Spatula: Needed for flipping patties midway through cooking.
Cutting Board: Used for preparing salmon and chopping fresh herbs.
Sharp Knife: Required for cutting salmon into chunks before processing.
Instructions to Cook Salmon Patties in Air Fryer
Salmon Preparation Fresh and clean salmon becomes the star of this culinary adventure. Carefully remove the skin and transform the fish into delicate chunks using a food processor.
Patty Mixture Crafting a blend of salmon with complementary ingredients creates a mouthwatering foundation. Mix everything gently to maintain a perfect texture that promises deliciousness.
Patty Shaping Skillfully form round patties using a measuring cup, ensuring each one is uniform and compact. The goal is creating four beautiful salmon treasures ready for cooking.
Air Fryer Dancing Preheat the air fryer to a sizzling 390 degrees F. Lightly coat the basket and patties with olive oil spray. Cook for eight minutes, turning midway to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Elegant Presentation Layer a bed of Apple Fennel Slaw on plates, crown with a perfectly cooked salmon patty. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh lemon squeeze, fragrant dill, and a pinch of kosher salt for a restaurant-worthy experience.
Ideas to Change Up Your Salmon Patty Flavor
Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for added crunch and heat.
Replace salmon with canned tuna or fresh white fish like cod for a budget-friendly alternative.
Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
Prepare extra patties, separate with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Experiment with different condiments like spicy sriracha mayo, herbed aioli, or tangy remoulade to elevate the flavor profile.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Calories: 246 kcal
Servings: 5
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Plate with Colorful Slaw: Create a vibrant base by spreading the Apple Fennel Slaw across the plate, adding a fresh and crunchy foundation for the salmon patty.
Drizzle with Tangy Yogurt: Dollop Greek yogurt over the salmon patty, then swirl it artfully to introduce a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy fish.
Herb and Citrus Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill across the dish and squeeze a bright lemon wedge over the top, bringing zesty, aromatic notes that elevate the salmon's rich flavor.
Pair with Light Sides: Complement the salmon patties with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus to create a balanced, nutritious meal that feels both elegant and satisfying.
How to Store and Reheat Salmon Patties Later
Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked salmon patties in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 24 hours before cooking to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual raw patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These can stay frozen for 2-3 months, ready to air fry directly from frozen state with slight cooking time adjustment.
Leftover Storage Magic: Keep cooked salmon patties in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent drying out.
Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare salmon patty mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking faster and more convenient.
Homemade salmon patties shine as a quick, delectable meal combining fresh ingredients with crispy texture. Simple preparation and air fryer cooking make these patties a perfect weeknight dinner for seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz (340 g) fresh salmon
1 large egg
⅓ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free option available)
2 tbsps avocado mayo
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Olive oil spray
Apple Fennel Slaw
Instructions
Preparation: Dice salmon into uniform chunks and process in a food processor until achieving a coarse, consistent texture.
Mixing: Combine processed salmon with all complementary ingredients in a mixing bowl, folding gently until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly moist.
Forming: Shape the salmon mixture into four evenly sized patties, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking: Arrange patties in the basket with adequate spacing, mist with olive oil spray, and cook for 8 minutes. Flip midway through cooking and reapply olive oil spray to ensure even browning and crispy exterior.
Plating: Create a vibrant bed of Apple Fennel Slaw, place salmon patty on top, and garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill, and a light sprinkle of kosher salt.
Notes
Salmon Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with minimal bones to ensure smooth patty texture and prevent unexpected crunch.
Binding Technique: Mix ingredients gently to maintain salmon’s delicate structure, avoiding overmixing which can create dense, tough patties.
Moisture Management: Pat salmon dry before processing to prevent excess water, helping patties hold together and crisp beautifully in air fryer.
Spacing Strategy: Leave room between patties in air fryer basket to guarantee even cooking and achieve golden, crispy exterior on all sides.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.