Crispy Air-Fried Salmon Cakes: A Quick And Healthy Recipe

Salmon cakes are a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. This method of cooking allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and flavorful. Here's a guide on how to make these tasty treats: Start by mixing flaked salmon with mashed potatoes, eggs, and your choice of seasoning. Shape the mixture into patties and coat them with breadcrumbs. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then place the salmon cakes inside. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with a tangy sauce or your favorite dip for a quick and tasty meal.

Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh salmon, flour, eggs, and spices

To begin making salmon cakes, you'll need to gather your fresh ingredients. Start by selecting high-quality, fresh salmon fillets. Look for firm, bright-colored fish with minimal moisture. The ideal fillet should be about 6 ounces (170 grams) per person, allowing for a generous portion in each cake.

Next, prepare your dry ingredients. Sift 1 cup (120 grams) of all-purpose flour to ensure a smooth batter. This flour will provide the structure for your cakes. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. The eggs will act as the binding agent, holding the salmon and other ingredients together.

Now, it's time to add some flavor. Prepare a spice blend by combining salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick). You can also include other spices like paprika or dried herbs such as dill or parsley, depending on your preference.

Finally, chop the salmon into small, bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and a well-distributed flavor throughout the cakes. Aim for a consistent texture, cutting the salmon into small cubes or flakes.

With these fresh ingredients prepared, you're now ready to move on to the next step of the recipe, where you'll mix and shape the salmon cakes.

Mix and Shape: Combine salmon, flour, and spices, then form into patties

To begin, ensure you have fresh salmon fillets, flour, and a variety of spices ready. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get the cooking process going. While the air fryer heats up, it's time to prepare the salmon. Cut the fillets into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are not too large to ensure even cooking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon pieces with an equal amount of flour. You can adjust the flour quantity based on the desired thickness of your salmon cakes. Add your choice of spices; common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until the salmon is evenly coated with the flour and spices. You can use your hands or a fork for this step, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Now, it's time to shape the mixture into patties. Take a small amount of the mixture in your hand and gently flatten it to form a patty. Be careful not to make them too thick, as this can lead to dry salmon cakes. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). You can use a cookie scoop or a small glass to help you get consistent shapes. Place the patties on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, ensuring you space the patties slightly apart to allow for even cooking.

Once all the patties are formed, you're ready for the final step before cooking. Brush the patties with a little oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. This step is optional but recommended for a better texture. Now, carefully place the patties in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your air fryer's power. Always ensure the salmon cakes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, with no pink remaining in the center. Enjoy your crispy, delicious salmon cakes as a snack or a light meal!

Air Fry: Place patties in the air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes

To cook salmon cakes in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure a crispy exterior and a moist, flaky interior. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect result:

Preparation:

• Ingredients: You'll need salmon fillets, eggs, breadcrumbs, your choice of spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder), and any desired toppings or fillings.
• Mince the Salmon: Start by mincing the salmon. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife. Aim for a fine texture.
• Mix and Shape: In a bowl, combine the minced salmon with eggs, breadcrumbs, and your chosen spices. Mix until well combined. Then, gently shape the mixture into patties. Aim for a thickness of around 1 inch.

Air Frying:

• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon moist.
• Arranging the Patties: Carefully place the salmon patties in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't touch each other to allow for even cooking.
• Cooking Time: Cook the patties for approximately 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish: Once cooked, serve the salmon cakes with a variety of garnishes. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a side of crispy vegetables are excellent choices.
• Sauces: Offer a selection of sauces on the side, such as a creamy herb sauce, a tangy lemon sauce, or a spicy mayo.
• Accompaniments: Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Flip and Cook: Turn patties halfway through for even cooking

When preparing salmon cakes in an air fryer, flipping the patties is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and a perfectly cooked result. This simple technique allows for better heat distribution, ensuring that no part of the cake remains undercooked or overdone. Here's a detailed guide on how to flip and cook your salmon cakes:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. This step is essential to ensure that the cakes cook evenly from the beginning. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your salmon cakes. Form the salmon mixture into patties of your preferred size and thickness. It's important to handle the fish gently to avoid breaking it down too much, as this can lead to a soggy texture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the salmon cakes inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of cakes, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set a timer for the cooking time, which will vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your air fryer's power. A good starting point is around 10-12 minutes, but always check the cakes' progress after the initial cooking time.

Now, for the flipping part: After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each patty using a pair of tongs or a spatula. This step is crucial for even cooking. By flipping, you expose the previously uncooked side to the hot air, allowing it to cook through. Be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking the cakes. Press down slightly on the patties with the spatula to ensure they make good contact with the air fryer basket.

After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time, which will again depend on your specific setup. Keep an eye on the cakes, and if you notice any raw spots, you can cook them for a little longer. Remember, the goal is to achieve a golden-brown color and a firm texture throughout. Once done, remove the salmon cakes from the air fryer and serve them immediately.

By following this simple flipping technique, you'll ensure that your salmon cakes are cooked evenly, resulting in a delicious and perfectly cooked meal. This method is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and a moist, flaky interior in your air-fried salmon cakes. Enjoy your healthy and tasty treat!

Serve: Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of your choice

When it comes to serving your air-fried salmon cakes, a simple yet refreshing squeeze of lemon can elevate the dish and bring out the flavors. Here's how you can prepare this final touch:

• Start by preparing a fresh lemon. Rinse it under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the lemon in half. You can also use a citrus juicer if you have one.
• Squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon cakes. The amount of juice you use will depend on your preference for tartness. For a more intense lemon flavor, consider using the juice of one whole lemon. For a milder taste, you can use half a lemon or even less, depending on the desired acidity.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper to the lemon juice. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural taste of the salmon and complement the other ingredients in the cake.
• If you're serving the salmon cakes with a side dish, consider pairing them with a refreshing salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich, flaky salmon. Alternatively, a warm roasted vegetable side, such as carrots or bell peppers, can also be a great option to balance the flavors.

Remember, the key to a successful serving is to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon cakes without overwhelming them. A squeeze of lemon is a classic and effective way to achieve this, providing a bright and tangy finish to your air-fried culinary creation.

Frequently asked questions