Air-Fried Salmon Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, making them a nutritious option for any meal. Cooking salmon burgers in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to achieve a crispy exterior while retaining a juicy and tender texture. This method also reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make delicious salmon burgers using your air fryer.

Preparing the salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Start by getting your hands on some fresh salmon fillets, preferably skinless. If you're using salmon with skin, carefully remove it along with any pin bones present. Then, chop the salmon into small, even pieces. A good size to aim for is 1/4-inch cubes, but you can go slightly larger if needed.

Step 2: Process the Salmon

You'll be processing the salmon in a food processor to give it a coarser texture, which will help bind the patties. Place about a quarter of your chopped salmon into the food processor. Give it a couple of pulses to break down the salmon into smaller pieces, but be careful not to overprocess it. You're aiming for a mix of small and large chunks to give your burgers a good texture.

Step 3: Create the Binding Agent

In the same food processor, add your chosen binding ingredients to the salmon. This can include mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or scallions. You can also add some red onion for extra flavour. Give this mixture a good pulse until a thick paste forms. The binding agent will help hold your salmon burgers together, so make sure it's well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Transfer the processed salmon mixture to a large bowl. Add the remaining chopped salmon to this bowl, along with any additional dry ingredients like breadcrumbs (panko works great), dry dill, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, but ensure it's well combined.

Step 5: Form the Salmon Patties

Using a measuring cup or scoop, portion out the salmon mixture into equal parts. For a standard burger size, aim for about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture for each patty. Gently form the portions into patties using your hands. Try to make them uniform in size and shape for even cooking.

Step 6: Chill the Patties

Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Place the formed salmon patties on the prepared sheet and season them with salt and pepper. Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 10-60 minutes to chill. This step helps the patties firm up and makes them less prone to falling apart during cooking.

Your salmon patties are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer, spray the basket with oil, and follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipes. Enjoy your delicious, healthy salmon burgers!

Making the salmon mixture

Firstly, you will need to remove any skin and bones from your salmon fillet. Then, chop the salmon into small, even pieces. The size of these pieces will affect the texture of your final patty, so aim for a consistent size. Transfer a portion of the chopped salmon to a food processor. The amount of salmon you transfer can vary; some recipes suggest a quarter of the salmon, while others call for larger portions.

Next, add your wet ingredients to the food processor. This typically includes mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. You may also add herbs such as dill or scallions at this stage for extra flavour. Pulse the food processor until a thick paste forms. Be careful not to overprocess the salmon, as you still want to retain some texture in your final patty.

Once you have a paste, transfer the mixture to a large bowl containing the remaining chopped salmon. Mix the paste and salmon together, ensuring even distribution. At this stage, you can add dry ingredients such as breadcrumbs, red chilli flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is combined.

The salmon mixture is now ready to be formed into patties. Use your hands to shape the mixture into evenly sized burgers. Place the patties on a lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice.

Finally, place the baking sheet with the salmon patties in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help them firm up and hold together. This step is especially important if you find your mixture is too wet.

Your salmon mixture is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and spray the basket with oil before placing your patties inside. Enjoy your delicious, healthy salmon burgers!

Forming the patties

The first step in forming the salmon patties is to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. These include fresh salmon, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, panko breadcrumbs, scallions or onions, and seasonings such as salt and pepper, and red chilli flakes.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, the next step is to remove any skin and bones from the salmon and cut it into small pieces. You can use a food processor to chop the salmon, but be careful not to overprocess it. You want the salmon to have some texture, so it's best to pulse it just a few times.

After chopping the salmon, transfer it to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently until it is well combined. Be careful not to overmix the mixture, as this can affect the texture of the patties.

Now, it's time to form the patties! Use a measuring cup or scoop to portion out the salmon mixture, and then use your hands to shape it into patties. Each patty should be about 2 inches thick and 4 inches in width. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little extra breadcrumbs to help absorb some of the moisture.

Once all the patties are formed, place them on a lined baking sheet and put them in the fridge for about 10 minutes to chill. This step will help the patties hold their shape and make them easier to cook.

After chilling, the patties are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Brush them lightly with oil to help achieve a crispy exterior, and then place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook the patties for about 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You now have perfectly formed and cooked salmon patties that are ready to be enjoyed as burgers, in a salad, or however you like!

Cooking the burgers

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the salmon burgers. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. This is important to allow proper airflow for even cooking. Before placing them in the air fryer, brush each patty lightly with oil to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of your burgers, the cooking time may vary. As a guideline, cook the salmon burgers for about 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For even cooking and a nice golden crust, flip the burgers halfway through.

To ensure your salmon burgers are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your juicy and tender salmon burgers with your favourite sides or toppings!

Some recipes suggest cooking the salmon burgers for 8 minutes, then spraying the tops with oil again and cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This method helps achieve a crispier exterior.

If you're using frozen salmon burgers, you can cook them directly from frozen. Simply preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh burgers, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Serving suggestions

Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making them a nutritious option for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salmon burger experience:

• Toppings and Sides: Salmon burgers are versatile and can be customised with various toppings and sides. Try classic burger toppings such as avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, or mustard. For a creamy twist, add mayonnaise or make your own lemon dill mayo by mixing mayonnaise with lemon juice and dill. You can also serve the burgers with a side of salad, such as mixed greens or romaine lettuce, and extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes and avocado.
• Buns and Bowls: For a classic burger experience, serve your salmon patty on a toasted bun. For a gluten-free option, use potato buns. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, skip the bun and serve the salmon burger on a bed of greens or in a rice bowl with roasted or steamed vegetables.
• Sauces: Take your salmon burger to the next level with a tangy remoulade sauce. Simply combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and capers, and spread it on your bun. You can also try homemade tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a zesty kick to your burger.
• Sides: Complement your salmon burger with delicious side dishes like Air Fryer Asparagus with Bacon, Crispy Sweet Potato Fries, Savory Air Fryer Carrots, or a refreshing Berry Quinoa Salad.
• Customise Your Patty: While fresh salmon is recommended for the best flavour and texture, you can also use canned salmon if that's your only option. If you're using canned salmon, you may need to add an egg to help bind the ingredients together. Additionally, reduce the cooking time as canned salmon is already cooked.
• Cooking Tips: For a crispy exterior and moist interior, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the salmon burgers for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. To check if they're done, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.

Frequently asked questions