Air-Fried Salmon Patty Perfection: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryer salmon patties are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made with either fresh or canned salmon. They are a great option for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be cooked with less oil than traditional frying methods. The patties are usually seasoned with herbs and spices, such as dill or smoked paprika, and can be served with a variety of sauces and sides.

Choosing the right salmon

When it comes to choosing the right salmon for your air fryer salmon patties, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you can use either canned or fresh salmon, depending on your preference and what you have available. If using canned salmon, opt for a sustainable brand that practices sustainable fishing, as this is better for the environment. Canned salmon is usually more affordable and convenient, and you can use pink or red salmon. Pink salmon is more cost-effective, while red salmon has a better flavour. If you are using fresh salmon, ensure it is cooked and flaked before making your patties.

When using canned salmon, you will need to drain the liquid and remove any skin and bones, unless you like the texture of the bones and skin. The bones are edible and can be a good source of calcium, but they can also be crushed and mixed into the salmon mixture if you prefer. If you are using fresh salmon, make sure to cook and flake it before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Whether you use canned or fresh salmon, it is important to choose a high-quality source to ensure the best flavour and texture for your patties. When shopping for salmon, look for firm, shiny flesh with a bright colour. Avoid salmon with dull, dry-looking flesh or any signs of discolouration. You can also ask your local fishmonger for advice on the best salmon to use for your patties.

Once you have chosen your salmon, you can follow the air fryer salmon patty recipe of your choice. Many recipes will include ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings to add flavour and help bind the patties together. Form the mixture into patties, spray your air fryer basket with olive oil, and cook the patties until golden brown.

Preparing the salmon mixture

To prepare the salmon mixture for your air fryer patties, you will need the following ingredients:

• Canned or fresh salmon
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Eggs
• Lemon juice
• Dill (dried or fresh)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Mayonnaise
• Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
• Optional: red or green peppers, frozen corn, diced mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice

If you are using canned salmon, start by removing any skin and bones. Then, in a large bowl, mix together the salmon, breadcrumbs or panko, eggs, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, and mayonnaise to enhance the flavour. If you like your salmon patties with a bit of a kick, you can include red pepper flakes, chipotle, or sriracha. For extra crunch, you can also add in some diced vegetables, such as red or green peppers, frozen corn, or mushrooms. Just be sure to cut them into small, even pieces.

Once all the ingredients are combined, you can start forming the mixture into patties. Use a measuring cup to ensure that the patties are roughly the same size, which will help them cook evenly. You can also use an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. Aim for a thickness of about one inch.

Before placing the patties in the air fryer, lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray. This will help them brown and crisp up nicely.

Forming the patties

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the salmon mixture is well-combined. In a large bowl, mix together the salmon (canned or fresh), eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, onion, and any other desired seasonings. Some recipes also include breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch and to help bind the mixture. You can also add lemon juice or lemon zest for a bright citrus flavour.

Once the mixture is well-combined, it's time to form the patties. Use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop out the mixture and pack it firmly. Then, tap it out into the palm of your hand and gently pat it to form a patty that is no more than 1 inch thick. It is important to make sure that the patties are of equal size and thickness so that they cook evenly.

When forming the patties, you can also add in some extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture. For example, you could add in some chopped green or red peppers, frozen corn, or diced mushrooms. Just make sure that the vegetables are cut into small, even pieces so that they cook through during the air-frying process.

After forming the patties, place them on a greased tray or air-fryer liner in the basket. You can also line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spray the patties with cooking spray or oil to help them brown during cooking.

Finally, depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding. Make sure to leave space between the patties so that the hot air can circulate and crisp them up.

Cooking the patties

Now that you've gathered and mixed your ingredients, it's time to cook your salmon patties.

First, preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (180–200°C). While it's heating up, form your salmon mixture into 6 equally sized patties, making sure they're roughly the same thickness to ensure even cooking. You can use a measuring cup to help with this.

Once your air fryer is ready, place the patties in the basket, leaving space between them to allow the hot air to circulate. Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray or oil—this will help them brown.

Cook the patties for 8–12 minutes, or until they're golden brown. You may want to flip them halfway through the cooking time. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, rotate the trays halfway through.

Once they're cooked, serve your salmon patties with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer salmon patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a main course: Pair the salmon patties with side dishes such as Parmesan Asparagus Fries, Quinoa Salad with Kale and Cranberries, or Garlic Butter Mushrooms.
• In a salad: Serve the salmon patties on a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula, with lemon slices on the side. You can also add them to a rice bowl with roasted or steamed vegetables.
• In a sandwich: Salmon patties make a great filling for sliders or potato buns. Top with remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or your favourite condiments.
• With a starch: Serve the salmon patties with mashed or boiled potatoes and a simple vegetable side, such as steamed broccoli or green beans.
• As an appetizer: Salmon patties can be served as a tasty appetiser before the main course.
• Dipping sauces: Serve the salmon patties with a variety of dipping sauces such as tzatziki sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or chipotle aioli.
• Vegetables: Air fryer salmon patties can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Beets, or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.
• Other sides: Try serving the salmon patties with Air Fryer Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Steak Bites, or Air Fryer Turkey Legs.

Frequently asked questions