Air-Fried Salmon Cakes: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon cakes, yielding a crispy exterior and a tender interior. They are easy to make and can be prepared with simple ingredients such as canned or leftover salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The patties are cooked for around 8-12 minutes in the air fryer, making them a quick and convenient option for a healthy and delicious meal.

How to make salmon cakes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Canned or fresh salmon
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Onion
• Lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (e.g. dill, parsley, chives)
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Hot sauce (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• In a large bowl, combine the salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, herbs, onion, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Shape the mixture into 6 patties, about 1 inch thick.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket and spray the tops with oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry the salmon cakes for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
• Serve with tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips:

• If using canned salmon, remove any large bones before adding to the mixture.
• For a keto-friendly option, substitute breadcrumbs with pork rinds or almond flour.
• You can add extra vegetables to the mixture, such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
• For crispy salmon cakes, spritz the patties with olive oil or avocado oil spray before cooking.

Ingredients and alternatives

Base ingredients:

• Salmon: Fresh or canned salmon can be used. If using canned salmon, remove any remaining bones. Fresh salmon should be cooked and shredded before mixing.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cakes together.
• Breadcrumbs/Panko: Regular breadcrumbs or panko can be used to bind the mixture. For extra flavour, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can be used.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill are commonly used.

Alternatives and additional ingredients:

• Onion: Adds flavour to the salmon cakes. Red or white onion can be used.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, green onions, chives, or other crispy vegetables can be added.
• Sauces: Mayonnaise, mustard (dijon or honey), hot sauce, or remoulade sauce can be mixed in or served on the side.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill can be added for flavour and colour.
• Spices: Old Bay seasoning is commonly used, but can be substituted with paprika, salt, and garlic powder.
• Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil spray can be used to grease the air fryer and the cakes.

Step-by-step process

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need salmon (either fresh or canned), eggs, breadcrumbs or panko, mayonnaise, and seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, dill, or onion powder. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onion, or red or green peppers for extra flavour and crunch.

Secondly, prepare your air fryer by spraying the basket with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F-390°F.

Thirdly, in a medium or large bowl, combine the salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs or panko, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. You can also add in the vegetables at this stage if you wish.

Next, use a measuring cup to scoop out the salmon mixture and shape it into patties. The patties should be around 1 inch thick.

Then, place the salmon patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up.

Cook the salmon patties at 390°F-400°F for 8-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. They are ready when they are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty registers 160°F.

Finally, serve the salmon cakes with your choice of sides and sauces. They go well with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, salad, mashed or boiled potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Storing and reheating

To reheat, place the salmon cakes in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can also reheat them in a low oven or skillet, or eat them cold on top of a salad.

If you want to freeze your salmon cakes, they will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When freezing cooked salmon cakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in the freezer. Place the cakes in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen cakes to a freezer bag or airtight container.

To reheat frozen salmon cakes, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the same reheating instructions as above.

Serving suggestions

Salmon cakes can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an appetizer or side dish: Salmon cakes made in an air fryer can be served as a tasty and healthy appetizer or side dish. They are packed with protein and go well with your favourite seafood meal.
• In a salad: You can serve the salmon cakes on a bed of mixed greens, romaine, spinach, or arugula, with some extra veggies like cherry tomatoes and avocado. A squeeze of lemon juice or a creamy spread flavoured with capers, dill, or cucumber would also go well.
• In a bowl: Try serving the salmon cakes over rice or quinoa with roasted or steamed vegetables.
• As a sandwich or burger: For a delicious and easy lunch or dinner, serve the salmon cakes in between buns, such as potato buns, or on a hamburger bun with your favourite toppings and sauces.
• With a side dish: Salmon cakes can be served as a main course alongside side dishes such as Parmesan Asparagus Fries, Quinoa Salad with Kale and Cranberries, or Garlic Butter Mushrooms.
• Dipping sauces: Salmon cakes can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, garlic aioli, or creamy dill dip.
• With vegetables and potatoes: Salmon patties also taste great with mashed or boiled potatoes and simple vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions