Air Fryer Salmon Patties

These air fryer salmon patties turn canned salmon into crisp, golden salmon cakes without standing over a skillet. I season them with Old Bay for that classic seafood flavor, and the air fryer gives them lightly crisp edges while the inside stays tender.

I like this recipe when I want a quick seafood dinner from pantry staples. Serve the patties with homemade tartar sauce, Bang Bang Sauce, air fryer asparagus, or easy keto coleslaw. You could also turn them into burgers with all the toppings similar to how I do in my salmon burgers with canned salmon.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Patties

• They use canned salmon: This recipe starts with canned salmon, so it’s easy to make without a fresh seafood run to the grocery store.
• No skillet needed: The air fryer gives the patties a golden outside without pan-frying.
• Almond flour or panko both work: I tested this recipe with almond flour and panko, and both hold the patties together well.
• They’re easy to serve different ways: Add a sauce and a crisp vegetable side, tuck the patties into lettuce wraps, or use them as the base for a burger-style meal.
• They have classic seafood flavor: Old Bay adds savory, lightly spiced flavor that works well with canned salmon. You can use store-bought or my homemade Old Bay seasoning.

Can You Air Fry Salmon Patties?

Yes. I make salmon patties in the air fryer because it helps them brown on the outside without needing a skillet. It’s also less hands-on than pan-frying, which is helpful because salmon patties can be delicate before they firm up.

The biggest thing is giving the patties enough structure before they go into the basket. Drain the canned salmon well, press the patties together firmly, spray the tops with oil, and leave a little space around each one so the edges can crisp instead of steam.

I cook salmon patties at 375 degrees for 12–14 minutes. Since this version uses canned salmon, you’re mostly cooking the egg binder, warming the mixture through, and browning the outside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Canned salmon: Use drained canned salmon. Boneless, skinless canned salmon keeps prep easy, but traditional canned salmon with skin and bones also works if you remove them or mash them into the mixture.
• Shallots or onion: Shallots add mild onion flavor, but red onion, yellow onion, or green onion also work.
• Bell peppers: Dice them small so the patties hold together and the vegetables soften in the air fryer.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works when you need a pantry shortcut.
• Mayo and egg: These help bind the salmon mixture and keep the patties tender.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a little freshness to balance the canned salmon and Old Bay.
• Old Bay seasoning: This gives the patties classic seafood flavor. Use store-bought or my homemade Old Bay seasoning.
• Almond flour or panko: Almond flour keeps the patties low-carb, while panko gives a more classic breadcrumb texture. Both work here.
• Cooking spray: This helps the patties brown in the air fryer. Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray both work.

How to Make Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer

Start with a mixture that holds together

The salmon mixture should be moist enough to shape, but not so wet that it feels loose. Draining the canned salmon well makes a big difference because extra liquid can make the patties harder to form.

When you mix everything together, fold gently instead of mashing the salmon into a paste. You want the ingredients evenly combined, but the patties should still have some texture.

Shape the patties for better browning

Press each patty together firmly so it feels compact before it goes into the air fryer. This helps the patties hold their shape when you lift them later.

I also like adding a light coating of almond flour or panko on the outside. It helps the patties brown better once they’re sprayed with oil.

Give them space in the air fryer

Arrange the patties in a single layer with a little room between them. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam around the edges instead of getting lightly crisp.

Air fryer parchment can help with cleanup and make delicate patties easier to lift. Just make sure it does not block too much airflow around the patties.

Cook until golden and firm

The patties are ready when the tops are golden and they feel firm enough to lift without breaking. I usually do not flip them as long as they’re browning well and arranged in a single layer.

If your patties are thinner, start checking a little earlier. If they’re thicker, they may need the full cook time.

How Long to Cook Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer

I cook salmon patties in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 12–14 minutes. That gives the patties time to firm up, warm through, and brown on the outside.

The exact time can vary a little based on how thick you shape them and how your air fryer cooks. Look for a golden top and a patty that feels set when you gently lift it.

Tips for Salmon Patties That Hold Together

• Drain the canned salmon well: Extra liquid makes the mixture loose. I drain it well before mixing so the patties are easier to shape.
• Use enough binder: The egg, mayo, and almond flour or panko help hold the patties together.
• Dice the vegetables small: Large pieces of onion or bell pepper can make the patties break apart more easily.
• Shape them firmly: I press the mixture together instead of lightly scooping it. The patties should feel compact before they go into the air fryer.
• Chill if needed: I didn’t need to chill mine, but if your mixture feels soft, chill the patties for 15–30 minutes before air frying. This can help when using canned salmon brands with more moisture.
• Give them space: If the patties are crowded, the edges will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use parchment carefully: Air fryer parchment can make the patties easier to lift, but the patties still need space around them so they can brown.

Sauces and Toppings for Salmon Patties

These air fryer salmon patties are good on their own, but a sauce makes them feel more complete.

• Homemade Tartar Sauce: A classic choice with dill pickles, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
• Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, sweet-heat sauce that turns these into bang bang salmon patties.
• Lemon Garlic Aioli: Great when you want something creamy with bright lemon flavor.
• Peruvian Green Sauce: A fresh, herby option if you want a bolder sauce with a little kick.

You can also keep it simple with lemon wedges, sliced green onions, or a little extra parsley.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Patties

I usually serve these salmon patties with a sauce and a crisp vegetable side. For a lighter seafood dinner, pair them with air fryer asparagus, air fryer green beans, or easy keto coleslaw.

For a heartier plate, serve them with Instant Pot cabbage, cauliflower rice pilaf, or canned green beans for a pantry-friendly side.

You can also use these patties for a canned salmon burger meal with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and tartar sauce or bang bang sauce. For another easy option, break the patties into chunks and add them to tortillas using the toppings from my salmon tacos.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees until warmed through. This helps bring back some of the crisp edges better than the microwave.

More Air Fryer Salmon Recipes

If you enjoy making salmon in the air fryer, try these next:

• Air Fryer Salmon Bites
• Air Fryer Salmon Filets
• Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

FAQs

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