Deep-Frying Salmon Patties: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be cooked in various ways, including baking, pan-frying, and air frying. While each cooking method has its own advantages, air frying has gained popularity for its convenience, health benefits, and ability to produce a crispy exterior and tender interior. This introduction will explore the process of cooking salmon patties in an air fryer, highlighting the benefits, step-by-step instructions, and creative variations to elevate this nutritious and flavourful dish. By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge to cook salmon patties to perfection and impress your guests with a delightful meal.

Salmon patty ingredients and preparation

Salmon patties are easy to make with leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon. They can be served as an appetizer, side, or main dish.

• Salmon (canned or cooked)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Eggs
• Chopped green onions
• Parsley
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

You can also add other seasonings to enhance the flavor, such as dill, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning. If you want crispy and crunchy patties, using panko breadcrumbs is essential. They provide a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs.

To prepare the salmon patties, follow these steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped green onions, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. You can use a fork or your hands to mix everything well.
• Ensure that the mixture holds together without being too crumbly. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
• Divide the mixture into portions based on your desired patty size. Typically, you can make 8-10 patties.
• Form each portion into a patty shape by gently pressing it together.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes before cooking.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the salmon patties in the basket, leaving a little space between them for even cooking and crisping.
• Set the timer for 10 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, carefully flip the patties to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Once cooked, serve the salmon patties with your choice of toppings or sides, such as tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or a simple side salad.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking salmon patties in an air fryer depend on the model of the air fryer and the desired texture of the patties. It is recommended to cook the patties at 375°F (190°C) or 390°F for 10–12 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 6–8 minutes or even 7 minutes without flipping.

For a crispier texture, you can add an additional minute or two, but it is important to maintain the moisture inside the patties. The patties should be crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 145°F (63°C).

It is important to note that air fryers vary in temperature, so cook times can vary between models. It is recommended to begin checking for doneness at the earliest time given in the recipe and then keep a close watch to prevent overcooking.

Frying technique

While it is possible to cook salmon patties in a deep fryer, the following instructions are for an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it uses less oil.

First, select your salmon. You can use fresh or canned salmon, but if you choose fresh, check for small bones and ensure it has a vibrant colour, ranging from orange to deep pink, and a light, briny scent. If you're using fresh salmon, cook it first by grilling, baking, or poaching until fully cooked and flaky. Once cooked, let it cool, then use a fork to flake it into smaller pieces. If you're using canned salmon, simply drain and flake it into a bowl.

Next, combine the salmon with your chosen ingredients. A typical recipe includes breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined, and add more breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too wet. You can also experiment with herbs and spices, such as dill, paprika, cayenne pepper, or grated ginger.

Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into patties. Aim for about 1 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and place the patties in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch, so air can circulate.

Cook the patties for about 10 minutes, then gently flip them and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. The patties should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a golden brown colour. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve hot with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating salmon patties correctly is crucial to maintaining their taste and texture. If you have leftover salmon patties, let them cool down to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days this way, although some sources suggest 1-2 days.

For longer storage, freezing is recommended. To freeze uncooked patties, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months according to one source, or up to 3 months according to another. If you want to freeze cooked patties, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can also be kept for up to 2 months this way.

When you're ready to eat the frozen patties, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, there are several methods you can use. One option is to place the patties in an air fryer preheated to 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or in a pan on the stovetop over low heat with a little olive oil. If reheating in the oven, cover the patties loosely with foil and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. If pan-frying, it's recommended to use a skillet and add a small amount of olive oil, butter, or ghee to prevent the patties from drying out.

Serving suggestions

Salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Classic with Sauce

Salmon patties can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, aioli, remoulade, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also serve them with a homemade yogurt-based sauce or a creamy dipping sauce.

Salad Topper

Salmon patties can be crumbled over a mixed greens salad to create a protein-packed dish. You can also serve them with a simple salad or a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber as a light and refreshing complement.

Sandwich Style

Place a salmon patty in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauces for a fulfilling sandwich. You can also add toppings such as avocado slices or garden-fresh tomato slices.

Hearty Meal

For a more filling meal, serve the salmon patties atop a bed of rice or quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes and creamed peas or cheese grits.

Sides

Salmon patties can be served with a variety of sides, such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or California blend vegetables.

Spicy and Flavourful

Add some spice to your salmon patties by incorporating chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. You can also add paprika, freshly grated ginger, or soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian flair. Serve these patties with a savory dipping sauce.

Herbed Salmon Patties

Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to give the patties a refreshing twist. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or cumin, to enhance the flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions