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Air Fryer Salmon Patties are the kind of quick, protein-packed recipe you can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve as an easy appetizer when friends drop by. They’re made with canned salmon, bright red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and simple pantry seasonings that come together to create tender, flavorful patties with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Whether you pair them with a dipping sauce, tuck them into a sandwich, or enjoy them as a light meal, these salmon cakes are always a hit and incredibly beginner-friendly. If you love easy seafood recipes, try our air fryer honey mustard salmon next.
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This recipe is 5 STARS!!! So moist and delicious!
Cooking time was PERFECT!
-Kari
Quick Look At This Recipe
- ✨ Flavor: Savory, lightly crisp, and loaded with fresh herb and salmon flavor. Golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
- ⏱️ Prep time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
- ⏲️ Total time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🥄 Tools: Air fryer, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, and a fork for flaking the salmon.
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Shape the uncooked patties and freeze for up to 3 months; air fry straight from frozen with a couple extra minutes.
- 👩🏻🍳 Tip: For the crispiest patties, shape them evenly, spritz lightly with oil, and avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate properly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein: Whether you’re looking for a high-protein appetizer, snack, or easy main dish, these salmon patties deliver. Just like these air fryer salmon bites!
- Quick and beginner-friendly: Using canned salmon keeps things simple, and you can swap in fresh cooked salmon if you prefer. Either way, the patties come together fast with just a few basic ingredients.
- Crispy and satisfying: Air frying gives the patties a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
- Versatile for any meal: Enjoy them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, add them to a grain bowl, or serve them as a light, protein-packed main dish with air fryer roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
- Canned salmon: The star of the show! Canned salmon gives you tender, flaky patties without any extra prep. It’s naturally moist, gently salty, and packed with protein. Substitute: leftover cooked salmon works too — just flake it finely and add 1–2 teaspoons more mayo if it seems dry. For more ways to enjoy salmon, try our air fryer salmon burgers next!
- Eggs: These act as the binder that keeps your patties from falling apart in the air fryer. They add richness and help the mixture hold moisture.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise keeps the patties moist and creates a lightly crisped exterior as it cooks. It adds a subtle tang and acts as a second binder so the mixture doesn’t dry out.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and freshness to balance the savory salmon. It also adds moisture, which keeps the patties tender inside.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs give structure to the patties and help them crisp in the air fryer. They soak up excess moisture so the patties hold their shape.
- Seasoning: A simple blend keeps the patties bright and savory. Parsley adds freshness, garlic powder adds depth, pepper gives a warm bite, and kosher salt brings everything into balance.
Salmon Cake Variations
- Tuna or Crab Patties: Swap the salmon for well-drained canned tuna or lump crab meat. The texture stays similar, and the patties still crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. You can also try our air-fried crab cakes recipe.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped green onions, fresh chives, or finely diced crispy veggies in place of bell pepper. They add brightness and a little crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the mixture for heat. Sriracha, Louisiana-style, or chipotle hot sauce all work well.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version. The patties will be slightly less rich but still moist and flavorful.
- Egg-Free Version: Skip the egg and add an extra tablespoon of mayo or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to help bind the mixture. The patties will be softer but still hold together.
- Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier exterior. For even more crunch, lightly coat the outside of each patty in extra panko before air frying.
- Gluten-Free Patties: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. It binds the patties and gives a lightly nutty flavor.
- Cajun Salmon Patties: Mix in 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky flavor and lightly spicy edge. Great for serving with a creamy dipping sauce. If you love these flavors, try our air fryer Cajun shrimp too!
If you love easy salmon recipes, try our cheesy air fryer pesto salmon and air fryer teriyaki salmon bites. Did you know, you can even make salmon straight from the freezer with this air fryer frozen salmon recipe!
How to Make Salmon Patties in the Air Fryer
To get started, grab all your ingredients. When you start to shape your salmon patties, preheat your air fryer to 390° F. If you don’t have a preheat setting, you can simply run your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the patties. Don’t skip! Preheating helps the patties set quickly and crisp faster.
- Stir together the salmon, eggs, mayo, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, parsley, and the remaining seasonings in a mixing bowl.
- Use a measuring cup to scoop out a half cup of the salmon mixture. This keeps the patties evenly sized but also makes it easier to shape the patties.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil or nonstick cooking spray. Place the salmon patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Very lightly spray the tops of the patties with the cooking spray or a spritz of olive oil spray, so they crisp on top.
- Air fry the salmon patties at 390° F for 8-10 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden brown. Turn the patties over halfway through cooking time. Let patties rest briefly to make them easier to lift up. Serve and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh parsley.
🍽️ Serving Tip: For an easy dinner idea or fast lunch, serve patties in between buns or slices of air fryer bread to make a delicious sandwich. Add a flavorful sauce like tartar sauce, lemon-dill yogurt sauce, or a creamy chipotle mayo to your sandwich!
Recipe Tip
- Remove bones and shred evenly: If using canned salmon, pick out any bones for a smoother texture. For fresh cooked salmon, use two forks to gently shred it into fine flakes so the patties hold together more easily.
- Shape patties evenly for consistent cooking: Even thickness is the secret to evenly browned, crispy patties. Aim for about ½-inch thick. Thicker patties stay softer; thinner ones get extra crisp.
- Spritz with oil for a golden crust: Lightly spray the tops of the patties with olive oil or avocado oil spray before air frying. This helps them develop that beautiful golden exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each patty a little breathing room. Air fryers crisp by circulating hot air, so if the patties overlap or touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Flip for even browning: Flipping halfway through helps both sides crisp, especially in basket-style air fryers. This step is optional but recommended.
- Adjust cook time for your air fryer model: This recipe was tested in a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Different models (especially dual-zone or lower-wattage units) may need a minute more or less. Begin checking early the first time you make them.
Storing and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store leftover cooked salmon cakes in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated salmon cakes, place them in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Air Fryer Salmon Cakes Recipe FAQs
Salmon patties usually fall apart when the mixture is too wet or not well-bound. Make sure to drain the salmon well, flake it finely, and mix it thoroughly with the egg and breadcrumbs so everything holds together. If the mixture still feels loose, add 1–2 teaspoons more breadcrumbs to absorb extra moisture. You can also chill the patties after shaping them for 10–15 minutes before air frying to help them stay intact.
Yes! You can make air fryer salmon patties without breadcrumbs or eggs, but the texture will be softer. For an egg-free version, replace each egg with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard to help bind the mixture. For a breadcrumb-free or gluten-free patty, use almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even oat flour. Just keep an eye on moisture, as these substitutions may require a little adjusting until the mixture holds together.
Yes, you can easily prepare salmon patties in advance. Shape the uncooked patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Keep them covered so they don’t dry out. If you want to freeze them, lay the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and can go straight into the air fryer from frozen; you’ll just need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
You can, but the results differ. Most salmon patties are made with cooked salmon because it flakes easily, mixes evenly with the binders, and guarantees that the patties cook through. Using raw salmon means the patties will release more moisture and have a softer, burger-like texture rather than a classic salmon cake texture. If using raw salmon, chop it very finely so it binds well, and make sure the patties reach 145°F internally to ensure they’re fully cooked.
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
Dinner
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Dinner
Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
Dinner
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Dinner
Air Fryer Scallops
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 14.75 oz salmon, canned, deboned
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ bell pepper, red
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp olive oil, spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- While the air fryer is preheating, in a medium bowl, combine the salmon, eggs, mayo, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, parsley, and the remaining seasonings. Stir together until all ingredients are well combined.
- Use a measuring cup to scoop out 1/2 cup of the salmon mixture.
- Shape the mixture into patties, about 1 inch in thickness.
- Lightly spray the preheated oven or basket with oil or nonstick cooking spray. In a single layer, place the crab cakes in air fryer basket. Very lightly spray the tops of the patties with the cooking spray or a spritz of olive oil spray, so they crisp on top.
- Air fry salmon patties at 390 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden brown. Turning the patties over halfway through cooking time for 4-5 minutes cooking time on each side.
Notes
- Pick out any bones from canned salmon and flake it well. If using fresh cooked salmon, shred it with two forks so the patties hold together easily.
- Form patties about ½-inch thick for consistent cooking and a crisp exterior.
- Lightly spray the tops with olive or avocado oil to help them brown and crisp in the air fryer.
- Space the patties out so air can circulate; overlapping will cause them to steam instead of crisp.
- Turn the patties halfway through for the best color and texture, especially in basket-style air fryers.
- This recipe was tested in a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Other models may cook slightly faster or slower, so check early the first time you make them.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you store un cooked salmon cakes
Yes, you can make these a day ahead of time and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two before making them.
This recipe is 5 STARS!!! So moist and delicious! Cooking time was PERFECT! I used a 1/3 measuring cup to portion my cakes and I added a little less than 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, which made the cakes less carbs–made 6 cakes. I didn’t have red peppers, so I used mushrooms instead and cooked them a bit with the onions. I will absolutely make this again! Thanks for this delicious recipe!!
So glad you liked this! It’s one of my favorites. ๐
Canโt wait to make this. Why do you need to precook fresh salmon? Thanks
That’s a great question and I updated the post to answer that for others as well. In short, it’s the texture of the patties. If you use raw salmon it will be more of a salmon burger textures versus a salmon cake texture. Hope that helps!