Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Crispy, Flavorful & Easy)
If you love seafood but want something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, Air Fryer Salmon Patties deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patties are everything a good salmon cake should be — without the mess, excess oil, or stovetop splatter.
Salmon patties have long been a classic, especially for busy households looking to stretch protein into a satisfying meal. Traditionally pan-fried, they’re delicious but often greasy and inconsistent. The air fryer changes that completely. With steady circulating heat, it creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky — all with minimal oil.
This recipe is designed to be approachable, flexible, and dependable. Whether you’re using canned salmon for convenience or leftover cooked salmon from last night’s dinner, these patties come together fast and deliver big flavor every time.
Why Salmon Patties Are Perfect for the Air Fryer
The air fryer is ideal for salmon patties because it combines high heat with even airflow. That means you get the golden crust people love — without flipping in hot oil or worrying about the patties falling apart.
Benefits of making salmon patties in the air fryer include:
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Even cooking from edge to center
- Less oil, lighter feel
- No stovetop mess
- Consistent results every time
The air fryer essentially “locks in” moisture while crisping the outside, giving you restaurant-quality salmon patties at home.
Canned Salmon vs Fresh Salmon
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
Canned salmon is affordable, shelf-stable, and convenient. It already has a flaky texture that works perfectly for patties and makes this recipe great for weeknights.
Fresh or leftover cooked salmon works beautifully too. Just flake it well and make sure it’s cooled before mixing.
Both options deliver excellent results, so use what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked or canned salmon, flaked
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, onion, herbs, and seasonings.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into patties about 3 inches wide and ¾ inch thick.
- Lightly spray patties with olive oil on both sides.
- Place patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Crispy, Flavorful & Easy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until just combined.
- Form mixture into patties.
- Lightly spray patties with oil.
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest briefly before serving.
Notes
How to Keep Salmon Patties from Falling Apart
The key to sturdy salmon patties is balance. You need enough binder to hold everything together, but not so much that the patties feel dense.
Tips for perfect structure:
- Drain canned salmon well
- Use just enough breadcrumbs to bind
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes if it feels soft
- Flip gently with a spatula
Following these tips ensures patties that are crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, customizing salmon patties is easy.
Lemon Herb Salmon Patties
Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs.
Spicy Salmon Patties
Mix in cayenne or chili flakes.
Mediterranean Style
Add chopped olives and a pinch of oregano.
Asian-Inspired
Use green onions and a splash of soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile:
- Serve with a simple salad
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Enjoy on a bun as a salmon burger
- Top with yogurt sauce or tartar sauce
- Serve alongside rice or quinoa
They work just as well for a casual lunch as they do for a weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the crispy exterior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the salmon mixture
- Using too much filler
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket
- Skipping the oil spray
- Overcooking, which dries out the patties
Avoiding these mistakes guarantees consistent, delicious results.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances moisture, structure, and seasoning perfectly. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, delivering crisp edges and tender centers without extra oil. It’s quick, dependable, and endlessly adaptable — exactly what a great salmon patty recipe should be.
