Air-Fried Salmon Croquettes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Salmon croquettes, or patties, are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to the traditional method of frying in oil, but still deliver a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This recipe is also versatile, allowing for different spices and seasonings to be added to suit your taste.

Ingredients and measurements for salmon croquettes

Salmon croquettes are a great dish to make in an air fryer, and they're easy to prepare. Here's a list of ingredients and measurements to make delicious salmon croquettes:

• Salmon: You'll need canned or cooked salmon for the croquettes. The amount can vary depending on the recipe, but typically it's around 14 to 15 ounces of drained salmon. You can use skinless and boneless salmon or remove the skin and bones before using it.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are essential to bind the salmon mixture and give it a crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, fine breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option. The amount can range from 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup, depending on the recipe and your preference.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and help hold the croquettes together. Most recipes call for one or two large eggs.
• Onion: Red or green onions can be used, and the quantity varies from 1/4 cup to a few tablespoons. You can chop or slice the onions finely.
• Dill: Fresh or dried dill adds a delicious flavour to the croquettes. You can use around 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
• Mayonnaise: Any type of mayonnaise can be used, and the amount can be around 2-3 tablespoons.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard is commonly used, and you'll need about 2 teaspoons.
• Seasonings: You can season your salmon croquettes with salt, black pepper, seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), garlic powder, or other spices to taste.
• Oil or Cooking Spray: Avocado oil, canola oil, or cooking spray is used to grease the air fryer basket and the tops of the croquettes to promote even browning.

Once you have your ingredients measured out, simply combine the salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, dill, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix well, form the mixture into patties, and cook them in your preheated air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure your salmon croquettes cook evenly and achieve the perfect golden brown finish.

First, coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can use a piece of air fryer parchment paper, placed in the basket, as an alternative. This will make the clean-up process easier and ensure the croquettes don't stick to the surface.

Next, arrange the salmon croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croquettes in batches.

Once the croquettes are in the basket, lightly spray the tops with cooking oil or avocado oil. This will help them brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for most recipes, although some suggest 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the croquettes and spray both sides again with cooking spray. This will ensure an even colour and texture.

Your air fryer should now be ready to cook your salmon croquettes to crispy, golden perfection!

How to make the salmon mixture

To make the salmon mixture, you'll need salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. You can use either fresh or canned salmon, but if you're using canned, be sure to drain and flake the salmon before adding it to a large mixing bowl.

For the eggs, you'll need one or two large eggs, beaten, to act as a binder for the mixture. For the breadcrumbs, you can use regular, gluten-free, or panko breadcrumbs, adding around 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup.

You can season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, as well as fresh or dried dill, and onion. Some recipes also include mustard, mayonnaise, and seafood seasoning.

Combine all the ingredients in the mixing bowl and mix until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. You can then shape the mixture into patties, ready for cooking in the air fryer.

Cooking method and timings

To make salmon croquettes in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating up, prepare your croquettes by combining your chosen ingredients in a large bowl and shaping them into patties. You can be flexible with your ingredients, but most recipes call for salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning.

Once your air fryer is preheated, coat the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, and place your croquettes inside. Spray the tops of the croquettes with cooking spray or oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the croquettes over, spray them again, and cook for another 4-7 minutes. Your croquettes are done when they're golden brown.

If you're making a large batch, you may need to work in batches and repeat the process.

Serving suggestions

Salmon croquettes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

Salmon croquettes can be served as a main dish, typically accompanied by a dipping sauce or a slice of lemon. Some sauce options include:

• Lemon-Dill Sauce: A classic combination of fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard.
• Tartar Sauce: A traditional choice, made with mayonnaise, pickles or relish, capers, and lemon juice.
• Remoulade Sauce: A Louisiana-style sauce with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, horseradish, and herbs. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavour.
• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: A combination of mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb Aioli: Mayonnaise mixed with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

As a Side

Salmon croquettes also work well as a side dish, providing a savoury and crispy element to complement other dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Coleslaw: Tangy and crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the salmon croquettes.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple vinaigrette-dressed salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serving the croquettes over quinoa or rice makes for a heartier meal. You can also mix in herbs or spices for added flavour.
• Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts offer a nutritious and tasty side dish.
• Grits: Creamy grits are a classic Southern side dish, providing a comforting and savoury element to the meal.
• Collard Greens: Cooked collard greens seasoned with bacon or ham add a hearty and flavorful touch.
• Black-Eyed Peas: Seasoned black-eyed peas, cooked with ingredients like ham hocks or bacon, provide a flavorful and protein-rich side.
• Southern-Style Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with a Southern twist, perhaps featuring mustard and pickles, can be a tasty addition to the meal.

Other Serving Ideas

• Sliders: Sandwich the salmon croquettes between potato buns and top with remoulade sauce for a delicious mini sandwich.
• Bowls: Serve them in a rice bowl with roasted or steamed vegetables.
• Salad: Place them on a bed of mixed greens or romaine lettuce, along with extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes and avocado.
• With a Squeeze of Lemon: Salmon croquettes can be served with a generous squeeze of lemon juice to enhance their flavour.

Frequently asked questions