Air-Fryer Salmon Patties: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon patties, yielding a crispy exterior and a tender interior without the use of oil. The patties are easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a special sauce such as remoulade, garlic aioli, or creamy dill dip. They can also be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and bowls.

How to make salmon patties in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make salmon patties in an air fryer:

• Canned or fresh salmon
• Panko or breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Onions or onion powder
• Lemon juice or lemon zest
• Mayonnaise
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dill (dried or fresh)
• Optional: garlic powder, seafood seasoning, parsley, cilantro, green onions, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, etc.

Method

• Prepare the salmon by draining and flaking it. If using canned salmon, you may also want to remove the skin and bones.
• In a large bowl, combine the salmon with the rest of the ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Form the mixture into equally-sized patties. You can use a measuring cup to ensure they are all the same size.
• Place the patties into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray or oil.
• Cook the patties in the air fryer at a temperature between 360-400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve the salmon patties with your choice of sides and sauces, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or garlic aioli.

Tips

• You can store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze uncooked patties, form them into the desired shape and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat the patties, you can place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

What ingredients are needed

Making salmon patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty and healthy meal. The patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

• Salmon: You can use fresh or canned salmon for your patties. If you're using canned salmon, drain and flake it. You can also remove the skin and bones, although these add extra nutrition to your meal.
• Binder: You will need something to bind the salmon together. This could be eggs, panko (gluten-free if necessary), breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers.
• Seasoning: Add your choice of seasoning to taste. Suggested seasonings include dill, Old Bay, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and lemon zest.
• Mayonnaise: Any type of mayonnaise can be used.
• Oil: You will need to spray your air fryer with oil to prevent sticking. Avocado oil or olive oil non-stick spray are recommended.
• Extras: You can add extras like onions, lemon juice, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour of your salmon patties.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for salmon patties in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend cooking the patties for a total of 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. However, some recipes suggest cooking the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, for a total of 6 to 8 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time, check the doneness of the patties, and then add more time as needed. Additionally, it is suggested to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the salmon patties have reached the proper internal temperature. Seafood, such as salmon, is considered safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit or 63 degrees Celsius.

To achieve the desired level of crispiness, some recipes suggest spraying the patties with oil at the beginning of the cooking process and again during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. This helps the patties to brown and adds moisture to the exterior.

What type of salmon to use

Salmon patties can be made with either fresh or canned salmon. If you're using fresh salmon, make sure it's cooked and flaked before forming it into patties. Canned salmon is a popular choice for salmon patties because it's convenient and affordable.

When choosing canned salmon, look for sustainable fishing practices on the label. You can choose between skinless and skin-on options, as well as between different varieties of salmon. The most common types of canned salmon are pink and red salmon. Pink salmon is more cost-effective, while red salmon has a stronger flavour. If you opt for skin-on salmon, you can choose to remove the skin and bones or crush the bones and mix them into the patties.

Fresh salmon options include smoked salmon, which can add a unique flavour to your patties. You can also use leftover cooked salmon to form into patties.

When preparing salmon patties, it's important to have a binder to hold the mixture together. Common binders include eggs, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs or panko.

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating salmon patties is simple. Firstly, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, there are several methods you can use. You can reheat the patties in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, or in the oven. If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to pan-fry the patties first, and then finish them off in the oven.

Other reheating methods include using a stovetop, grill, or microwave. However, the microwave is not recommended due to the strong fishy aroma it produces.

When reheating, it's important to avoid high temperatures as this can dry out the patties. A low temperature of around 275-325°F is best, and it's also beneficial to cover the patties with foil to prevent them from drying out and to reduce cooking smells.

Frequently asked questions