmon skin or request skinless salmon when purchasing. Chop salmon into chunks and pulse in a food processor until it reaches a coarse ground texture.

• Salmon fillet

Step 2: Create Patty Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground salmon with other patty ingredients to form a thick, slightly moist mixture.

• Ground salmon
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Chopped herbs
• Seasonings

Step 3: Shape Salmon Patties

Use a measuring cup to scoop mixture and form 1/2-3/4 inch thick round patties. This recipe yields 4 patties.

Step 4: Air Fry Salmon Patties

Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place patties in basket, ensuring space between them. Spray patties with additional olive oil. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon squeeze
• Chopped dill
• Kosher salt sprinkle

Expert Tips for Better Air Fryer Salmon Patties

• Avoid Overprocessing: Pulse salmon gently to maintain a chunky texture, preventing a paste-like consistency that leads to dense patties.
• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate formed patties for 15-20 minutes to help them hold together and prevent crumbling during air frying.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F for safe and perfectly cooked patties.
• Oil Matters: Use a light olive oil spray to create a crispy exterior without making the patties greasy or soggy.
• Spacing is Key: Arrange patties with enough space between them in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation and achieve even, crispy browning.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Salmon Patties

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from sticking together.
• Reheat: Warm patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the patties soggy and compromise their crispy texture. A quick air fryer reheat will help restore their original crunch and keep the salmon moist and delicious.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as originally directed.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Patties

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salmon's rich flavor with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the patty's richness and enhancing the fresh herb notes.
• Serve with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a bright side dish using mixed greens, orange segments, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the salmon's savory profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare a light quinoa side dish with fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest to echo the patty's herbs and provide a protein-packed, nutritious accompaniment.
• Enhance with Tangy Cucumber Tzatziki: Offer a cool, creamy Greek-inspired sauce that complements the salmon's texture and adds a bright, refreshing element to the dish.

Salmon Patty Variations to Keep Things Fresh

• Spicy Cajun Salmon Cakes: Add Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon Patties: Mix in chopped fresh parsley, mint, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Salmon Burger: Incorporate smoked paprika, crushed garlic, and a touch of liquid smoke to create a rich, smoky salmon patty.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Cakes: Blend in grated ginger, chopped green onions, and a splash of soy sauce, then serve with a wasabi mayo drizzle.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties bring coastal flavor straight to your kitchen, blending wild Pacific salmon with zesty herbs and crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfectly golden and flaky, these patties offer a quick, delicious meal that will satisfy seafood cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh salmon

Binding & Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons avocado mayo

Seasoning & Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free option available)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional:

• Olive oil spray

Serving:

• Apple Fennel Slaw

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Instructions

1. Meticulously remove salmon skin, either personally or requesting assistance during purchase. Carefully dice the salmon into uniform chunks.
2. Transform salmon pieces into a coarse ground texture using a food processor, pulsing until achieving a consistent, slightly textured consistency.
3. Transfer processed salmon into a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating all complementary patty ingredients. Gently fold and blend until mixture becomes cohesive and slightly moist.
4. Utilize a measuring cup to portion and shape the salmon mixture into uniform patties, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.27 to 1.91 centimeters) thick. Create four evenly sized patties.
5. Activate air fryer and preheat to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (199 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat the fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully arrange patties within the basket, ensuring adequate spacing between each. Delicately mist patties with additional olive oil spray for enhanced crispiness.
7. Cook patties for 8 minutes, executing a mid-cooking flip and reapplying olive oil spray to ensure even browning and optimal texture.
8. Plate by creating a vibrant bed of Apple Fennel Slaw, strategically positioning a salmon patty on top. Embellish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill, and a light sprinkle of kosher salt.

Notes

• Handle salmon carefully to prevent bacterial contamination, always using clean surfaces and hands during preparation.
• Check salmon for any small bones before processing to ensure a smooth, safe eating experience.
• Creating uniform patty sizes helps guarantee even cooking and consistent texture in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper hot air circulation and achieve crispy exterior.
• Use fresh dill and high-quality Greek yogurt as garnishes to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness of patties and individual air fryer performance for perfect results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 328 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg