Air Fryer Salmon Patties

I make these delicious air fryer salmon patties at least once a month! My recipe uses pantry staples and is packed with protein for a quick and satisfying meal.

My Easy Recipe for Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer

I started making salmon patties in college when I was on a tight grocery budget. They were easy to whip up with eggs, bread crumbs, and a few seasonings, and the leftovers meant I could stretch them for a few meals. It just took a bit longer to realize I could make air fryer salmon patties.

I would cook them in a skillet on the stove, which worked fine but left my kitchen smelling fishy for the rest of the night, which my roommates didn’t love. I tried baking them in the oven, but they didn’t get that golden brown crispiness on the outside that made them so good. Eventually, I stopped making them.

A few years ago, I randomly found myself craving this dish from my past, and got the idea to try making the salmon patties in the air fryer. The air fryer was a game changer! The patties were golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and didn’t leave that lingering smell in the kitchen. 

Now, I make my air fried salmon patty recipe for a quick lunch or dinner at least once a month!

And, if you love air fryer salmon recipes, try my recipes for air fryer salmon, frozen salmon in the air fryer, air fryer salmon bites, and air fryer teriyaki salmon.

Air Fried Salmon Patties Ingredients

• Canned salmon – I find canned pink salmon is best for salmon croquettes or patties.
• Panko breadcrumbs – I use panko breadcrumbs, but italian breadcrumbs or even ground up pork rinds would work.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients so they can create the patty shape.
• Green onion – Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor.
• Red pepper – Gives the patties color and a pop of sweetness. I’ve also used yellow, orange, or any other color sweet pepper.
• Dill – I like to use fresh dill to brighten the dish with a herb like flavor, but less dried dill will work in a true pinch.
• Dijon – Adds tang and depth to the patties.
• Garlic powder – I use this instead of minced garlic form ease and to give the patties a savory boost without overpowering them.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors of the patties.

How to Cook Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, mix together the canned salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onion, red pepper, dill, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until everything is fully combined.

STEP THREE: Form the mixture into 4 patties, pressing each firmly into a disc shape.

STEP FOUR: Add them to the air fryer in a single layer and cook them for 8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until they’re cooked through.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

• I like to make salmon patties with canned salmon for convenience, but I’ve also used leftover fresh salmon. I just flake the fish and remove any bones before mixing it with the rest of the patty ingredients.
• I drain the canned salmon really well before mixing it with other ingredients to avoid excess moisture. This helps the air fried salmon burger get that wonderful, crispy, golden exterior.
• Press the patties firmly to shape them. I’ve found this helps them hold together better during the cooking process.
• For extra crispiness, I lightly spray the patties with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. I also respray the tops when I flip them.
• If I’m cooking premade frozen fish patties, I increase the cooking time to about 12 minutes.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties Variations and Substitutions

• If I don’t have panko, I’ll substitute regular bread crumbs to bind the salmon patties.
• For a little extra richness, I’ll mix a tablespoon of mayonnaise into the salmon mixture. This keeps them moist and helps bind the patties.
• I like mixing fresh parsley into the patty mixture when I have it on hand. The pop of herb flavor is perfect with the salmon!
• For an extra burst of flavor, I serve salmon patties with tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.
• I sometimes stir red pepper flakes and black pepper into the salmon mixture for a little kick of heat.

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

For a quick and easy meal, I’ll serve air fried salmon patties with bowls of bacon ranch pasta salad, quinoa chickpea salad, or simple Italian pasta salad.

If I just want a simple side, my air fryer baked potato, air fryer asparagus, or air fryer carrots are alway winners!

Air Fryer Salmon Patties FAQs

How long to cook salmon patties in the air fryer

Because canned salmon is pre-cooked, my goal is to cook salmon patties in the air fryer long enough for them to get golden brown on the outside and hot all the way through. I’ve found that cooking them for 8 minutes at 375 degrees F, flipping halfway through, is the perfect amount of time!

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

If I want to prep ahead of time, I’ll whip up the salmon mixture in the morning or even the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to cook, I just form the patties and pop them in the air fryer.

Why are my air fryer salmon patties tough?

If my patties turn out too tough, it’s usually because I overcooked them or used too much binder. I keep a close eye on the cooking time and stick to just enough panko and egg to hold everything together without drying out the texture.

How should I store leftover air fried salmon patties?

I keep leftover air fried salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I’ll put them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Easy Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

• Air fryer cod
• Air fryer mahi mahi
• Air fryer tuna steaks
• Air fryer scallops
• Air fryer tilapia

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