Air-Fried Salmon Patty Perfection: Quick Cooking Tips

how long cook salmon patties in air fryer

Salmon patties are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The patties are made with fresh or canned salmon and various seasonings, and they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time for salmon patties in an air fryer depends on the temperature setting and the size of the patties, but on average, they take around 8-12 minutes to cook at temperatures between 390°F and 400°F.

Characteristics Values
Temperature 390°F-400°F (200°C)
Cook Time 8-12 minutes
Flip Time After 3 minutes, or halfway through cooking
Spray Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray
Patty Thickness 1 inch
Patty Diameter 3-4 inches
Number of Batches 2-4 patties at a time
Preheat Time 3 minutes
Reheat Time 5 minutes
Storage Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months

cycookery

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The ideal temperature and cooking time for salmon patties in an air fryer depends on the type of air fryer you have and your desired level of crispiness.

Most sources recommend cooking salmon patties at 390°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes. However, one source suggests cooking at 350°F, while another suggests 400°F. It's worth noting that lower temperatures may result in drier and less crispy salmon patties.

To ensure even cooking and browning, it's recommended to flip the patties halfway through the cooking process. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper air circulation and crisping.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the position of the patties in the air fryer oven, so it's important to keep an eye on them during the cooking process. Additionally, for the crispiest results, it's recommended to spray the patties with oil at the start of the cooking time and again during the last 1–2 minutes.

For food safety, it's important to ensure that the salmon patties are fully cooked. An instant thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty should register 375°F when fully cooked.

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, be sure to drain and remove the skin and bones, unless you enjoy the texture of the bones. You can also use leftover cooked salmon.

To make salmon patties, you'll need a binder to hold the mixture together. This can be eggs, mayonnaise, or a combination of both. For texture and flavour, add in some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, such as Ritz crackers, and season with salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or green onion can be added for a boost of flavour and colour. If you like a kick of spice, include some garlic, paprika, or chopped jalapeño. A squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest will also brighten up the flavours. You can also add in some mustard for an extra tang.

If you're using fresh salmon, simply combine the salmon with your desired ingredients, forming the mixture into patties. If using canned salmon, you may want to mash the salmon before mixing in the other ingredients. Be sure to add enough binder and dry ingredients to ensure the mixture holds together. You can always adjust the consistency by adding more breadcrumbs or crackers if the mixture is too wet, or a bit of the reserved salmon liquid if it's too dry.

Once you've formed the salmon mixture into patties, they're ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

cycookery

How to form the salmon patties

To form the salmon patties, start by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl and mixing them together. Use a spatula to ensure everything is well combined. Next, measure out the patties by packing the salmon mixture into a 1/2 cup measuring cup, then tapping it out into your palm.

Now, it's time to shape the patties. Gently pat the mixture to form a patty that is no more than 1 inch thick and of equal thickness across. It's important that the patties are of uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Aim for a diameter of about 2 to 3 inches and a thickness of 1/2 to 1 inch. You can use a biscuit cutter or the palm of your hand to help shape them.

If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a bit of the reserved liquid from the canned salmon or a tablespoon of mayonnaise. On the other hand, if it's too wet and sticky, incorporate more breadcrumbs or shredded bread to help bind the mixture and make it easier to shape.

Once you've formed the patties, cover and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. This step is optional but will make the patties easier to handle when cooking.

cycookery

How to store and reheat salmon patties

Storing salmon patties

If you have leftover salmon patties, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating salmon patties in an air fryer

To reheat salmon patties in an air fryer, first, let the patties thaw overnight in the refrigerator if they were frozen. Then, heat the air fryer to 350°F to 380°F and put the patties into the basket. Spray the patties with oil and heat for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating salmon patties in an oven

To reheat salmon patties in an oven, put the patties in the oven and heat at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Reheating salmon patties on a stovetop

To reheat salmon patties on a stovetop, preheat a cooking pan over medium-low heat. If the pan is non-stick, you may not need to add oil. Place the patties in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.

Reheating salmon patties in a microwave

It is not recommended to reheat seafood in a microwave as it yields the least crispy reheated salmon cakes. However, if you wish to do so, place the patties in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

cycookery

What to serve with salmon patties

Salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

As a Main Course

Salmon patties can be served as a main course alongside various side dishes. Some options include Parmesan asparagus fries, quinoa salad with kale and cranberries, or garlic butter mushrooms. Serving them with a salad is also a great option, and they can be eaten cold or reheated.

In a Bun

Salmon patties can be served in a bun, similar to a burger. You can add toppings such as avocado, fresh tomato, spinach, or a blackening seasoning. Homemade buns made with your favourite bread recipe can elevate this dish.

As an Appetizer or Side

Salmon patties can also be served as an appetizer or side dish. They can be paired with various sauces for dipping, such as tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or a black pepper lemon aioli.

With Grains

Grains such as rice, couscous, or quinoa also complement salmon patties well. For example, lemon rice, made by adding lemon juice and zest, fresh garlic, and parsley to a pot of rice, adds a zingy, citrusy flavour.

With Vegetables

Salmon patties can be served with a variety of vegetables, either cooked or raw. Some options include arugula salad, carrot salad, broiled asparagus, sautéed broccolini, or a classic cucumber salad. Baked sweet potato fries are another tasty side dish that pairs well with salmon patties.

With Slaw

A creamy coleslaw can be a perfect pairing with salmon patties, especially if it has a healthy spin, with less mayo and no refined sugar.

With Other Proteins

Salmon patties can be served with other proteins, such as eggs, to make a more substantial meal. For example, they can be served with a quinoa salad that includes protein-rich chickpeas.

Frequently asked questions

Cook the salmon patties in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes at 390°F to 400°F.

Set the temperature to 390°F to 400°F.

Combine the salmon with eggs, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and panko. Form the mixture into patties and place them in the air fryer. Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook 2-4 patties at a time. Make sure there is space between each patty to allow for air circulation and even cooking.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment