Air Fryer Salmon Patties

These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are the definition of fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Made with canned salmon and pantry staples, they’re the perfect solution for busy weeknights or kid’s lunchbox when you still want a home-cooked meal without the mess.

Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties come together in just 20 minutes and pair beautifully with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or a light dipping sauce. They’re protein-packed, rich in omega-3s, and totally kid-friendly, making them a perfect lunch for kids and foodies alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 (6 oz) cans boneless, skinless salmon, drained

• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil spray

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

2. Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Lightly spray both sides of the salmon patties with olive oil spray.

5. Arrange patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until patties are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or over a salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Air Fryer Salmon Patties

When it comes to fast, healthy, and flavorful meals, Air Fryer Salmon Patties hit all the marks. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with minimal kitchen equipment, or simply someone who wants to eat more fish without the hassle of pan-frying, this recipe is for you. With just a handful of pantry staples and an air fryer, you can whip up a protein-packed meal in 20 minutes or less.

These golden, crispy patties are made with canned salmon, making them incredibly convenient and affordable without sacrificing taste or nutrition. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, making it an excellent option for growing kids and health-conscious adults alike.

In this guide, we’ll cover the history and health benefits of salmon patties, why the air fryer is a game-changer, pairing and serving suggestions, storage tips, and even ways to customize this recipe to your personal tastes.

The Legacy of Salmon Patties: A Classic Made Modern

Salmon patties, also known as salmon cakes or croquettes, are a beloved comfort food with roots in many cultures. Originally popularized in the early 20th century as an affordable meal option, salmon patties were often made using canned salmon, eggs, and breadcrumbs, a frugal yet nutritious way to feed a family.

Traditionally, these patties were pan-fried in oil, but with the rise of modern kitchen appliances, the air fryer has changed the game. Now, you can enjoy the same crispy texture without all the added fat or mess.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a revolutionary kitchen tool that uses hot air circulation to mimic the results of deep-frying, without the need for submerging food in oil. It’s ideal for home cooks looking for convenience, health-conscious cooking, and quick meal preparation.

Using an air fryer to make salmon patties offers several benefits:

• Less Oil: Traditional frying requires a significant amount of oil, whereas air frying only needs a light spray.

• Faster Cooking: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food in a fraction of the time.

• Crispy Texture: You still get that satisfying crunch without the greasy aftertaste.

• Easy Cleanup: No splattered oil or greasy pans, just a quick rinse of the basket.

If you haven’t added an air fryer to your kitchen arsenal yet, salmon patties are the perfect place to start.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its nutritional profile. Whether you’re using wild-caught or sustainably farmed canned salmon, you’re getting a powerful punch of nutrients in each bite.

Key Health Benefits:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and promote heart health.

• High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle repair, energy, and overall cellular function.

• B Vitamins: Including B12, which supports red blood cell production and neurological function.

• Vitamin D: A nutrient that many people lack, important for bone health and immunity.

• Selenium: An antioxidant mineral that helps protect cells from damage.

Best of all, the canned variety retains most of these nutrients, making it a budget-friendly superfood.

Customizing Your Salmon Patties

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Once you have the basic method down, you can switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or even what’s in your fridge.

Popular Variations:

• Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mayo or omit it altogether.

• Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a spoonful of hot sauce.

• Herby: Mix in fresh dill, cilantro, or chives for added freshness.

• Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the mix for extra richness.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa as a binder.

Feel free to experiment, you really can’t go wrong.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Patties

While these patties are delicious on their own, they shine even brighter when paired with complementary sides and sauces. Depending on the occasion and your appetite, you can serve them as appetizers, a main course, or even in a sandwich or wrap.

Serving Suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, sriracha mayo, tzatziki, or honey mustard.

• Salads: Mixed greens with vinaigrette, cucumber-tomato salad, or coleslaw.

• Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or air-fried zucchini fries.

• Starches: Mashed potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potato wedges.

• Sandwich Style: Place the patty in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a salmon burger twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Whether you’re cooking for the week or planning a dinner party, salmon patties are highly make-ahead friendly. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

Prep Ahead:

• Form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.

• Great for meal prepping lunches or dinners in advance.

Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

Reheat:

• Pop them back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.

• You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave (though they’ll be softer).

Making It Kid-Friendly

If you’re a parent trying to get your kids to eat more fish, this is a fantastic recipe to start with. The soft interior and crunchy exterior are appealing to picky eaters, and the patties can be served with ketchup or ranch dressing as a familiar flavor combo.

Letting kids help mix and shape the patties can also get them excited about trying the final product. You can even use fun-shaped molds for a playful touch!

Sustainability Tip

Choosing canned salmon isn’t just convenient, it’s also an environmentally responsible option. Look for brands that are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, which ensures the salmon was caught using sustainable methods.

Reducing food waste is another bonus. Because you can use nearly every part of the canned salmon, you’re maximizing nutrition while minimizing waste. Some brands even include the skin and bones, which are edible and rich in calcium.

Conclusion

In a world where time is precious and healthy eating can feel complicated. Air Fryer Salmon Patties offer a refreshing solution. They’re quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, all while being kind to your budget and the planet. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, tucking them into a sandwich, or freezing them for later, these versatile patties are bound to become a regular on your meal rotation.

Best of all, with the help of your air fryer, you can enjoy all the crispy deliciousness of traditional salmon cakes without the oil, mess, or guilt. So, grab a can of salmon and get cooking, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this meal can be.