Air-Fryer Salmon Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy weeknight meal. The cooking time will depend on the size of the patty and your desired temperature, but generally, they will need around 10-15 minutes in the air fryer, with no need to defrost them first.

Cooking Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer

Frozen salmon burgers can be cooked in an air fryer straight from the freezer

To cook frozen salmon burgers in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the frozen salmon burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd or overlap them. The air needs to be able to circulate properly to cook the burgers evenly. You can add a thin layer of oil to the top of the burgers for extra color and crispiness, but this is optional.

Next, air fry the salmon burgers for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown. Depending on the size of your patties, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. They are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Once the burgers are done cooking, remove them from the basket and serve them with your favorite toppings and condiments on a fresh toasted bun or over a salad.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you ensure that your salmon burgers cook evenly and efficiently. This temperature is hot enough to create a good crisp on the outside of your salmon burgers while cooking them thoroughly.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by checking your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. Each air fryer model may have slightly different preheating functions and temperature settings. Familiarize yourself with the controls and preheat settings of your air fryer to ensure optimal performance.

In general, to preheat your air fryer to 400°F, you will need to turn on the air fryer and set the desired temperature. Most air fryers have a preheat function that you can select, which will automatically bring the appliance to the set temperature. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, you can manually preheat it by setting the temperature to 400°F and waiting a few minutes until the appliance reaches the desired temperature.

While preheating, you may also want to prepare your salmon burgers by seasoning them with salt and pepper and spraying or brushing the air fryer basket with oil. This step ensures that your salmon burgers don't stick to the basket and also adds a layer of flavor and crispiness to the patties.

Once your air fryer reaches 400°F, you can carefully place your seasoned salmon burgers inside, ensuring they are in a single layer without stacking or overlapping. This arrangement allows proper airflow and even cooking. From here, you can proceed with the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray

Lightly greasing the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray is an important step in preparing your air fryer to cook salmon burgers. This step ensures that your salmon burgers will not stick to the basket, making it easier to remove them once they are cooked. It also helps to create a crispier exterior on your burgers.

There are a few different ways that you can grease your air fryer basket. One common method is to use a non-stick spray, which you can easily apply in a light and even layer. This method is recommended by several sources and is a convenient way to ensure that your salmon burgers will not stick.

Another option is to lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil. You can use a pastry brush or similar tool to apply a thin layer of oil to the basket. This method adds a little extra crispness to the exterior of your salmon burgers and can also help with the clean-up process afterward. If you don't have a pastry brush, you can also use a paper towel to gently rub oil onto the basket.

It is important to note that the type of oil you use is also important. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without smoking or burning, which can affect the taste of your food.

In addition to greasing the air fryer basket, you may also want to consider adding a thin layer of oil to the top of your salmon burgers. This step is optional but can enhance the color and crispiness of the burgers. You can simply drizzle a small amount of oil over the burgers before placing them in the air fryer.

By taking the time to properly grease your air fryer basket and prepare your salmon burgers, you can ensure that they will cook evenly, release easily from the basket, and have a delicious crispy exterior.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through

To cook salmon burgers in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You should also coat the air fryer basket with oil to make cleaning up easier. Place the salmon burgers in the basket in a single layer, without stacking or overlapping them, as this will ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking salmon burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. For frozen salmon burgers, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can check for doneness around the 10-minute mark, depending on the size of your patties. It is important to ensure that the salmon burgers reach an internal temperature of 145°F before consuming them. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If the salmon burgers have not reached this temperature after 12 minutes, you can add an additional 2-4 minutes to the cooking time.

For fresh salmon burgers, the cooking time is slightly shorter. One source recommends cooking fresh salmon burgers for 6 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Another source suggests cooking for 8 minutes, then spraying the tops of the burgers with non-stick spray and cooking for a final 5 minutes.

Salmon burgers are a great option for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, as they can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer. They are also versatile and can be served in a bun with traditional toppings, wrapped in lettuce, or on top of a salad with your favorite vegetables.

Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving

It is important to ensure that your salmon burgers are cooked to the correct internal temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses. The FDA recommends that fish be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. This is considered a food safe temperature, ensuring that any harmful bacteria have been killed.

To check the internal temperature of your salmon burgers, you can use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger patty. If you do not have an instant-read thermometer, you can also use a meat thermometer or a digital thermometer. It is important to note that the temperature should be read immediately after removing the burger from the air fryer, as the temperature will continue to rise if left undisturbed.

If the internal temperature of your salmon burger has not reached 145°F, you can continue cooking it in the air fryer in 2-minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be sure to check the temperature after each interval to prevent overcooking.

Once your salmon burger has reached the desired internal temperature, you can serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Frequently asked questions