If you’re craving a dish that’s both delightfully crispy and packed with rich, savory flavors, this Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, these salmon patties bring together the freshness of canned salmon with vibrant herbs and a touch of zest, all cooked to perfection using your air fryer. The best part? This recipe is incredibly approachable, quick to put together, and yields a satisfying meal that feels like a special treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create patties that balance texture, flavor, and color beautifully. Each one plays an important role in ensuring your salmon patties turn out golden, tasty, and perfectly seasoned.
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon (drained and flaked): The star of the dish providing tender, flavorful fish packed with protein.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko): These add necessary binding power and crispness, especially if you opt for panko.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Adds subtle sharpness and moisture to keep patties juicy.
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery: Offers a fresh crunch and lightness to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Brings a bright, herbal note that complements the salmon wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A classic spice mix that enhances the savory, maritime vibe of the patties.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a natural binder so your patties hold together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Gives richness and moisture, preventing dryness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the overall flavor with a fresh citrus zing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the ingredients.
- Olive oil spray for air frying: Helps achieve that irresistible golden crust without excess oil.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing the flaked salmon into a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, celery, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This ensures your patties will hold together nicely and have a consistent flavor throughout.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once your mixture is ready, divide it evenly into 6 to 8 portions depending on your desired patty size. Shape each portion into a round patty, about half an inch thick. Making them uniform helps them cook evenly in the air fryer and creates that perfect crispy edge on each one.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. In the meantime, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and encourage browning. This small step helps you get those crispy results without adding unnecessary fat.
Step 4: Air Fry the Patties
Place the salmon patties in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re ready when both sides are golden brown and have that irresistible crisp texture we all love.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these salmon patties to the next level. Try fresh lemon wedges for a squeeze of brightness right before eating. A dollop of tartar sauce or a crisp, homemade aioli also pairs beautifully, lending creamy contrast and extra flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These patties are versatile and work well with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or coleslaw offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint, while some roasted vegetables or air-fried fries bring warmth and heartiness. For a lighter meal, steamed asparagus or sautéed greens round out the plate nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Turn your salmon patties into sliders by placing them on mini buns with lettuce and pickles. Alternatively, serve them atop a bed of mixed greens with a vibrant vinaigrette for a colorful and well-balanced dish that impresses guests without much fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon patties are fantastic for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture remarkably well when properly covered.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious patties on hand longer, freezing is your friend. Lay them flat on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to be air fried straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat your salmon patties in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 to 5 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! While canned salmon is convenient and flavorful, fresh cooked salmon will work nicely too. Just be sure to flake it finely and adjust moisture as needed with breadcrumbs or mayo.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar savory kick.
Are these patties gluten-free?
They are only gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko and regular breadcrumbs usually contain gluten, so choose accordingly or make your own breadcrumb substitute.
How can I make these patties extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of plain ones and lightly spraying the patties with olive oil before air frying helps enhance crispiness. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Can I bake these patties instead of air frying?
If you don’t have an air fryer, baking at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, will still yield tasty results but with a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy salmon patty that’s packed with flavor yet so simple to make. This Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe checks all the boxes—it’s quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these patties bring comfort and joy to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did!
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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a quick and healthy way to enjoy canned salmon, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Made with simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, they’re an excellent main course option that pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Mixture
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked, bones removed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, diced onion, diced celery, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture holds together well.
- Form Patties: Shape the salmon mixture into 6 to 8 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for crispy results.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Air Fry Patties: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through cooking, until both sides are golden brown and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the salmon patties warm accompanied by lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- These patties work well with leftover cooked salmon as a substitute for canned salmon.
- You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before air frying.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to suit your taste preference.
