I’ve got a fantastic recipe for crispy salmon patties that’s perfect for us air fryer fans. Seriously, I can whip these up in no time, and they always turn out golden and crunchy without the grease. Who doesn’t love the sound of that? Plus, they’re made with simple pantry staples—canned salmon, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. Curious about the little tips that make these patties stellar?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to quick and tasty weeknight dinners, I can’t help but think about these crispy salmon patties.
Seriously, they’re a game-changer. You mix simple ingredients, and in no time, you’ve got delicious, protein-packed patties that even my picky eater loves.
The best part? Making crispy air fryer salmon patties is a breeze. I mean, who doesn’t love that golden-brown crunch without the guilt of frying?
Plus, you don’t even need to flip them halfway through. Just pop ‘em in, and let the air fryer work its magic.
I can’t tell you how satisfying it’s to serve these alongside some lemon wedges and tartar sauce. You’ll impress anyone who stops by for dinner, trust me.
Equipment List
You might be surprised at how little equipment you need to whip up these crispy salmon patties, yet having the right tools can make all the difference.
First off, you’ll need a mixing bowl. Seriously, isn’t it amazing how such a simple thing can lead to deliciousness? You’ll also want a sturdy fork or a spatula to mix everything together.
Of course, my trusty air fryer is the star of the show—without it, we’d be stuck with boring old frying pans. A measuring cup is handy for the panko, and don’t forget some non-stick cooking spray to prevent any unsightly sticking disasters.
Finally, grab a plate to form your patties. That’s it—easy peasy, right? Additionally, investing in a quality deep fryer commercial can enhance your frying experience, especially for larger batches.
Our Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients needed to make those delicious crispy salmon patties. You might be thinking, “Do I have everything I need?” Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients you probably already have at home, and they come together to create a dish that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients.
How can you go wrong with a meal that’s quick, easy, and sounds as fancy as salmon patties? Trust me, they’ll impress anyone’s taste buds.
Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful salmon patties:
- 14.75 oz canned salmon (drained)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the canned salmon, make sure it’s drained well so that your patties don’t end up soggy—nobody likes a mushy fish cake, right?
As for the panko breadcrumbs, they’re key to that perfect crispiness, far superior to regular breadcrumbs. And don’t shy away from the fresh lemon juice; it gives a bright zing that really elevates the flavors.
If you have the fresh parsley on hand, it adds a lovely touch, but if not, no big deal. Cooking is all about improvisation, and you can totally make this dish work with what you’ve got in your pantry.
Happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions

Making crispy salmon patties isn’t just a delightful culinary experience but also an easy one. Mixing the batter is quick and simple—just follow these easy steps. You’ll be serving up some delicious, golden-brown patties in no time that are packed with flavor. Let’s dive right into the fun part, shall we?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 14.75 oz of drained canned salmon, 1 large egg, and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Use a fork or your hands to break apart the salmon and thoroughly mix everything together. You want a nice, combined texture—nothing too mushy, just a gentle fluffiness that speaks of good things to come.
- Add the Crunch: Next, sprinkle in ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of dried dill, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t forget the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley if you’re using it! Fold these ingredients into the mixture until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough patties, and we don’t want that.
- Shape the Patties: Once your mixture looks good, it’s time to form patties. Grab a handful of the mixture and gently shape it into a patty, about the size of your palm. Repeat this process until you have four delightful salmon patties. Be sure to pack each one firmly so it holds its shape, but not so much that it becomes a dense ball of sadness.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Now, give those patties a nice spray on top too—this little step is what’ll help achieve that coveted crispiness. You might think, “Is this really necessary?” Yes, it really is.
- Air Fry Those Patties: Set your air fryer to 390°F and arrange the patties in the basket in a single layer. No need to preheat, which is just one less thing to worry about. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re a crispy, golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you wonder why you didn’t make these sooner.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, carefully remove the patties from the air fryer and serve them hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. I mean, who doesn’t love a little zing with their fish, right?
And voilà! You’ve just turned a can of salmon into a gourmet meal that’ll impress even the pickiest eaters in your household. Enjoy every bite and relish the compliments that will surely follow. Happy cooking! Indulge in luxury French pastry tools to elevate your baking skills and add a touch of elegance to your kitchen!
Tips & Variations
While the basic crispy salmon patties are fantastic on their own, there’s a whole world of possibilities that can make them even more special.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced bell peppers or green onions to the mix. They not only add flavor but also give a vibrant pop of color.
Don’t forget, pressing the patties firmly helps them hold their shape—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.
And when it comes to spices, a pinch of smoked paprika can take these to the next level.
Want a twist? Swap the dill for fresh basil or cilantro—it’s all about what you love.
The more you experiment, the more you’ll find your perfect flavor combo.
How to Serve?
After you’ve put in the work to create those gorgeous crispy salmon patties, the best part is figuring out how to serve them up. I love to plate mine with fresh lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce for that perfect zing.
Dipping those golden patties is simply divine—trust me, you won’t be able to stop.
You can also toss a simple salad on the side, or some roasted veggies if you’re feeling fancy. If it’s a casual day, just slap them on a bun for an easy salmon burger—it’s like gourmet fast food.
Whatever you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the moment. You deserve it, right? Your taste buds will definitely thank you.
Storage & Reheating Guide
When life gets busy and you’ve made a batch of those tasty salmon patties, knowing how to store and reheat them can save you time later.
After they cool down, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last 3-4 days, but let’s be honest, they probably won’t stick around that long.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the air fryer is your best friend.
Just spray the patties lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Trust me, soggy patties are a culinary tragedy. You could also heat them in the microwave, but they won’t regain that lovely crunch.
Using premium kitchen gadgets can enhance your cooking experience, making it easier to achieve that perfect texture every time.
Final Thoughts
Cooking can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game, but let me tell you, making crispy salmon patties is a total win every time. Seriously, it’s hard to mess these up! You just mix up a few ingredients, form patties, and let your air fryer work its magic. And oh, the crispy goodness that comes out—it’s a flavor explosion. Plus, you’ve got a healthy meal ready in no time. I love serving mine with lemon wedges and a dab of tartar sauce, but you do you. If I can whip these up without setting off the smoke alarm, so can you. So grab that canned salmon, and let’s make your kitchen the place to be. You won’t regret it.