Air-Fried Salmon Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can make salmon patties in an air fryer. They are a quick and easy recipe, full of flavour, and are a great way to use up leftover salmon. The patties are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, and they take less than 15 minutes to make.

Ingredients and measurements for salmon patties

Making salmon patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to turn leftover salmon or canned salmon into something delicious. The air fryer is perfect for cooking salmon fillets and patties, giving them a nice golden brown crisp.

• Salmon: You can use fresh or canned salmon for these patties. If using canned salmon, opt for the skinless variety and drain the liquid, reserving it for later. You'll need about 12 ounces of cooked or canned salmon, which is roughly one pound of fresh salmon or two six-ounce cans.
• Breadcrumbs/Saltines/Panko: These are used as a binder to help the patties hold their shape. You can use dry bread crumbs, crushed saltines, or panko breadcrumbs. The amount needed is usually around 1/2 cup, but it can vary depending on the recipe.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the patties together. You'll need one or two large eggs.
• Onion: Finely chop about 1/4 cup of red or white onion to add flavor to the patties. If you're not a fan of onions, you can omit this ingredient.
• Seasonings: You can use a variety of seasonings to add flavor to your patties. Some common options include Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
• Mayonnaise and Mustard: These ingredients add moisture and tanginess to the patties. You'll need about 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, acidic touch to the patties.
• Oil: Use a cooking spray or olive oil spray to grease the air fryer basket and the tops of the patties before cooking.

You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or capers to give your salmon patties a unique twist.

Step-by-step instructions for making the salmon mixture

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need salmon (either fresh or canned), eggs, onion, dill, mayonnaise, mustard, seasoning, and breadcrumbs or panko. You can also add lemon juice and other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Next, prepare your salmon. If using canned salmon, drain and flake the salmon, removing any skin and bones. If using fresh salmon, remove the skin and pin bones, then chop the salmon into small pieces. You can use a food processor to help with this step.

Now, it's time to make the salmon mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, onion, dill, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasoning. Mix well. Then, add the salmon and breadcrumbs or panko. Mix until everything is combined. You can also add in other ingredients at this stage, such as scallions, chilli flakes, or parsley.

At this point, you can taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may also need to add more breadcrumbs or panko if the mixture is too wet.

Once you're happy with the consistency and flavour of your salmon mixture, it's a good idea to chill it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will help the patties hold their shape during cooking.

Finally, remove the mixture from the freezer and shape it into patties. You can make them round or square, just make sure they are roughly equal in size for even cooking. Use a measuring cup or scoop to portion out the mixture, and shape the patties to your desired thickness.

Cooking methods and timings for air-fried salmon patties

Air-fried salmon patties are a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook salmon. They are a healthier alternative to frying in oil, but still result in a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to prepare your salmon mixture. This typically includes salmon (canned or fresh), eggs, breadcrumbs/panko, and seasoning. Some recipes also include onion, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can also add in extra vegetables, such as peppers, corn, or mushrooms, for added flavour and texture.

Once your mixture is ready, divide it and shape it into patties. You can make them round or square, but ensure they are roughly equal in shape and size so they cook evenly. Place the patties in the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes to an hour to help them firm up.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper, and then place the patties inside. Spray the tops of the patties with oil or cooking spray.

Cook the salmon patties for 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Serving

Air-fried salmon patties can be served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or a dipping sauce of your choice. They can be served on a bed of greens, in a bun, or alongside a meal.

Storage

Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the patties in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, or use an oven or microwave.

How to store and reheat leftover salmon patties

Storing leftover salmon patties is easy. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer container and then transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover salmon patties, there are a few ways to reheat them. You can use the microwave, pan-fry them, or use an air fryer to refresh the crisp exterior. If you're using the microwave, it's best to only heat them until they're barely warmed through to avoid overcooking. For the stovetop, heat a pan on low heat with a little butter or oil and cook for a few minutes on each side. If you're using an air fryer, simply place the patties inside and heat until warmed through.

Different sauces and seasonings to serve with salmon patties

Salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sauces and seasonings to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces:

• Dill sauce: A classic and simple choice, dill sauce is a great way to add a herby, creamy flavour to your salmon patties. You can make it with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, dried dill, and salt.
• Remoulade: This sauce is perfect for taking your salmon patties to the next level. It typically includes mayo, lemon juice, and capers, but you can also add in some Dijon mustard, parsley, cornichons, shallots, tarragon, or anchovies for a more complex flavour profile.
• Tartar sauce: A traditional choice for fish dishes, tartar sauce adds a tangy, creamy flavour.
• Tzatziki: If you're a fan of Greek cuisine, tzatziki is a refreshing and tasty option.
• Sweet chilli sauce: For those who like a little heat, a sweet chilli sauce will add a touch of spice to your salmon patties.
• Garlic aioli: The combination of garlic and lemon zest in this sauce will brighten up the flavour of your salmon patties.
• Hollandaise: A rich and creamy hollandaise sauce is a delicious option, especially when paired with fresh dill.
• Teriyaki: The sweet and savoury flavours of teriyaki sauce complement salmon patties perfectly.
• Mustard-honey glaze: Try a tangy honey mustard glaze on your salmon patties for a touch of sweetness.
• Salsa: A fresh and flavourful salsa made with cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper can add a nice crunch and brightness to your patties.

Seasonings:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that adds a savoury touch to your salmon patties.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This blend of paprika, salt, and garlic powder is a great way to add flavour to your patties.
• Dill: Fresh or dried dill can be added directly to your salmon patties or mixed into a sauce for an herby, bright flavour.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy note to your patties.
• Garlic: Garlic powder or fresh garlic can enhance the flavour of your salmon patties and pair well with other seasonings.
• Spices: Cayenne, cumin, coriander, paprika, thyme, and allspice are just a few of the spices you can use to add depth of flavour to your patties.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme can be added to your salmon mixture or used as a garnish for an extra flavour boost.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of sauces and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profiles for salmon patties!

Frequently asked questions