Air-Fryer Salmon Croquettes: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Salmon croquettes, also known as salmon cakes or salmon patties, are a staple in the south. They are made with salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, and various vegetables and seasonings. Traditionally, they are cooked in hot oil or shortening, but they can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less oily option. Air-fried salmon croquettes have a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a moist, flaky interior. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be cooked in under 30 minutes.

Salmon croquettes recipe

Salmon croquettes are a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a great way to elevate your dining experience. This recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious salmon croquettes, including instructions for cooking them in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Canned or fresh salmon
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• All-purpose flour
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cilantro
• Tartar sauce (for dipping)

Instructions:

Start by combining the salmon with the breadcrumbs, flour, bell peppers (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated. You can adjust the amount of flour to your preference—add more for a firmer croquette, but be careful not to add too much, or the salmon flavour will be overpowered. You can also add some chopped onion and celery at this stage for extra flavour and texture.

Next, form the mixture into patties. If the mixture is too soft to handle, place the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Now, it's time to cook the croquettes. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, and then lightly mist both sides of the patties with cooking spray or oil. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the croquettes in a skillet. Add oil to a cast-iron skillet and heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Fry the croquettes for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You can also bake the croquettes—line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray both sides of the croquettes with cooking spray, and bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serve the salmon croquettes hot with tartar sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and time

When it comes to cooking salmon croquettes in an air fryer, temperature control is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and doneness. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). This initial step is essential as it ensures that the croquettes are cooked evenly and quickly. Preheating also helps to create a crispy exterior, a desirable characteristic of well-cooked salmon croquettes.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your croquettes, but a good starting point is 12-15 minutes. Place the croquettes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will allow for better air circulation, helping the croquettes get crispy on all sides.

For croquettes approximately 4 inches in diameter, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes until they reach a golden brown, crispy exterior. Flip the croquettes over and spray again with cooking spray or oil, and cook for another 4 to 7 minutes.

Flipping the croquettes

• Timing is Key: Wait patiently until your croquettes are cooked at least halfway through before attempting to flip them. This will allow the bottom layer to form a crispy edge, making it easier to flip without the risk of crumbling or falling apart. Depending on your air fryer temperature and the recipe you are following, this could be anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes into the cooking process.
• Flipping Technique: When it's time to flip, use a spatula or tongs to gently turn the croquettes over. Be careful not to press down on the croquettes as this may cause them to break or lose their shape.
• Spray with Oil: After flipping, spray the croquettes with a light coating of cooking oil, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. This will help them achieve that desirable golden brown colour and crispy texture.
• Cooking Time: Once flipped and sprayed, return the croquettes to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time. Depending on your recipe, this could be anywhere from 4 to 15 additional minutes.
• Batch Cooking: If you are cooking a large batch of croquettes, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, and leave some space between each croquette.
• Checking for Doneness: Keep a close eye on your croquettes during the cooking process, especially towards the end. Insert a food thermometer into the centre of a croquette to check if it has reached the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can cut into a croquette to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Remember, flipping salmon croquettes in an air fryer requires a bit of patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly. With time and experience, you'll master the art of flipping and cooking these delicious treats!

Storing and reheating croquettes

Storing salmon croquettes

Salmon croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To store them, let the croquettes cool to room temperature and then place them in the container with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent them from sticking together.

Reheating salmon croquettes

Salmon croquettes can be reheated in various ways, including in a pan, in the oven, or in an air fryer. Here are some specific instructions for each method:

• Pan: Preheat a cooking pan, preferably non-stick, over medium-low heat. Place the croquettes in the pan and cover with a lid. Reheat on both sides until heated through.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300-350°F. Place the croquettes on a rimmed baking sheet, loosely cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Air fryer: Reheat the croquettes in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing salmon croquettes

Salmon croquettes can also be frozen for future use. To freeze uncooked croquettes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. To freeze cooked croquettes, let them cool completely, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, and freeze for about an hour. Then, wrap the croquettes individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen croquettes can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen croquettes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the oven or pan reheating instructions above. Alternatively, cook frozen croquettes in the air fryer for a few extra minutes.

Salmon croquettes sauce

Salmon croquettes can be served with a variety of sauces, ranging from creamy garlic sauce to dill sauce. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:

Creamy Garlic Sauce

This sauce is a great option to serve with salmon croquettes, especially if you are looking for a more herby and garlicky flavour. To make this sauce, you can simply drizzle it over the salmon croquettes or serve it as a dip on the side.

Dill Sauce

Dill sauce is another popular choice to accompany salmon croquettes. You can make this sauce by mixing sour cream, dill, garlic powder, and salt together in a bowl. This sauce complements the salmon croquettes well, adding a fresh and tangy flavour.

Spicy Sriracha Dipping Sauce

For those who enjoy a little spice, a sriracha dipping sauce is a great option. This sauce is made by mixing sriracha sauce, lemon juice, fresh dill, and mayonnaise. It adds a nice kick to the salmon croquettes without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the fish.

Mustard, Honey, and Dijon Sauce

If you are looking for a sweeter sauce option, you can try making a mustard, honey, and dijon sauce. This sauce has a tangy and slightly spicy flavour that goes well with the salmon.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic choice for fish dishes, and it also pairs well with salmon croquettes. You can opt for a Japanese-style tartar sauce, which is fruity and tangy, or a classic Western-style tartar sauce.

Lemon Wedges

While not exactly a sauce, serving lemon wedges alongside the salmon croquettes adds a nice touch. The lemon juice can be squeezed over the croquettes, adding a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish.

Other Sauce Ideas

In addition to the sauces mentioned above, you can also experiment with other options such as a creamy avocado sauce, a spicy jalapeno sauce, or a simple mayonnaise-based sauce.

Remember, salmon croquettes have a delicate flavour, so it is essential to choose sauces that complement rather than overpower the dish.

Frequently asked questions