Power Oven Fryer Salmon Croquettes: A Tasty Treat?

Salmon croquettes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be cooked in an air fryer or power oven. They are a great way to use up leftover salmon, and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or sandwich filling. The croquettes are typically made with a mixture of salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and seasonings, shaped into patties, and then cooked until golden brown and crispy.

The power oven, also known as an air fryer, is a great option for cooking salmon croquettes as it requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a healthier dish. The hot air circulating in the power oven ensures that the croquettes are cooked evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

To make salmon croquettes in a power oven, simply prepare the mixture, shape it into patties, and place them in the power oven at the recommended temperature and cooking time. The croquettes will come out golden brown and crispy, with a soft and flavorful interior.

Ingredients and preparation

Ingredients

• Salmon: Fresh salmon is preferred, but you can also use canned salmon as a shortcut.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs will do the trick.
• Egg: This binds the ingredients together.
• Vegetables: Red/green bell peppers, red/yellow/white/green onions, garlic cloves, and parsley add colour, flavour, and texture to the croquettes.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, celery salt, and garlic powder are commonly used.
• Sauces: Mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mustard are used to add moisture and flavour to the mixture.
• Oil: Avocado oil, olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for frying.

Preparation

• Cook the salmon: Start by cooking the salmon on low heat, skin side down, for about 10-12 minutes. Then, remove the skin and shred the salmon, removing any bones.
• Sauté the vegetables: In a separate pan, sauté the bell peppers and onions. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded salmon, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, spices, and sauces.
• Form the croquettes: Use your hands to scoop and shape the mixture into small oval-shaped croquettes.
• Fry the croquettes: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the croquettes in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• Serve: Salmon croquettes go well with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or cucumber dill sauce. They can also be served with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking methods

Salmon croquettes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and air frying. Here is a detailed description of each cooking method:

Baking

Salmon croquettes can be baked in the oven as a healthier and less messy alternative to frying. To bake salmon croquettes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the croquettes on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. You can also bake them at a higher temperature of 425°F for 13-15 minutes or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking salmon croquettes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. To pan-fry, heat oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the croquettes to the skillet and cook for 2-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. It is important not to overcrowd the skillet and to leave enough space for even cooking and crisping.

Air Frying

Air frying is another option for cooking salmon croquettes. To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the croquettes in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then flip the croquettes, spray with additional oil, and cook for another 4-6 minutes until they are golden brown.

Storage and Reheating

Salmon croquettes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours before cooking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the croquettes in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• For best results, it is recommended to pan-fry the croquettes instead of baking, as baking may result in drier croquettes.
• When pan-frying, ensure the oil is hot before adding the croquettes to prevent them from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy.
• To prevent the croquettes from falling apart, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• For air frying, it is recommended to freeze the croquettes for about 30 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.
• For even cooking, thaw frozen croquettes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To prevent overcrowding when pan-frying, cook the croquettes in batches and keep the finished ones warm in a low-temperature oven while cooking the rest.

Dipping sauces

Salmon croquettes are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for delicious sauces to accompany your croquettes:

Tartar Sauce

A classic choice for fish dishes, tartar sauce is a perfect pairing for salmon croquettes. It adds a creamy, tangy flavour that complements the crispy exterior and tender interior of the croquettes. You can opt for a Japanese-style tartar sauce, which is fruity and tangy, or go for the classic Western variety.

Lemon Wedges

The acidity of lemon juice cuts through the richness of salmon, making it a refreshing choice. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness to the dish and enhances the flavour of the croquettes.

Spicy Sriracha Dipping Sauce

For those who enjoy a little kick, a spicy sriracha dipping sauce is a great option. The combination of sriracha, lemon juice, fresh dill, and mayonnaise creates a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the croquettes.

Greek Yogurt Sauce

For a healthier option, a sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, and herbs is a delicious choice. It has a tangy, zippy, and creamy flavour that will elevate your croquettes.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is a zesty and creamy option that pairs perfectly with salmon croquettes. It is typically made with mayo, horseradish sauce, pickle juice, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. This sauce adds a spicy kick and a tangy, briny flavour to the dish.

Dill Sauce

Dill sauce is another excellent choice for salmon croquettes. This simple sauce is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, dried dill, and salt. It adds a creamy richness to the croquettes without being too heavy.

Green Salad

While not a dipping sauce per se, serving your salmon croquettes with a green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the dish. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing of a green salad provide a nice balance to the crispy, savoury croquettes.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and dips to find your favourite pairing for salmon croquettes!

Storing and reheating

Storing Salmon Croquettes:

Salmon croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or 3-4 days after cooking. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual patties tightly in wax paper and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salmon Croquettes:

The best way to reheat salmon croquettes depends on your personal preference and equipment. Here are some options:

• Oven: Place the croquettes on a rimmed baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in an oven preheated to 350-375°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and the interior is heated through.
• Microwave: Place the croquettes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
• Steamer: Place the croquettes in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate over simmering water and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

When reheating salmon croquettes, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as overheating, using too much heat, not covering the croquettes, overcrowding the cooking vessel, and not letting them come to room temperature before reheating. Enjoy your delicious and crispy salmon croquettes!

Variations

There are several ways to vary the ingredients and preparation of salmon croquettes. Here are some suggestions:

• Breadcrumbs: Instead of using classic breadcrumbs, opt for Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter, stays crunchier, and doesn't absorb as much oil, resulting in crispier croquettes.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to add a unique flavour profile. Fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, parsley, chives, basil, Italian seasoning, or herbes de Provence can be used.
• Cheese: For a decadent touch, add some Parmesan, feta, or mozzarella cheese to the croquette mixture.
• Spices: Try different spice blends to give your croquettes a kick. Greek, jerk, taco seasoning, or Cajun mixes pair well with salmon if you like a bit of heat.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve your salmon croquettes with a creamy dipping sauce. A simple sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, and herbs is a tasty alternative to tartar sauce.
• Cooking Method: While pan-frying is a popular choice, you can also bake your salmon croquettes in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray the basket with oil. Place the croquettes in the basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown.
• Salmon Type: You can use either fresh or canned salmon for your croquettes. Canned salmon is more cost-effective and convenient, while fresh salmon will give your croquettes a better flavour.
• Sides: Salmon croquettes go well with a variety of sides. Try a green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, lemon wedges, or classic sides like mashed potatoes, couscous, or pasta salad.

Frequently asked questions