These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Made without the mess of traditional frying, they’re one of those easy dinner recipes that come together quickly and work just as well for a light meal, lunch, or appetizer.
Using the air fryer gives these salmon patties their golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the centers moist and delicate. They deliver all the comforting appeal of classic salmon patties without the extra oil, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
Canned pink salmon is a convenient option that works beautifully in this recipe, although fresh smoked salmon can also be used for a different flavor profile. If using canned salmon, the small bones and pieces of skin can be removed before mixing, depending on personal preference. While the soft bones are edible and provide added nutrients, many people prefer a smoother texture.
The seasonings can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice because they create an extra crispy coating, but regular breadcrumbs can be substituted without affecting the overall success of the recipe.
To prevent sticking, it’s important to lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray before cooking. Vegetable oil sprays are best avoided, as they can leave residue and build-up on the basket over time.
These salmon patties pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces or can be served alongside a complete meal. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Once thawed overnight in the refrigerator, they can be reheated in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crisp again.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Made without the mess of traditional frying, they're one of those easy dinner recipes that come together quickly and work just as well for a light meal, lunch, or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounce canned salmon
- 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 and tartar sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the canned salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
- Arrange the salmon patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and golden brown. There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pink salmon is a great choice for this recipe thanks to its mild flavor and tender texture.
- Before mixing the ingredients, remove any bones and skin from the canned salmon, then roughly chop the remaining fish for a more even texture.
- Olive oil cooking spray is recommended, as it is less likely to leave buildup on the air fryer basket over time.
- Regular breadcrumbs can be used in place of panko if that's what you have on hand.
- These salmon patties can be frozen for later use. Follow the freezing instructions provided earlier in the recipe.
- Serve with tartar sauce or any of your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.
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