Air-Fryer Salmon Cakes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Salmon cakes are a delicious and healthy snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The cakes are made with salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices, and are cooked in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender interior. The cooking time for salmon cakes in an air fryer varies depending on the model and desired level of crispiness, but generally, they are cooked for around 8-15 minutes at 390°F. The patties should be golden brown and crispy when done.

How to make salmon cakes

Ingredients

• Canned or fresh salmon
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. red or green bell peppers, onions, parsley, scallions, dill)
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. lemon juice, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• In a medium or large bowl, combine the salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, and any vegetables and seasonings you wish to include. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop out the salmon mixture and shape it into patties. The patties should be around 1 inch thick and of equal thickness and size to ensure even cooking.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the patties into the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded or overlapping, as this will affect the crispiness of the cakes.
• Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 8-12 minutes, until the patties are golden brown. Turn the patties over halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• You can add extra flavour to the salmon cakes by using fresh herbs and spices, or by garnishing with vegetables and seasonings.
• If you are using canned salmon, make sure to remove the bones first.
• You can store uncooked salmon cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place the salmon cakes in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking salmon cakes in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 375°F and 400°F. For example, one recipe suggests preheating to 390°F and cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and golden brown. Another recipe with a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F recommends flipping the patties halfway through for even cooking.

It is important to note that the size and wattage of your air fryer may impact the cooking time and temperature. For instance, larger air fryers may require a higher temperature or longer cooking time to achieve the desired level of doneness. Additionally, the number of patties cooked simultaneously can affect the cooking time. It is generally recommended to cook 2-4 patties at a time to ensure even cooking and adequate air circulation.

To ensure crispy salmon cakes, it is crucial to create evenly sized patties and avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. The use of cooking spray or oil can also enhance the crispiness and browning of the patties. Some recipes suggest spraying the patties with oil at the beginning and during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to restore moisture and promote a golden brown color.

When reheating refrigerated or frozen salmon cakes in the air fryer, adjust the temperature and time accordingly. For refrigerated salmon cakes, reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Frozen salmon cakes can be reheated in the air fryer, but it is recommended to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Oil spray and seasoning

When it comes to oil spray and seasoning for salmon cakes in an air fryer, there are several options to choose from. Firstly, it is recommended to use cooking spray on the air fryer basket or tray before placing the salmon patties inside. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures a crispy exterior. Olive oil cooking spray is a popular choice, as it is less likely to clog your air fryer over time. However, you can also use avocado oil spray or vegetable oil spray.

Once you've prepared your salmon mixture and formed it into patties, it's time to season and spray them. You can season your salmon cakes with a variety of herbs and spices, such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or even a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce. For a Nordic-inspired flavour, try adding dill and capers. If you prefer Asian-inspired flavours, a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of Sriracha will do the trick. You can also add curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour.

After seasoning, lightly mist or spritz both sides of the patties with cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it helps the patties to brown and achieve that desirable golden colour. It also helps to prevent sticking and ensures a crispy texture. You can use olive oil cooking spray, avocado oil spray, or vegetable oil spray for this step as well.

During the cooking process, you may want to spray the patties with oil again, especially during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This extra boost of oil helps to restore moisture to the exterior of the patties and enhances their golden-brown colour.

Finally, when serving your salmon cakes, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or serving them with a tangy sauce such as remoulade, which can be made by combining mayo, lemon juice, and capers.

Storing and reheating

If you want to freeze your salmon cakes, it's best to freeze them uncooked. Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the salmon cakes to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen salmon cakes, remove them from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through, or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

If you're short on time, you can also reheat your salmon cakes in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through.

Salmon cakes are a delicious and easy meal that can be made ahead of time and stored for future meals. They are a great way to use up leftover salmon and are versatile, allowing you to use fresh, wild, or canned salmon. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a crispy exterior with a tender interior, they are a tasty and healthy meal option.

Serving suggestions

Salmon cakes are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried salmon cakes:

As a Starter or Appetizer

Salmon cakes can be served as a tasty starter or appetizer before a main meal. They are perfect for this as they are quick and easy to make, and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.

As a Main Course

Salmon cakes can be served as a main course, perhaps with a side of mashed or boiled potatoes and a simple steamed vegetable such as broccoli or green beans. They also go well with rice bowls, or served in a bowl with rice and roasted or steamed vegetables.

As a Salad Topping

Salmon cakes can be a great addition to a salad. Try them on a bed of spring greens, spinach, or arugula, or romaine, with avocado, cherry tomatoes, or other vegetables. They can be eaten hot or cold, so are perfect for a salad.

As a Sandwich or Slider

Salmon cakes are delicious served in a bun, perhaps with some remoulade sauce or other sauce, such as mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup. They can also be served as mini sliders, or small sandwiches.

With a Sauce

Salmon cakes are often served with a sauce, such as dill sauce, Dijon mustard, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, garlic aioli, or creamy dill dip. You could also make your own sauce by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, and capers.

With a Side of Vegetables

Salmon cakes can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as Parmesan asparagus fries, quinoa salad with kale and cranberries, or garlic butter mushrooms. They also go well with fresh lemon wedges or lemon juice to add a tangy flavour.

Frequently asked questions