Air Fryer Salmon Patties are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor—without deep frying or complicated prep. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner, a healthy protein-packed lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these salmon patties deliver every time.

Unlike traditional pan-fried salmon cakes that soak up oil, cooking salmon patties in the air fryer creates a beautifully golden crust using minimal oil while keeping the interior moist and flaky. The result is a lighter, healthier dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and incredibly versatile. You can make it with fresh or canned salmon, customize the seasonings to your taste, and pair it with everything from salads to sandwiches. If you’ve ever struggled with salmon patties falling apart or tasting bland, this method fixes both problems.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Crispy texture without deep frying
Ready in under 30 minutes
High in protein and omega-3s
Budget-friendly and meal-prep friendly
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizers

The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the outside evenly, giving you restaurant-quality salmon patties at home with minimal effort.

Ingredients

12 oz cooked or canned salmon, flaked and bones removed
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons finely diced onion
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Olive oil spray for air fryer basket

Instructions

Prepare the salmon
Flake the salmon into a large mixing bowl, removing skin and any remaining bones.
Mix the base
Add breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, lemon juice, and all seasonings. Mix gently until combined.
Form patties
Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 2½–3 inches wide. Avoid over-packing to keep them tender.
Preheat air fryer
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Cook
Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place patties in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with oil.
Air fry
Cook for 8 minutes, flip carefully, then cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving for best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties

Don’t overmix – Gentle mixing prevents dense patties.
Chill if needed – If mixture feels soft, refrigerate 10 minutes before shaping.
Use panko – Creates extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Flip carefully – Use a thin spatula to keep patties intact.

Variations & Flavor Twists

Spicy: Add cayenne or diced jalapeño
Mediterranean: Use dill, capers, and lemon zest
Asian-inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and scallions
Low-carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour

Serving Suggestions

On a bun with lettuce and aioli
Over a fresh green salad
With roasted vegetables
As a protein-packed breakfast with eggs
As mini patties for appetizers

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in airtight container
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties up to 2 months
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes

Nutrition Highlights

Salmon patties are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Air frying significantly reduces added fat while maintaining flavor.