Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a tasty, practical way to turn leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon into a quick, satisfying meal. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they come together in minutes and are ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, sandwiches, or bowls.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

The air fryer is perfect for salmon patties: it crisps the edges beautifully without a lot of oil and shortens cook time. The patties are seasoned with Old Bay, fresh dill and Dijon, bound with eggs and panko, and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Use leftover pan-roasted salmon, poached salmon, or two cans of salmon to make a batch in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve them over a bed of greens, on slider buns, or in grain bowls with your favorite vegetables.

How do you keep salmon patties from falling apart?

To prevent salmon patties from breaking apart, use binders such as eggs and a dry binder like panko. Chill or briefly freeze the mixed patties for about 10 minutes before cooking — this firms the mixture and helps them hold their shape. If the mixture feels too wet, add another tablespoon or two of panko until it’s manageable. Form the patties tightly and handle them gently when flipping.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties Ingredients

• Eggs: Two large eggs to bind the mixture.
• Onion: 1/4 cup chopped red onion adds mild sharpness and texture.
• Dill: Fresh chopped dill—chives also work well.
• Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons for moisture and flavor; use your preferred brand.
• Mustard: Two teaspoons Dijon for brightness.
• Old Bay Seasoning: One teaspoon; substitute paprika, salt, and garlic powder if needed.
• Salmon: 12 ounces cooked, flaked salmon (about 1 pound raw before cooking) or two 6-ounce cans of salmon, drained and flaked.
• Panko: 1/2 cup panko crumbs (plain or gluten-free as desired) to bind and add texture.
• Olive oil spray: For the air fryer to promote browning.
• Lemon wedges: For serving.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties

• Prepare the air fryer: Line the basket with a piece of air fryer parchment or lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, chopped onion, chopped dill, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay. Add the flaked salmon and the panko, then mix gently until combined. If the mixture feels very wet, add an extra tablespoon of panko.
• Chill briefly: Freeze or refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes—this helps the patties firm up and stay together during cooking.
• Form patties: Shape the mixture into six even patties, pressing them tightly so they hold their shape.
• Air fry: Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the patties are golden brown and heated through.
• Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden.

What is a remoulade sauce made of?

A simple remoulade elevates the patties: mix mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice and chopped capers, and season to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add a little Dijon or paprika for extra depth.

How to Serve Salmon Patties

• On salad: Place warm or cold patties on mixed greens or romaine with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and avocado for a light meal.
• In bowls: Serve over rice, quinoa, or grains with steamed or roasted vegetables and a drizzle of sauce.
• As sliders: Sandwich patties on small buns or potato rolls with remoulade or tartar sauce and crisp lettuce.
• As a main: Pair with roasted vegetables, a grain salad, or simple sautéed greens for a hearty dinner.

How to Meal Prep Salmon Patties

This recipe scales easily—halve for fewer portions or double to prepare extra for the week. Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are delicious cold on salads or reheated briefly in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through. Patties also freeze well: flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months; reheat from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few minutes to the cook time.

More Air Fryer Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

• Air Fryer Salmon Fish Sandwich
• Chili-Lime Air Fryer Salmon
• Salmon Croquettes with Dill Sauce
• 5-Ingredient Salmon Salad
• Healthy Salmon Quinoa Burgers