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

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are also a great way to add omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats to your diet. Air-fried salmon burgers are especially delicious because they are greaseless and oil-free, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Choosing the right salmon

Salmon is a versatile and delicious fish that is enjoyed all over the world. It is packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. When it comes to choosing the right salmon for your salmon burgers, there are a few things to consider.

First, you'll want to decide on the type of salmon. Different types of salmon have different flavor profiles and textures, so choosing the right one can enhance your burger experience. Here are some popular options:

• Chinook/King Salmon: Native to the Pacific Ocean, Chinook salmon is known for its rich, buttery flavor and firm, meaty texture. It's a popular choice for grilling, smoking, and baking.
• Atlantic Salmon: This species is native to the Atlantic Ocean and has a milder taste compared to other salmon varieties. It has a rich, buttery flavor and a firm, flaky texture. Atlantic salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sockeye Salmon: Sockeye salmon is native to the Pacific Ocean and is known for its bright red flesh and rich, distinctive flavor. It's a popular choice for grilling, broiling, and baking.
• Coho Salmon: Also native to the Pacific Ocean, Coho salmon has a mild, delicate flavor and a tender, flaky texture. It's another good option for those who prefer a less fishy flavor.

When selecting salmon at the grocery store, there are a few key things to look for:

• Eyes: Clear and bright eyes indicate freshness. Avoid salmon with sunken or cloudy eyes.
• Gills: The gills of fresh salmon should be a deep red color.
• Skin: The skin should be shiny and slippery to the touch.
• Texture: When you pick up the salmon, it should feel firm, not floppy. Poke the flesh with your finger; it should spring back and not leave an indentation.
• Color: The flesh of fresh salmon should have a bright orange-red hue with nice marbling. Avoid any salmon with a dull or discolored appearance.
• Smell: Fresh salmon should not have any low-tide or unpleasant odors.

For salmon burgers, it is recommended to use fresh salmon instead of canned. Fresh salmon will make a huge difference in terms of flavor and greasiness. However, if you only have access to canned salmon, you can still use it. Just be aware that the cooking time may be shorter since canned salmon is already cooked.

When preparing the salmon for your burgers, remove any skin and pin bones, then chop the salmon into small pieces. A food processor can be useful for achieving the desired texture. Remember, you don't want to blend the salmon too much, as it should still have some chunks for texture.

By choosing the right type of salmon and selecting fresh, high-quality fish, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and nutritious salmon burgers in your air fryer!

Preparing the salmon patties

Once you have your salmon prepared, it's time to mix in the other ingredients. This can vary depending on your personal preferences, but common ingredients include breadcrumbs or panko, herbs, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and various seasonings. You can also add an egg to help bind the ingredients together. Simply mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined.

The next step is to form the mixture into patties. You can do this by hand or use a round biscuit cutter to get a more uniform shape. The size and thickness of the patties can vary, but they should generally be between 2 and 4 inches wide and about 2 inches thick.

Once you have formed your patties, it's a good idea to chill them in the fridge for about 10 minutes to help them hold their shape. This is especially important if your mixture is on the wetter side. If you find that your mixture is too wet, you can add some extra breadcrumbs or panko to help absorb some of the moisture.

After chilling, your salmon patties are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking the salmon burgers

Now, it's time to cook the salmon burgers in the air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F–400°F (190°C–200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with oil, such as avocado oil, or line it with parchment paper. Place the salmon patties in the basket, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, air fry the patties for 6–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The burgers are ready when they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

You can also cook frozen salmon burgers in the air fryer. Simply place the frozen patties in the air fryer basket and follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh burgers. If you are cooking frozen burgers on a stovetop or grill, you will need to adjust the cooking time to about 5 minutes per side.

Once your salmon burgers are cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble them. Spread mayonnaise on a brioche bun and place the salmon patty on top. Add your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, or pickles. You can also add a dollop of mayonnaise or tartar sauce on top of the patty before placing the other half of the bun. Enjoy your delicious and healthy salmon burger!

How to serve the salmon burgers

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are also incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

If you're looking for a classic burger experience, serve your salmon burger on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. You can also add your favourite condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard, or tartar sauce. For an extra flavour boost, try making a lemon and dill mayo by mixing together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh dill.

For a lighter option, serve your salmon burger over a salad or in a rice bowl. You can also pair it with quinoa salad, Parmesan asparagus fries, or garlic butter mushrooms. If you're feeling creative, try making a remoulade sauce or using tartar sauce instead of mayonnaise on your bun.

Salmon burgers can also be served as sliders, which are perfect for appetizers or when you want something a little more substantial than a single burger. You can also get creative with your toppings and add avocado, sautéed onions, or even shrimp.

Finally, don't forget that salmon burgers can be enjoyed as a main course or frozen for later. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months and can be reheated in the air fryer, oven, or stovetop.

Storing and reheating the salmon burgers

Storing your salmon burgers

If you have leftover salmon burgers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It's best to keep the sauce separate and ensure the container is airtight to preserve the flavour and texture of the burgers.

Freezing salmon burgers

Salmon burgers can be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze them, place wax or parchment paper between each patty and store them in a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a ziplock bag once frozen. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating your salmon burgers

There are several ways to reheat your salmon burgers:

• In an air fryer: Place the frozen salmon burgers in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions for fresh salmon burgers.
• On the stovetop: Reheat the burgers gently in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. You can add a splash of water to the pan and cover it to help the burgers steam and prevent them from drying out.
• In the oven: Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the salmon burgers in a pan, add a small amount of water, cover with foil, and reheat for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.
• In the microwave: While microwaving salmon can result in a strong fishy aroma, it is possible to reheat salmon burgers this way. Keep the heat low and reheat the burgers in short increments to reduce the odour.

Topping ideas for your salmon burgers

Salmon burgers are a versatile dish, and you can get creative with toppings and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tartar sauce
• Remoulade
• Aioli (wasabi, lemon, sesame soy, or herb)
• Salsa (classic tomato or fruit salsa)
• Avocado (mashed, diced, or sliced)
• Pickled vegetables (onions, carrots, cucumbers)
• Bacon

Grilled pineapple, fresh salsa, and avocado slices are also popular toppings for salmon burgers.

Now you know how to store and reheat your salmon burgers, you can enjoy them any time!

Frequently asked questions