Air-Fryer Salmon Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Yes, you can cook salmon burgers in an air fryer! This cooking method yields a crispy exterior and a tender interior, with a quick cook time of about 6 to 10 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking salmon fillets and patties, browning and crisping up the edges without drying them out. The patties can be made with fresh or canned salmon, and the air fryer eliminates the need for greasiness and oil.

Salmon burger ingredients

Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy option, offering a nutritional boost from the salmon's omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12. They are easy to make and can be cooked in an air fryer for a greaseless and oil-free patty.

The key ingredient is, of course, salmon. Fresh, skinless salmon is recommended, but canned salmon is a good alternative, and it's a great way to use up leftovers.

To bind the salmon, you can use eggs or egg whites, and breadcrumbs or panko. The panko gives a nice texture, but if you want to avoid refined grains, whole wheat breadcrumbs are a good option. Almond flour can also be used as a gluten-free alternative.

For seasoning, you can add salt and pepper, as well as fresh herbs like dill or cilantro. Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice for seafood and goes well with salmon. Other options include lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, scallions, and white pepper.

If you're feeling creative, you can add some cheese to your salmon burger. Dill havarti is a good melting cheese that pairs well with the other ingredients. However, some people feel that cheddar or American cheese doesn't quite work with the flavour of salmon.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking salmon burgers in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of salmon, its origin, and your personal preference for the level of doneness.

For Pacific salmon, most people aim for an internal temperature of 120-130ºF (48.9-54.4°C), while for Atlantic salmon, the target range is typically 130-140°F (54.4-60°C). These temperature ranges ensure the salmon is cooked thoroughly without becoming tough.

When cooking salmon burgers in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to around 400°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of your patties, but a good rule of thumb is to cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side at this temperature. For smaller patties, 9-10 minutes in total should suffice, while larger patties may need up to 12 minutes.

It's important to note that the FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) for safe consumption of salmon. However, some people find that this makes the salmon too dry or tough, so it's a matter of personal preference.

To ensure your salmon burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, consider using an instant-read thermometer to check their internal temperature. This is especially important if you are cooking frozen salmon burgers, as the cooking time may vary.

Binding the salmon

When it comes to binding salmon burgers, there are a few different methods you can use. One common approach is to use eggs as a binder. Eggs help to combine the ingredients and keep the salmon mixture together. This is especially useful if you're using flaked or cooked salmon, as it adds moisture to the mixture. Another option is to use mayonnaise as a wet binder. It not only helps bind the ingredients but also adds a creamy texture and flavour to your salmon burgers.

If you're looking for a binder that is both gluten-free and adds a crispy texture, panko bread crumbs are a great choice. Panko provides a similar binding function to traditional bread crumbs but yields a lighter and crispier result. It's important to note that the amount of panko you use may vary depending on the moisture level of your mixture. If it's too wet, simply add a little extra panko to absorb the excess moisture.

For those who prefer a more unique flavour profile, Greek yogurt can be used as a binding agent. It not only holds the salmon burger together but also provides a tangy twist and an extra dose of protein. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of your salmon burgers by incorporating herbs and spices such as cilantro, parsley, dill, or chives.

If you're open to experimenting with different binding methods, some people suggest using "meat glue," or transglutaminase. This allows you to create a salmon burger that holds together without the need for additional binders. However, this option may be less accessible as it is considered a specialty product.

Serving suggestions

Salmon burgers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them in a bun with traditional fixings, such as mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions, or cheese. If you're looking for something lighter, you can wrap the salmon burger in crisp lettuce or serve it on top of a salad with your favourite vegetables.

For a more substantial meal, pair the salmon burger with a side dish such as air fryer roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. You can also get creative with your toppings and add extra crunch and flavour with fried onion rings or shrimp.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can make a remoulade sauce by combining mayo, lemon juice, and capers, and serving it over the salmon burgers. This sauce can be served on a bed of greens or in a potato bun.

Salmon burgers can also be served as a main dish alongside vegetables or a salad. For example, you could pair the salmon burgers with Parmesan asparagus fries, quinoa salad with kale and cranberries, or garlic butter mushrooms.

Lastly, salmon burgers can be served as a snack or appetiser. You can make smaller portions and serve them as bites, either on their own or with a dipping sauce such as homemade remoulade.

Cooking without an air fryer

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy meal that can be cooked in several ways without an air fryer. Here are some alternative methods:

Oven-Baked Salmon Burgers

Oven-baking is a simple and convenient way to cook salmon burgers. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with your preferred cooking fat. Place the frozen salmon burgers on the sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is almost identical to cooking them in an air fryer, except it takes a little longer.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a quick and easy option for cooking frozen salmon burgers. Heat a skillet with your favourite cooking oil or fat over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the frozen salmon burgers in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. You can also finish them in the oven for a crispy texture.

Grilling

Grilling is a great option for cooking frozen salmon burgers, especially if you're looking for those delicious grill marks. Preheat your grill to 350°F and place the frozen salmon burgers on it. Cook each side for about 5 minutes, or until the patties reach the desired internal temperature.

Baked Salmon Cakes

If you're looking for a recipe without an air fryer, you can try the Baked Salmon Cakes recipe mentioned on the SkinnyTaste website. It is a recommended alternative to their Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe. Unfortunately, the full recipe is not available.

Salmon burgers are very versatile, and you can serve them in a bun, wrapped in lettuce, or on top of a salad with your favourite vegetables. Remember, when cooking salmon burgers, the official FDA recommendation for doneness is an internal temperature of 145°F, measured with a food thermometer. The flesh should also flake when pressed with a fork and appear opaque.

Frequently asked questions