Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Air fryer salmon patties turn a can of pink salmon into a crisp, golden dinner in 12 minutes, with very little oil. The patties are held together by egg, mayonnaise and panko, and chilling them for 15 minutes keeps them from falling apart. Here is how to make salmon patties in the air fryer, plus the fixes for mushy or crumbly cakes.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 42min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 160°F71 °C
- Per serving
- 230kcal
Why the air fryer works for salmon patties
Canned salmon is already cooked, so the job of the air fryer is to heat the patty through and brown the outside. Hot air does that without a pan full of oil: the panko crust dries and turns golden, and the inside stays moist from the mayonnaise and the fat in the fish. Pan-fried patties often soak up oil and break when flipped; in the basket they are supported from all sides.
Success comes from the binder. Too little and the cakes crumble, too much and they turn into bread. The recipe uses one egg and a modest amount of panko for a can of salmon, and a short chill sets everything. If you have fresh fillets instead, see air fryer salmon.
How to make salmon patties in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the salmon Drain the can well and flake the fish into a bowl. Remove any large bones and the skin if you like, although the soft bones are edible. Press out extra liquid with a fork.
- Mix Add the egg, ⅓ cup panko, mayonnaise, mustard, scallions, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir until just combined. Over-mixing makes the patties dense.
- Shape and chill Form four patties about ¾ inch thick. Press each into the ¼ cup panko on both sides. Refrigerate for so they firm up.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 375 °F for . Brush the basket lightly with oil so the patties do not stick.
- Cook Brush the tops with the olive oil and place the patties in a single layer. Cook for , flipping carefully after , until golden brown. They are done when the center reaches 160 °F on an instant-read thermometer, the USDA target for dishes made with raw egg.
- Serve Rest for , then serve with lemon wedges or a sauce of mayonnaise, lemon and dill.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Salmon Patties | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Canned salmon pattiesFlip after 6 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Hotter and faster | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Frozen salmon burgersFlip halfway | 380 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Mini patties, 1½ inches | 375 °F (190 °C) | 7–8 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 160 °F (71 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Parchment paper and foil in the air fryer
Tips
- Drain well. Squeeze the salmon in a paper towel or press it in a strainer. Extra liquid is the main reason patties fall apart.
- Chill before cooking. Fifteen minutes in the refrigerator firms up the binder and makes flipping easy.
- Handle them gently. Use a wide spatula and flip once. Moving them around breaks the crust.
What to serve with salmon patties
Salmon patties are an old American favorite with mashed potatoes, coleslaw and green peas. They also work on a bun as a salmon burger with lettuce and tartar sauce, or on a salad. Green beans or broccoli cooked in the air fryer round out the plate.
Storing and reheating
Cooked patties keep for 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 4–5 minutes, or 8–10 minutes from frozen, until they reach 165 °F.
Variations
- With crackers: Replace the panko in the mixture with ½ cup finely crushed saltine crackers, the classic Southern way.
- Cajun: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a tablespoon of finely diced red bell pepper.
- Salmon croquettes: Shape the mixture into small cylinders, coat well in panko and cook for 8–9 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The patties fall apart
- The mixture is too wet. Drain the salmon well, add another tablespoon of panko, and chill the patties for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Flip with a wide spatula.
- The patties are dry
- Too much breadcrumb or too long in the basket. Keep the binder to the amount in the recipe and start checking at 9 minutes.
- The coating is pale
- Brush the tops with oil, and press the panko firmly so it sticks. Pressing the panko onto the sides as well helps the coating brown evenly.
Questions and answers
How long do salmon patties take in the air fryer?
10–12 minutes at 375 °F, flipped once. At 400 °F they take 8–10 minutes but brown faster, so watch the last two minutes.
Can you make salmon patties without breading?
Yes. Replace the panko inside with 2 tbsp almond flour or crushed crackers and skip the outer coating. The patties are more delicate, so chill them well and use a lightly oiled basket.
Can you cook frozen salmon patties in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen patties at 380 °F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165 °F if store-bought and fully cooked, or 160 °F for homemade patties with egg.
Can I make them without mayo or egg?
Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise (not dairy-free). Without egg, use 2 tbsp mashed potato or extra mayonnaise as a binder, and chill the patties longer.
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