Air-Fried Salmon Patty Perfection: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

how do you cook salmon patties in an air fryer

Salmon patties are a quick, easy, and healthy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a great way to use leftover salmon or canned salmon, and turn it into something delicious and nutritious. The patties are full of protein and can be made in just a few simple steps. They can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course, and can be paired with various sauces and sides.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Fresh or canned salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, etc.
Preparation Mix ingredients, form into patties, spray with oil, and air fry
Cook Time 8-12 minutes at 390-400°F
Equipment Air fryer
Storage Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months

cycookery

Salmon patty ingredients

Salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be made with either fresh or canned salmon. If you're using canned salmon, simply drain and remove the bones and skin before flaking the fish. You can also use leftover cooked salmon or fresh salmon fillets, which should be shredded or flaked.

To make the salmon mixture, you'll need a binder such as eggs, crushed saltines, or breadcrumbs (panko is a good option). The binder helps to keep the patties together during cooking. You'll also want to add some flavourful ingredients like onion, garlic, dill, lemon juice or zest, and capers. Seasonings like Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper can also be added according to your taste preferences. Some recipes also include bell peppers, parsley, or other vegetables and spices.

If you're using eggs as your binder, beat the eggs in a large bowl and then crumble or flake the salmon into the mixture. If you're using breadcrumbs or crushed saltines, combine them with the rest of your ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix everything together until it's well combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your patties.

Once your mixture is ready, form it into patties. A measuring cup can help you portion out the mixture and shape it into evenly sized patties. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch. If your mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or crushed saltines. You can also freeze the salmon mixture for about 10 minutes to help it hold its shape.

cycookery

Air fryer prep

To cook salmon patties in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare the salmon mixture. You can use either fresh or canned salmon for this recipe. If you're using canned salmon, make sure to remove any bones and skin, then chop or flake the salmon. If you're using fresh salmon, you'll need to cook it before shredding or flaking it.

In a medium or large bowl, combine the salmon with your choice of seasonings and binding agents. Some common seasoning options include onion, garlic, dill, lemon juice or zest, salt, and pepper. For binding, you can use eggs, breadcrumbs, panko, crushed crackers, or gluten-free bread crumbs. You may also add some mayonnaise, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the patties.

Once your salmon mixture is ready, you can start prepping your air fryer. Place a piece of air fryer parchment paper in the basket, or spray it with oil or non-stick cooking spray. This step will help prevent the patties from sticking to the basket and ensure they cook evenly.

Now, it's time to shape your patties. Use a measuring cup to scoop out equal portions of the salmon mixture, then gently pat or shape them into patties that are about 1 inch thick. This consistent size and shape will ensure even cooking. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation and crisping.

Finally, give the patties a light spray with oil or cooking spray. This step will help them brown and crisp during cooking. You can also add an extra spritz of oil during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to enhance the colour and texture.

cycookery

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon patties in an air fryer depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of patties you are cooking, and your desired level of crispiness.

Most recipes recommend cooking salmon patties in an air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes at 390°F (200°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F for a shorter duration of 8 to 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer. For example, if you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes before adding the patties to ensure even cooking from the start.

To achieve a crispy exterior, it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this would block air circulation. Leave some space between each patty to allow them to crisp up properly. Spraying the patties with oil at the start of cooking and again during the last 1-2 minutes can also enhance crispiness and browning.

For soft and succulent salmon patties, avoid overmixing the ingredients and use just enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together. Overmixing and excess breadcrumbs can lead to dry and crumbly patties.

To ensure the salmon patties are fully cooked, use an instant thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the patty. The ideal internal temperature for cooked salmon is 375°F.

cycookery

Serving suggestions

Salmon patties cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Salads and Vegetables

Salmon patties pair well with fresh, green salads. You can serve them on a bed of spring greens, spinach, or arugula, with lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice on the side. They also go well with cherry tomatoes and avocado, and other vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans. If you're looking for a more substantial salad, try a quinoa salad with kale and cranberries.

Sauces and Dips

A variety of sauces and dips can accompany your salmon patties. Lemon wedges, lemon tahini dressing, tartar sauce, and remoulade sauce (made with mayo, lemon juice, and capers) are all excellent choices. For a Nordic-inspired flavor, add dill and capers, or go Asian-inspired with soy sauce and Sriracha. A splash of dill pickle juice can also be a nice addition.

Sliders and Bowls

Salmon patties are versatile and can be served in sliders or potato buns, topped with remoulade sauce. They also work well in rice bowls or buddha bowls, providing a good source of protein.

Sides and Main Courses

For a heartier meal, serve the salmon patties with mashed or boiled potatoes, Parmesan asparagus fries, or garlic butter mushrooms. They can also be a tasty addition to your breakfast, paired with scrambled eggs.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or air fryer when needed. They can also be frozen for up to a month and heated directly from frozen in the air fryer or oven.

With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your air-fried salmon patties in a variety of ways, ensuring that this quick and healthy meal remains exciting and flavorful.

cycookery

Storage and reheating

To store salmon patties, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To do this, form the patties, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet. Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe container.

When you're ready to eat them, thaw the patties in the refrigerator, then cook them according to your recipe. You can reheat the patties in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, or in the microwave until warm. If reheating in the air fryer, heat it to 350°F, then put the patties into the basket and spray them with oil. Reheat for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions

It takes around 10 minutes to cook salmon patties in an air fryer. This includes 3 minutes of pre-heating the air fryer and 7 minutes to cook the salmon patties.

Set your air fryer to 390°F or 200°C. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 360°F or 375°F.

You will need salmon fresh or canned, eggs, breadcrumbs or panko, and seasoning. You can also add onion, dill, lemon juice, and mustard.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment