Name: How To Make Salmon Patties In The Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cans salmon; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons mayo; 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

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Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: 20 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: mixing bowl
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 6

Learn how to make salmon patties in the air fryer as a quick and easy lunch option or protein-packed dinner! With just 6 ingredients, these golden-brown patties made with convenient canned salmon turn out rich and flavorful. Serve them over salad greens or a rice bowl and add fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish!

white platter with six salmon patties on a bed of arugula with lemon slices with a white air fryer in the background

What’s To Love About This Recipe

These crispy salmon patties could not be easier! Using familiar pantry ingredients, you can mix up these patties with canned salmon and get deliciously golden bites in the air fryer without lots of grease and cleanup.
If you’re low on groceries and working through your pantry, make simple yet flavorful salmon patties as a high-protein, nutritious option to pair with rice, veggies, or salad.
These make a great protein to meal prep ahead for the week and store for lunches, or just whip them up for a quick weeknight dinner. Salmon is full of nutritional benefits like Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, so you can feel good about throwing together this healthy, easy meal!
The flavor is simple, yet excellent, thanks to the combination of mayo, dill, and all-purpose seasoning. The texture is also amazing – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
It’s much simpler to cook crispy browned patties when you don’t have to mess with deep-frying on the stove! The air fryer cooks the salmon patties effortlessly and keeps the mess to a minimum.

Ingredients Needed

Canned salmon – Canned salmon is a convenient option to have on hand for easy, healthy meals. For some, it can also be less intimidating than cooking fresh salmon! Choose either bone-in or boneless canned salmon and drain it well to prevent soggy patties and help them hold together.
Almond flour – Almond flour serves as a low-carb binder, helping hold the patties together without breadcrumbs. It’s a great gluten-free option that also adds extra protein to the meal.
Egg – Egg is the essential ingredient that gives the patties structure and holds them together during cooking.
Mayonnaise – Mayo adds moisture and a rich flavor to the patties without making them greasy. I like to use Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise or others made with avocado oil.
All-purpose seasoning – I love using this combination of salt, pepper, and garlic for an all-in-one mix that brings plenty of flavor.
Dried dill – Dill is a seasoning that pairs naturally with salmon and keeps the flavor simple and classic. The seasoning is enhanced with fresh lemon, tartar sauce, and yogurt-based dips!

ingredients to include large bowl of canned salmon, surrounded by bowls of almond flour, mayo, seasoning, dried dill and 1 egg

How To Make Salmon Patties In The Air Fryer

Drain the canned salmon and add it to a small bowl.
Break the salmon apart with a fork and add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.

large bowl of canned salmon with bowls of seasoning and almond flour

bowl of salmon with almond flour, dill and mayo, with wooden bowl with egg, gold fork and tea towel on side

Use a fork or your hands to combine well.
Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized round patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

parchment paper lined wooden cutting board with six shaped salmon patties with tea towel on side

Spray each side with avocado oil and add to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

overhead view of black air fryer with six salmon patties that have been sprayed with avocado oil

Cook at 400 ℉ for about 10 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.

closeup view of large white spatula containing one salmon patty with platter of remaining five patties on a bed of arugula

Pro Tips

It’s important to fully drain the salmon to ensure the patties stick together. Too much moisture may cause the patties to crumble and fall apart.
Patties should be about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Making the patties too thin or too large can change the texture and ability to crisp efficiently.
To evenly brown the patties, lightly spray them with oil and flip them halfway through cooking. Cook at 400 ℉ for the best crispy exterior.
Patties are done when golden and heated through, not dry.
Be careful not to overmix, which can make the patties dense.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use almond flour to keep the recipe gluten-free. For other options, you can also use breadcrumbs, panko, regular flour, or crushed crackers.
Boneless canned salmon is best for a smooth, consistent texture. You can manually remove bones from canned salmon if you prefer, but there may be some left behind. Canned salmon with bones-in is an option, and it’s up to your preference if you want to use it.
Instead of canned salmon, you can also use leftover cooked salmon from the grill or oven-baked salmon. You can also make salmon patties from fresh salmon, if that’s what you have on hand!
Vary the flavor and texture with add-ins such as diced onion, celery, or bell pepper, but sauté them first to soften.
Different spice options can also add a tang or a touch of spicy heat. Try paprika, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, or lemon pepper.
For a mayo-free option, swap it with Greek yogurt. Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise or avocado-oil-based mayonnaise are usually healthier options than traditional mayonnaise.

How To Serve Salmon Patties

Salmon patties make a tasty, lighter yet protein-packed lunch option with salad greens, or for a heartier meal, serve them with roasted veggies or rice bowls.

For a tangy complement to the patties, serve with lemon wedges and a simple dipping sauce such as tartar sauce, aioli, yogurt-dill dip, or a scoop of classic coleslaw. They also taste delicious when topped with Grilled Pineapple Salsa, tartar sauce, or simply a dollop of mayo.

Other crispy sides that pair well include hush puppies (also easy to make in the air fryer) or Air Fryer Potato Wedges, which are great for dipping.

Make up a batch of salmon patties as a protein for meal prep lunches or simple dinners for busy nights on the go!

large white platter with air fried salmon patties on a bed of arugula with slices of lemon

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover cooked patties in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing leftover patties is optional, but the texture is best when fresh.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat patties in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for the best texture.

How To Make Salmon Patties In The Air Fryer

Jennifer Draper

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Serving Size

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 cans salmon
1/4 cup almond flour
1 egg
2 tablespoons mayo
1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried dill

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Instructions

Drain canned salmon and add to a small bowl
Break salmon apart with a fork and add remaining ingredients to bowl
Use a fork or your hands to combine well
Form mixture into 6 equal-sized round patties, about 1/2 inch thick
Spray each side with avocado oil and add to air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook at 400 ℉ for about 10 minutes until cooked through, flipping once

Notes

Store leftover cooked patties in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is optional, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Reheat patties in the air fryer at 350 ℉ until warmed through and golden.
Fully drain the salmon before forming the patties to prevent excess moisture and crumbling.
Shape the patties to about ½ inch thick for even cooking and optimal crispness.
Avoid overmixing the mixture, which can make the patties dense.