Make these easy Air Fryer Salmon Patties with fresh salmon and just 6-8 minutes of cooking. They're deliciously packed with flavor and require no chopping thanks to powdered seasonings.
You know I love my salmon recipes, right? Lemon pepper salmon, salmon bites, salmon curry, salmon stew, salmon piccata... and now, my new favorite: Salmon Patties.
These salmon burgers are seasoned similarly to my chicken patties and turkey burgers - because that seasoning just works for near to anything! And not just works, it makes everything oh so juicy thanks to all that lemon juice.
The end result is very similar to Norwegian fish cakes. With that gentle fish flavor, subtle seasoning, and soft, fluffy texture. It's the perfect dish when you're ready to switch up your salmon game!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It's quick with just 6-8 minutes of cooking
- It's easy with a simple 5-minute prep
- Juicy and fluffy with lots of delicious lemon flavors
- No chopping - we use powdered seasonings instead
- No onion pieces so you know the kids just might approve!
- Make ahead or prep ahead - you can make them the day before, or even keep them in the freezer pre-cooked or raw
What You Need to Make Them
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Salmon: I recommend using fresh salmon, but you can also use canned.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best, but canned works.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
- Cooking oil: I prefer a neutral kind like canola oil.
How to Make Them
- Combine salmon and seasonings in a food processor
- Mix until smooth, then add an egg and mix again
- Add breadcrumbs
- Mix, then cover and refrigerate
- Divide into similar-sized balls and place in air fryer basket brushed with oil
- Brush the tops with oil and use a spatula to smash into patties
- Air fry 5 minutes, then flip
- Air fry 1-2 minutes more, until done, then serve!
Expert Tips
- In a hurry? Skip the refrigeration, but know that the patties might flatten a bit while cooking.
- Cook in a single layer and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to know when they are done
- Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145℉ (63℃).
- Don't overcook them or they can end up dry
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce, or just a side of sour cream
Storing, Freezing, Reheating & Prepping Ahead
Storing leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing leftovers: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating in air fryer: Air fry 2-4 minutes at 360°F (180°C), until heated through.
Reheating in microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave starting with 1 minute and following with 30 second increments.
Prep ahead: You can make the salmon mixture the day before, store in the refrigerator, and cook the next day
Freeze and cook: You can freeze raw patties and cook them up when desired. Freeze individually on a tray for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw, then cook as directed in recipe card, or cook from frozen and add a few minutes to the cook time.
Recipe FAQ
To keep salmon patties from falling apart, you need some kind of binding agent. Here, we use a combination of egg and breadcrumbs to achieve this, but another option is to use a shredded boiled potato.
To keep salmon from drying out when air frying, make sure not to overcook it. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), not more.
Sides to Serve Them With
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes55 Minutes
- Blue Cheese Coleslaw15 Minutes
- Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese50 Minutes
- Air Fryer Steak Fries25 Minutes
Sauces to Serve Them With
- Avocado Sour Cream Sauce35 Minutes
- Whipped Feta with Garlic & Basil (Tyrosalata)5 Minutes
- 5-minute Lime Aioli from Scratch5 Minutes
- Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing5 Minutes
More Quick & Easy Salmon Recipes
- Salmon Stew30 Minutes
- Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Salmon Bites10 Minutes
- Thai Salmon Curry30 Minutes
- Pesto Salmon15 Minutes
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...and let me know what you loved about it in the comments.
Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Print RateIngredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet without skin, roughly chopped, or canned salmon
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine table salt
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh is best
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free to make this recipe gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
To serve
- lemon wedges
- sour cream
Instructions
- Place salmon pieces, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and lemon juice in a food processor and mix until smooth.1 lb salmon fillet, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp fine table salt, 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- Add the egg and mix again until well incorporated.1 egg
- Transfer the salmon mixture to a bowl and fold in the breadcrumbs.¼ cup breadcrumbs
- Cover and refrigerate at least 15 minutes.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer by running it at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Bring out the salmon mixture and shape into four balls of similar size.
- Brush the air fryer basket with oil, then place the salmon balls inside. Brush with oil on top, then use a spatula or spoon to flatten into salmon patties about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. If the patties don't all fit at the same time you will need to cook in batches - do not cook in multiple layers.1 tsp cooking oil
- Air fry 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then flip and air fry 1-2 minutes more, until cooked through and a bit browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve with lemon wedges and a side of sour cream.lemon wedges, sour cream
Video
Notes
- In a hurry? Skip the refrigeration, but know that the patties might flatten a bit while cooking.
- Don't overcook them or they can end up dry
- Storing leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing leftovers: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating in air fryer: Air fry 2-4 minutes at 360°F (180°C), until heated through.
- Reheating in microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave starting with 1 minute and following with 30 second increments.
- Prep ahead: You can make the salmon mixture the day before, store in the refrigerator, and cook the next day
- Freeze and cook: You can freeze raw patties and cook them up when desired. Freeze individually on a tray for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw, then cook as directed in recipe card, or cook from frozen and add a few minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Anya
What a great way to get a healthy source of protein as well as Omega 3's with these tasty air fryer salmon patties! Such a great recipe to use for meal prep! I used gluten free breadcrumbs and have been eating them with some super tasty air fryer cauliflower (https://alwaysusebutter.com/air-fryer-frozen-cauliflower/) that I cooked up while I let the salmon refrigerate!