The first time Air Fryer Salmon Patties landed on the dinner table, it was one of those nights when everyone was hungry, the sink was full, and there was zero patience for a fussy recipe. Canned salmon was sitting in the pantry, the air fryer was already on the counter, and somehow a simple idea turned into one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” moments. The salmon patties came out golden and crisp on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and dinner suddenly felt a lot more put-together than the evening actually was. Since then, these easy little patties have become a regular fallback for busy nights, lazy weekends, and even quick lunches.
There is something comforting about a plate of warm salmon patties with lemon wedges and a creamy dipping sauce. The air fryer makes them taste fried without that heavy, oily feeling, and it keeps cleanup pleasantly simple. You mix everything in one bowl, form a few patties, and let the air fryer do the hard part while you toss together a salad or toast some buns. If you are craving a cozy meal that still feels pretty wholesome and light, these Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a very easy win.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Patties
These salmon patties come together mostly from pantry staples, so you can pull them off even when the fridge is looking a little bare. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior with barely any oil, which keeps the texture light but still deeply satisfying. A quick squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of tartar or garlic mayo on the side turns them into a complete, restaurant-style plate without much effort.
They also adapt beautifully to different meals. Serve them as a main dish with veggies and rice, tuck them into a toasted brioche bun as a salmon burger, or make mini patties for appetizers and snacks. Leftovers reheat nicely in the air fryer, so making a slightly bigger batch for the next day never feels like a bad idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple overview of what goes into these salmon patties. Exact amounts can be adjusted slightly to suit your taste.
- Canned salmon (drained and flaked, skin and bones removed if desired)
- Egg (to bind the patties)
- Mayonnaise (adds moisture and richness)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for light, crisp texture)
- Lemon juice (for brightness and freshness)
- Dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder (classic, savory flavor base)
- Salt and black pepper (to bring everything together)
- Fresh parsley (optional but adds color and freshness)
- Olive oil or neutral cooking spray (for the air fryer basket and tops of patties)
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce or garlic mayo (for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties
The process is very straightforward: mix, shape, and air fry. Once you’ve made them once, you’ll probably be able to do it from memory the next time.
- Preheat the air fryer to about medium-high heat while you prepare the mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, egg, mayonnaise, panko, lemon juice, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Gently mix until everything is evenly combined but not pasty; the mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized patties, pressing them firmly so they don’t fall apart.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
- Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.
- Air fry, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Patties
If the mixture feels too wet and sticky, sprinkle in a little extra panko until it just holds together. On the other hand, if it feels dry or crumbly, a spoonful more mayonnaise or a tiny splash of lemon juice usually fixes it quickly. Chilling the formed patties for 10–15 minutes before air frying can also help them stay firm and hold their shape better.
Try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; air needs to circulate around each patty to create that crisp exterior. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches rather than squeezing them all in at once. For extra color and crunch, give the tops a light second spray of oil halfway through cooking.
Easy Variations to Try
- Add finely diced red bell pepper or celery for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Swap dried dill for fresh dill or chives when you have them on hand.
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a gentle smoky heat.
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain panko for a more intense flavor.
- Form smaller, bite-sized patties for party appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the patties are crumbling, the mixture likely needs more binding. Adding a bit more beaten egg or mayonnaise and pressing the patties together more firmly usually does the trick. Patties that look pale or soft may just need a couple more minutes in the air fryer, or a slightly higher temperature.
When the centers feel dry, it often means they were overcooked or the mixture was too lean. Next time, use a touch more mayonnaise and check them a little earlier. If they are sticking to the basket, be sure it is well coated with cooking spray and let the patties sit for a minute before you try to flip or remove them.
Simple Substitutions
You can swap canned salmon for leftover cooked salmon; just flake it well and proceed with the recipe. If you need a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free mayonnaise that you like. Panko can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers in a pinch, though the texture will be a bit different.
For those who are avoiding eggs, a thick egg substitute or a couple of spoonfuls of mashed potato can sometimes help bind the mixture, though the patties may be a little more delicate. Adjust seasonings to match whatever substitutions you make so the flavor stays balanced.
Storage and Serving Ideas
Leftover Air Fryer Salmon Patties keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp edges; the microwave will warm them, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag or container once solid.
Serve them over a simple green salad, alongside roasted vegetables, or tucked into buns with lettuce and a squeeze of lemon. They are also great with a spoonful of tartar sauce, dill yogurt sauce, or even a quick sriracha mayo for a bit of heat. However you serve them, they tend to disappear quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? Yes, cooked and flaked fresh salmon works beautifully in this recipe; just make sure it is cooled and well broken up before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Do I need to remove the bones and skin from canned salmon? Many people do for texture, but the small bones are actually edible and soft once mixed in. It comes down to personal preference and how smooth you want the patties to be.
How long do I cook the patties in the air fryer? Cooking time can vary slightly by air fryer model and patty size, but most patties will be done in around 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and hot in the center.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then shape and air fry the patties when you are ready to cook.
Are these salmon patties good for meal prep? They work very well for meal prep because they reheat quickly and pair with many sides, from rice bowls to salads and roasted vegetables.
Can I cook these without an air fryer? If needed, you can pan-fry them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, or bake them on a greased baking sheet, though the texture will be a bit different than the air-fried version.
What sauces go best with Air Fryer Salmon Patties? Classic tartar sauce is always a favorite, but garlic lemon mayo, dill yogurt sauce, or even a light honey mustard all work nicely.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Salmon Mixture
- 2 cups canned salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh if possible
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
For Cooking and Serving
- olive oil or cooking spray for greasing air fryer basket and patties
- lemon wedges for serving
- tartar sauce or garlic mayo for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions, or to a medium-high temperature, while you prepare the salmon mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and flaked salmon, beaten egg, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Gently stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed in your hand; if it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little extra panko, and if it feels dry, add a small spoonful of mayonnaise.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into patties, pressing them firmly so they do not crumble. For best results, chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to help them set.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer with a bit of space between each one, then mist the tops with a little more spray.
- Air fry for about 8–12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the patties are golden brown on the outside and heated through in the center.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
