Some recipes are born out of chaos, and this Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe is definitely one of them. Picture this: it’s a weeknight, everyone’s hungry, you’ve got exactly zero energy for a fussy dinner, and the only protein in sight is a lonely can of salmon hiding in the back of the pantry. That was the moment these patties came to life in my kitchen, and honestly, they’ve been on repeat ever since.
Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, they taste like something you’d order at a cozy little coastal café, but they come together with simple ingredients and almost no mess. Using the air fryer means you still get that gorgeous golden crust without standing over a splattering skillet, and dinner is on the table in well under half an hour. If you love practical comfort food with just a touch of “wow,” this Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe might quietly become one of your go-to weeknight heroes.
Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe
This Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe turns humble canned salmon into something that feels special with very little effort. You get crisp edges, a soft, moist center, and a clean, light feel compared with pan-fried versions. It’s also flexible enough for busy nights: you can mix the salmon base ahead of time, shape patties when you’re ready, and let the air fryer do the work while you prep a salad or toast some buns.
Because canned salmon is already cooked, the air fryer’s job is mostly to heat and brown, which keeps the patties juicy instead of dry. With a few fresh touches like lemon, herbs, and crunchy breadcrumbs, this recipe delivers a balanced mix of flavor and texture that feels far more “restaurant” than “pantry raid.”
Ingredients for air fryer salmon patties
To keep this recipe accessible, it leans on canned salmon plus a few everyday staples. Many air fryer salmon patties use panko or similar crumbs for light crunch, egg for binding, and a mix of herbs, aromatics, and a creamy element like mayonnaise or mustard. Lemon and dill are very common pairings with salmon because they brighten the rich fish and keep the patties from tasting heavy.
- Canned salmon (boneless or pin bones removed)
- Egg for binding
- Panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy texture
- Mayonnaise and a bit of Dijon for moisture and flavor
- Finely chopped green onion and bell pepper for freshness and crunch
- Lemon juice and dill for brightness
- Garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper to round out the flavor
- Cooking spray or a light oil mist for the air fryer basket
How to make Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Most air fryer salmon patties cook between 375°F and 400°F until browned and heated through, usually in under 12 minutes. Because the mixture is fairly soft, forming even, compact patties about 1 inch thick helps them hold together and cook evenly without drying out.
- Drain the canned salmon well, then flake it into a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, green onion, bell pepper, panko, and seasonings.
- Mix gently until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Divide into equal portions and shape into compact patties, smoothing any cracks along the edges.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the patties in a single layer.
- Air fry at 390°F for about 8–10 minutes, until the patties are golden on the outside and hot in the center, flipping once if your air fryer browns unevenly.
- Serve right away with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a simple yogurt sauce.
Pro tips for the best air fryer salmon patties
A slightly moist mixture is good, but if your patties feel too loose, stirring in a spoonful or two of extra breadcrumbs helps them stay together without becoming dense. Chilling the formed patties for 10–15 minutes before air frying can also improve their structure, especially if your kitchen is warm.
For the crispiest crust, make sure the patties and basket are lightly coated in oil spray and avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate all around. If the tops brown faster than the bottoms, flip halfway through and give them another light mist of oil to even out the color.
Variations you can try
This Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have or what you’re craving. Many versions swap in almond flour for a lower-carb option, or use fresh cooked salmon instead of canned for a slightly firmer texture. You can also play with herbs and aromatics to give the patties a different personality.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or chives instead of dill.
- Use a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a gentle kick.
- Swap some of the panko for grated Parmesan for a richer, savory note.
- Shape the mixture into smaller appetizer-size cakes and serve with a dipping sauce.
Substitutions that work
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work; just note that the texture may be slightly denser, as many recipes relying on panko get extra lightness from the larger crumbs. For a gluten-free version, a number of recipes use almond flour or a gluten-free crumb blend instead, which still crisp nicely in the air fryer.
Fresh salmon can replace canned if you have leftovers; flake it finely and adjust breadcrumbs slightly if the mixture feels wetter or drier than with canned fish. If you prefer to skip mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt in its place, which keeps the patties moist while adding a gentle tang.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your air fryer salmon patties fall apart, they usually need either more binder (egg) or more crumbs; increasing one of those elements a bit and pressing the patties more firmly often solves the problem. Overly dry patties are usually cooked a little too long or formed too thin, so shortening the cook time or making them slightly thicker helps keep them moist.
Uneven browning can come from crowding the basket or not using enough oil spray; spacing patties out and giving them a light mist before cooking improves color and crispness. If the centers feel cool when the outside is brown, lower the temperature slightly and extend the time so the heat penetrates without over-browning the crust.
Storage and serving ideas
Cooked salmon patties generally keep well in the fridge for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container, and they can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crisp edges. For longer storage, many home cooks freeze patties after cooking and cooling, then reheat from frozen at a slightly lower temperature until hot inside.
Serve these Air Fryer Salmon Patties on a simple plate with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, tucked into buns like burgers, or over greens with a bright vinaigrette. Their high protein content and moderate fat make them filling without feeling heavy, especially when paired with vegetables or a fresh slaw.
FAQs about Air Fryer Salmon Patties
How long do you cook salmon patties in the air fryer?
Most air fryer salmon patties cook in about 8–10 minutes at 375°F to 390°F, depending on thickness and the specific air fryer model. Because the salmon is usually pre-cooked, you’re mainly aiming for a hot center and a golden, crisp exterior.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, many recipes use leftover or freshly cooked salmon in place of canned, and it works very well as long as you flake it finely and adjust the crumbs if needed. The flavor is a bit more delicate, and the texture can be slightly firmer than patties made with canned fish.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet and that you’re using enough egg and breadcrumbs for binding; gently but firmly pressing the patties together and chilling them briefly before cooking can also help. Avoid flipping them too early; give the bottom time to set and brown first.
Are air fryer salmon patties healthy?
Air fryer salmon patties are generally lighter than pan-fried versions because they use far less oil while still delivering a crisp exterior.[web:5][web:18] Salmon itself is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and many nutrition breakdowns for similar patties show moderate calories with solid protein per serving.[web:11][web:14]
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the salmon mixture can usually be mixed a few hours in advance and kept chilled until you’re ready to shape and cook, which can actually help the flavors meld. If it firms up too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before forming patties.
Can I freeze air fryer salmon patties?
Many cooks freeze salmon patties after cooking and cooling; they can then be reheated from frozen in the air fryer until hot and crisp again. For best texture, store them in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
What should I serve with this Air Fryer Salmon Patties recipe?
These patties pair well with a simple green salad, roasted or air-fried vegetables, rice, or a light slaw, giving a complete meal without a lot of extra work. They also make great salmon burgers if you tuck them into toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
Easy Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the salmon mixture: Drain the canned salmon well and add it to a medium mixing bowl, flaking it with a fork. Stir in the egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, panko, green onion, bell pepper, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.[web:4][web:6]
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a compact patty about 1 inch thick, smoothing any cracks around the edges. If the mixture feels too soft, add a spoonful more panko and mix again.[web:5][web:19]
- Chill (optional): For extra sturdy patties, place them on a plate, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
- Preheat and arrange: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F if your model recommends preheating. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, then place the salmon patties in a single layer with a little space between each one.[web:4][web:7]
- Air fry: Lightly mist the tops of the patties with cooking spray and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through if needed, until the patties are golden brown and heated through.[web:4][web:5]
- Serve: Carefully remove the patties from the basket and serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a simple yogurt sauce, along with your favorite sides.
