Golden on the outside and moist on the inside, these Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a quick and flavorful way to transform pantry staples into a satisfying main dish. With minimal prep and a short cook time, they deliver crispy texture and savory flavor in every bite.
Ingredient Breakdown
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for both function and flavor, contributing to a salmon patty that’s crisp, cohesive, and well-seasoned.
Canned salmon is the star—flaky, protein-packed, and ready to use right from the can. It’s economical, shelf-stable, and perfect for quick meals without sacrificing flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs add crunch without weight, helping form a crust that’s golden and light. Their texture contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of the patties.
Mayonnaise and egg work together to bind the mixture, ensuring it holds its shape through shaping and cooking. They also add subtle richness and moisture, keeping the patties from drying out.
Seasonings like dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder layer in complexity, while lemon juice cuts through the richness with a hint of acidity. A dash of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning.
Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, though it’s entirely optional. Lemon wedges and tartar sauce served on the side offer freshness and tang to balance every bite.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Start by prepping your air fryer basket. A light mist of olive oil nonstick spray keeps the patties from sticking and helps them brown more evenly during cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned salmon, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, and all the seasonings. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure everything is distributed evenly while preserving some texture in the salmon.
Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into round, compact patties. Press them just firmly enough to hold together, but not so much that they become dense.
Lay the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space in between. Lightly spray the tops with more olive oil spray to encourage crisping on both sides.
Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. There’s no need to preheat, and depending on your air fryer model, flipping halfway through may help ensure even color. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re crisped to a golden brown and heated all the way through.
Serve immediately while warm, paired with fresh lemon wedges and a generous spoonful of tartar sauce on the side.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Drain the salmon well to prevent soggy patties:
Excess liquid in the mixture can make it difficult to form and crisp the patties. Squeeze out moisture gently before mixing.
Gently mix to keep the texture light and airy:
Overmixing can lead to dense patties. Use a fork or spoon to lightly fold the ingredients together.
Form firm, compact patties to help them hold their shape:
Press just enough to bind the ingredients. If the mixture feels too wet, add a spoonful of breadcrumbs.
Flip halfway if your air fryer cooks unevenly on top and bottom:
This helps promote even browning, especially if your air fryer circulates air unevenly.
Use an internal thermometer if unsure—patties should reach 145°F:
This ensures they’re safe to eat while still juicy and tender inside.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes. Cook and flake the salmon before mixing, ensuring it’s fully cooled and deboned.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart in the air fryer?
Make sure the mixture is chilled and well-combined before shaping. Adding a touch more breadcrumbs helps if it’s too loose.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix and shape the patties, then store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Fresh, vibrant sides pair beautifully with the rich, crispy texture of these salmon patties. A tangy coleslaw or a cucumber and dill salad adds brightness and crunch, while citrus-dressed greens offer a refreshing contrast.
For a heartier plate, serve the patties with lemon rice, garlic roasted potatoes, or warm cornbread muffins. Their subtle flavors balance the seasoning in the salmon.
If you’re looking to swap out tartar sauce, consider a cool dill yogurt dip, lemon aioli, or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy finish.
Pair your plate with a chilled glass of white wine, sparkling lemon water, or a tall glass of iced tea to round out the meal.
Creative Variations
The base recipe is a flexible foundation for countless flavor spins. Try using crushed saltine crackers, almond flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko for a dietary adjustment or a different crunch.
Add finely chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give the patties a kick. For something mild but flavorful, stir in minced sun-dried tomatoes or capers.
Mini patties are great for sliders, appetizers, or party platters. Serve them on small buns with a dollop of sauce and leafy greens.
For a new twist, substitute canned salmon with canned tuna, crab, or a mixed seafood blend. Just be sure to drain thoroughly and adjust seasoning to suit the seafood’s flavor.
These air fryer salmon patties are a fast, reliable way to turn simple ingredients into something special. Crisp on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, they work as a standalone main or as part of a larger spread. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a group, this easy recipe brings together taste, texture, and convenience in every bite.
Ingredients
14.75 ounce canned salmon
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon dried dill
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
Lemon wedges and tartar sauce (for serving)
Instructions
Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned salmon, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and uniform in texture.
Divide the mixture evenly and shape into four round patties, pressing them firmly so they hold together during cooking.
Place the patties into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Lightly mist the tops of the patties with additional cooking spray to promote browning.
Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook the patties for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden on the outside and heated through. No preheating is necessary for this method.
Once cooked, serve the warm salmon patties with fresh lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounce canned salmon
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
- Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned salmon, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and uniform in texture.
- Divide the mixture evenly and shape into four round patties, pressing them firmly so they hold together during cooking.
- Place the patties into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Lightly mist the tops of the patties with additional cooking spray to promote browning.
- Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook the patties for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden on the outside and heated through. No preheating is necessary for this method.
- Once cooked, serve the warm salmon patties with fresh lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce for dipping.
