Crispy & Healthy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

Looking for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes? The Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe is the answer. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patties are a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy salmon. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or leftover salmon, this dish delivers incredible taste with minimal effort. Made with wholesome ingredients like salmon, herbs, and breadcrumbs, and air-fried instead of deep-fried, these patties are light on calories but big on flavor.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, light lunch, or even as an appetizer, these salmon patties are kid-friendly and adult-approved. The air fryer brings the golden crispiness you crave without the greasy aftermath, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Patty)

• Calories: 180

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 1g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 360mg

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Cuisine

• Cuisine: American

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Course

• Course: Main Course / Appetizer

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Servings

• Servings: 4 (Makes 8 medium patties)

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Fork or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooking spray or brush

• Optional: Ice cream scoop or spoon for shaping

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Ingredients

• 1 can (14–15 oz) pink or sockeye salmon (or 1.5 cups cooked salmon), skin and bones removed

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mix everything together until well combined. Break apart the salmon but keep some chunks for texture.

Tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a bit more mayo or a splash of lemon juice.

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Step 2: Form the Patties

Scoop out equal portions of the mixture and form into small patties (about 2.5 inches in diameter). You should get around 8 patties. Place them on a plate or tray.

Let them rest in the fridge for 5–10 minutes if time allows. This helps the patties hold their shape better in the air fryer.

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Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Patties

Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.

Optional: For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the patties with oil before air frying.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the air fryer and let the patties rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. A side salad, roasted vegetables, or a bun can turn these into a complete meal.

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Tips for Success

• Using Fresh Salmon: You can use cooked fresh salmon instead of canned. Just ensure it’s flaked and fully cooled before mixing.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.

• Add Veggies: Finely grated carrots or zucchini can be mixed in for added nutrition and moisture.

• Storage: Leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

• Healthy & Light: Air-fried with minimal oil, making them lower in fat and calories than pan-fried versions.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Versatile: Great as a meal, snack, or appetizer; perfect in lunchboxes or over salads.

• Budget-Friendly: Canned salmon is affordable and pantry-stable, making this an economical meal.

• Family-Friendly: Mild flavor and crispy texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeño to the mix.

• Mediterranean Style: Use chopped dill, feta cheese, and a dash of oregano.

• Asian Twist: Swap Dijon for soy sauce and add chopped green onions and ginger.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe is a reliable and delicious choice. It combines convenience with wholesome ingredients and offers a restaurant-worthy result right in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a nutritious, crispy, and tasty meal with minimal cleanup, these salmon patties are sure to become a regular on your menu. Serve them up with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a simple but satisfying meal.