Air-Fried Salmon Burger: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

how to cook a salmon burger in the air fryer

Salmon burgers are a healthy alternative to beef burgers, adding omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats to your diet. They are also delicious and can be cooked in an air fryer in a few minutes. You can use fresh or canned salmon to make the salmon mixture, adding binders like eggs and panko to keep the fish together. The patties are then placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 10 minutes at 400°F or until golden brown.

How to cook a salmon burger in the air fryer

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Fresh or canned salmon, breadcrumbs/panko, egg, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, avocado/olive oil, salt, pepper, seasonings, herbs
Tools Air fryer, food processor (optional), meat thermometer
Preparation Combine ingredients, form into patties, freeze for 10 minutes to 1 hour, preheat air fryer to 380-400°F, coat air fryer basket with oil
Cooking Time 8-12 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping halfway through
Temperature Internal temperature should reach 145°F
Serving Suggestions Serve on a bun with toppings such as lemon juice, salad, remoulade sauce, or pair with sides like roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
Storage Freeze cooked burgers for up to 3 months

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Salmon burger ingredients and prep

Salmon burgers are a healthy, delicious, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. You can use fresh or canned salmon to make the salmon patties, or you can use store-bought frozen salmon patties.

If you're making your own salmon patties, you'll need about a pound of fresh, skinless salmon or two six-ounce cans of salmon. You'll also need an egg, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and panko or breadcrumbs. Some recipes also call for lemon juice, capers, garlic powder, and scallions.

To prepare the salmon mixture, combine the egg, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl and mix well. Then, add the salmon and panko or breadcrumbs. If the mixture is too wet, add more panko or breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add a bit of mayo. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your preference. It's a good idea to freeze the patties for about 10-60 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

If you're using frozen salmon patties, you can simply preheat your air fryer and cook them according to the package instructions.

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Air fryer temperature and timing

However, it's important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your patties. For smaller or thinner patties, eight minutes may be sufficient, while larger or thicker patties may require up to 12 minutes or slightly more. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your burgers while they're cooking and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to flip the burgers halfway through the cooking process. This helps to achieve a consistent colour and texture on both sides of the patty. Additionally, some recipes suggest coating the air fryer basket with oil and adding a thin layer of oil to the tops of the burgers for extra colour and crispiness.

The desired internal temperature for salmon burgers is typically between 120°F and 145°F. Using an instant-read thermometer, you can check the temperature of the thickest part of the patty to ensure it has reached a safe and desired temperature before serving.

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Flipping and cooking salmon burgers

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You can then place the salmon burgers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. Spray the tops of the burgers with nonstick spray or oil, which is optional but will add extra colour and crispiness.

For fresh salmon burgers, cook for around 6-7 minutes and then flip the burgers. You can then add another layer of oil to the tops, if desired, before cooking for a further 5 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the patty, so it is recommended to check the temperature with a thermometer, which should usually read 120°-145°F when the burger is cooked.

For frozen salmon burgers, the process is similar, but the cooking time is slightly longer. Air fry the burgers for 12-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can check if the burgers are done around the 10-minute mark, depending on their size.

Salmon burgers are a great alternative to red meat burgers and can be served in a bun with traditional fixings, wrapped in lettuce, or on top of a salad with your favourite vegetables.

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Serving salmon burgers

Salmon burgers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. For a traditional burger experience, serve the salmon patty on a bun with your favourite toppings and condiments. If you're looking for something lighter, try wrapping the burger in fresh, crisp lettuce, or serve it on top of a salad with your choice of vegetables. Fried onion rings or shrimp are also great toppings, adding extra crunch and flavour.

Salmon burgers pair well with various side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving them with air fryer roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. If you're looking for something healthier, a quinoa salad with kale and cranberries, or a side of Parmesan asparagus fries, can be a great option. You can also serve the salmon burgers with a variety of sauces. A remoulade sauce made with mayo, lemon juice, and capers can add a tangy flavour, or you can use lemon zest instead of juice for a sharper lemon kick.

If you have leftover salmon burgers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. They are delicious when eaten cold on top of salads, but you can also reheat them in the microwave if you prefer your food warm.

Salmon burgers are a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights, as they can be cooked straight from the freezer in an air fryer, oven, or skillet, providing a healthy and delicious meal in just a few minutes.

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Storing and reheating salmon burgers

Storing salmon burgers

It is recommended to store leftover salmon burgers in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 2-4 days. It is best to store the buns, salmon burgers, and toppings separately.

Freezing salmon burgers

You can freeze salmon burgers, either cooked or uncooked, for up to 3 months. Wrap the burgers individually and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. To prepare a frozen salmon patty, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it.

Reheating salmon burgers

It is best to reheat salmon burgers in a pan or skillet over medium-low heat. You can also add a bit of water to the pan, then cover it to help the burgers steam. If you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to add oil. Reheat the salmon burgers on both sides until they are heated through.

You can also reheat salmon burgers in an air fryer for 5-6 minutes, or in the oven for 15 minutes.

It is not recommended to reheat seafood in the microwave, as it can cause a strong smell. However, if you do choose to reheat your salmon burger in the microwave, heat it for 1-2 minutes, until it is just barely warmed through.

Frequently asked questions

The best temperature to cook salmon burgers is 400°F | 200°C.

It takes 10-12 minutes to cook salmon burgers in an air fryer. Flip the burgers halfway through cooking.

To prepare salmon burgers, mix the salmon with eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, dill, mayo, mustard, and seasoning. Form the mixture into patties and place them in the air fryer basket.

Some good side dishes to serve with salmon burgers are air fryer roasted potatoes, air fryer sweet potato fries, Parmesan asparagus fries, quinoa salad, or garlic butter mushrooms.

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