Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer – Crispy, Healthy, and Quick!
Hi there! I’m Sarah, and this recipe for Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer is especially close to my heart. Inspired by my late mom’s famous salmon cakes, this healthier twist is packed with flavor, crunch, and love. She used to fry them in a pan, but I’ve found that making salmon patties in the air fryer is faster, easier, and much cleaner without sacrificing that crispy golden finish we loved.
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s healthy, protein-packed, and comforting, these air fryer salmon cakes are it. They’re made with pantry staples like canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and eggs perfect for busy days. And thanks to the air fryer, there’s no greasy mess, just tender inside and crispy outside deliciousness.
Cooking in the air fryer has completely changed how I approach comfort food. From quick snacks to full meals, it makes healthy cooking almost effortless. Looking for inspiration? Try these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes for a perfect side dish with your salmon patties.
Let’s dive into why these Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why Make Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer
Healthier and Quicker Than Frying
These easy salmon patties in air fryer come out golden and crisp without deep frying. Air frying uses less oil, reduces calories, and cooks in just 10–12 minutes. No greasy pans, no mess just delicious results.
Crispy Texture, Less Effort
The air fryer circulates hot air, giving salmon patties a crispy outside and moist center every time. You get the fried texture with a lighter, cleaner feel. It’s a modern upgrade to a comforting classic.
Discover great ideas like Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for more easy, protein-rich meals.
Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- Salmon (canned or cooked) Drained and flaked
- 1 Egg beaten, for binding
- ¼ cup Breadcrumbs or oats for structure
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, chopped
- Herbs (e.g. parsley, dill) optional
- Mustard a little, for brightness
- Lemon juice a squeeze, optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Flake the drained salmon into a mixing bowl. Add egg, breadcrumbs (or oats), chopped onion, garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Gently mix until combined. If mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs or oats.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to help patties hold together.
- Shape the mixture into small, flat patties about ½″ thick.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Arrange patties in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
- Let the patties rest a couple minutes before serving for optimal texture.
Notes
Ingredients for Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
Best Salmon to Use: Canned, Fresh, or Leftovers
You can make these easy salmon patties in air fryer using whatever salmon you have on hand:
- Canned salmon is fast, affordable, and already cooked great for busy nights.
- Fresh salmon works well too, just cook it first and flake it finely.
- Leftover salmon from another meal? Perfect for reducing food waste and saving time.
Just make sure your salmon is fully cooked and flaked so the patties hold together.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Pesto Chicken for another quick protein idea.
Simple Ingredients for Flavor and Structure
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy recipe:
- Salmon (canned or cooked)
- Egg (to bind)
- Breadcrumbs or oats (for structure)
- Onion, garlic, herbs (for flavor)
- Mustard + lemon (for brightness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: Add grated veggies or a pinch of spice to mix things up.
Looking for more healthy mains? Try our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.
How to Make Salmon Patties in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Mixing the Ingredients
To make easy salmon patties in air fryer, start with flaked canned salmon in a bowl. Add:
- 1 egg (for binding)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or oats
- Chopped onion, garlic, and herbs
- A squeeze of lemon and a little mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix gently. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes so it holds together better.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread with Tortillas a perfect pairing!
Shaping and Cooking the Patties
- Shape into small, flat patties using your hands (about ½ inch thick).
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil.
- Place patties in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
They should be crispy and golden on the outside, tender inside.
Check out this Air Fryer Banana Cake for a light and sweet finish.
Cooking Tips for Crispy and Healthy Results
Keep Your Salmon Patties from Falling Apart
To make sure your easy salmon patties in air fryer hold together:
- Chill the mixture for 15–30 minutes
- Use enough egg and breadcrumbs to bind
- Flake the salmon well
- Mix gently don’t overwork it
These simple steps make a big difference in helping patties stay firm while cooking.
Check out our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for more healthy options.
Want a compact air fryer that fits smaller kitchens? Check out this Compact Air Fryer – Top Amazon Pick
Get That Perfect Crispy Crust
Want that golden, crispy texture without oil? Here’s how:
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil
- Flip patties halfway through cooking
- Don’t overcrowd leave space for air to circulate
- Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes
Let them sit for a couple minutes after cooking. This helps them finish firming up and keeps the crisp.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Pesto Chicken for another quick and flavorful dinner idea.
Best Canned Salmon for Air Fryer Recipes
Best Types to Use
Canned salmon makes these easy salmon patties in air fryer quick and convenient. Here are a few great options:
- Wild Planet – no skin or bones, great flavor
- Chicken of the Sea – budget-friendly and mild
- Safe Catch – clean, tested for mercury
- Trader Joe’s – quality at a good price
Look for boneless and skinless to save time and keep the texture smooth.
Pair your patties with these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.
Quick Prep Tips
- Drain well to avoid soggy patties
- Flake finely for better binding
- Remove skin/bones if needed
That’s all it takes. Canned salmon keeps things simple perfect for busy nights and easy clean-up.
Need another protein idea? Try our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Best Sides to Serve With Salmon Patties
These easy salmon patties in air fryer go great with simple, healthy sides:
- Sweet potato cubes (air fried or roasted)
- Steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli
- Mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Brown rice or quinoa for something heartier
Try our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes as the perfect match.
Tasty Dips and Sauces
Pair your patties with:
- Tartar sauce
- Greek yogurt + dill + lemon
- Spicy mayo or sriracha dip
- Avocado mash
These easy sauces add flavor without making the meal too heavy ideal for keeping your air fryer dinner balanced and satisfying.
Looking for something cheesy on the side? Check out our Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread with Tortillas.
Air Fryer Tools and Accessories to Use
What You Need for the Best Results
To make perfect easy salmon patties in air fryer, a few tools can really help:
- Air fryer with even heat – COSORI and Ninja models are great
- Non-stick basket – keeps patties from sticking
- Perforated liners – easy cleanup and better airflow
- Silicone spatula – flip patties gently
- Oil spray – adds crisp without extra calories
- Food thermometer – ensures the center hits 145°F safely
These small additions make the cooking process smoother and your patties crispier.
Need more air fryer dinner ideas? Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
Need something versatile for meats and fish? Try this Air Fryer with Rotisserie – Best for Multi-Use
Prefer a trusted brand? The Ninja Air Fryer 4 QT is compact, powerful, and perfect for small batches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Many Patties at Once
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Give each patty room so air can circulate and cook them evenly.
Skipping Chill Time
Warm mixture = broken patties. Chill the mix for 15–30 minutes to help them stay firm while cooking.
Wrong Binder Ratio
Use just enough egg and breadcrumbs. Too little? They fall apart. Too much? They’re dense.
Not Flipping
Flip your patties halfway through cooking. It helps them brown on both sides and cook evenly.
No Oil Spray
Even with an air fryer, a light oil spray gives you that perfect golden finish. Don’t skip it.
Learn more tips from our Air Fryer Pesto Chicken.
Easy Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
How long do you cook salmon patties in the air fryer?
Cook them at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Can I use canned salmon?
Yes! It’s perfect for easy salmon patties in air fryer just drain and flake it well.
Are they healthy?
Yes. Air frying uses less oil, and salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Chill the mix, use enough binder, and avoid overmixing. That’s the key.
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