Love crispy salmon patties but want a healthier twist? These air fryer salmon patties deliver all the flavor with just 159 calories per serving. They’re golden-brown on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Packed with 15g of protein and healthy fats, these patties make the perfect quick lunch or light dinner option. Whether you’re watching your calories or simply craving a delicious seafood meal, this modern take on a classic comfort food will become your new weeknight favorite.
Fresh Salmon Patties – Air Fryer Style
- Fresh or Canned Salmon: 16 oz, flaked and cleaned from bones
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup, keeps patties light and crispy
- Fresh Herbs & Aromatics: 2 tbsp each of parsley and green onions for freshness
- Binding Ingredients: 1 egg and 1/4 cup mayonnaise for perfect texture
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper for savory depth
- Citrus: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
- Cooking Spray: Avocado oil for a healthy, non-stick coating
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 380°F for optimal cooking temperature
- Salmon Prep: Break salmon into fine, even pieces using a fork
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated
- Form Patties: Shape mixture into 8 equal-sized patties for even cooking
- First Air Fry: Spray basket, cook at 380°F for 4 minutes
- Final Cooking: Flip patties, spray tops, and air fry 4-5 minutes until golden
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
Getting crispy salmon patties is super easy! Make sure your salmon is well-drained and flaked into small pieces – this helps the patties hold together better. When forming the patties, press them firmly but gently. They should be about ½ inch thick for the best results. Don’t skip spraying both sides with oil – it’s what gives you that beautiful golden crust!
Easy Substitutions
No worries if you need to switch things up! You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, though your patties might be a bit less crispy. Fresh dill works great in place of parsley, and if you’re not a mayo fan, Greek yogurt makes a good swap. No green onions? Regular onions work fine – just mince them really small. The best part about these patties is how flexible they are!
Serving Ideas
These salmon patties are so versatile! Try them on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a fantastic sandwich. They’re also amazing on top of a fresh green salad or with a side of roasted vegetables. Want something simple? Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of sauce – remoulade, aioli, or even just plain mayo mixed with a little hot sauce!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep these tasty patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right up again! You can also freeze them after cooking. Just place them in a freezer container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Ingredients
- 16 oz Fresh or canned cooked salmon bones and skin removed
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs regular or gluten free
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Green onions sliced
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- Avocado Oil Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380F for 5 minutes.
- Break up the cooked salmon with a fork until it is finely ground.
- In a large bowl, combine salmon, panko bread crumbs, parsley, green onions, egg, mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Form the salmon mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking oil to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Air fry at 380F for 4 minutes, flip the salmon patties over and spray the tops with more avocado oil cooking spray. Air fry for another 4-5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
