Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Lemon Aioli

🛒 Ingredients

Here are a few notes about the ingredients to make salmon patties. You'll find a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.

for the Salmon Patties

• salmon:  You'll need about 14-16 ounces. That's four cans of wild sockeye salmon or a little less than 1 pound of freshly cooked salmon. Both will make tasty salmon patties. While there is little difference between canned sockeye salmon and other less expensive varieties like pink salmon, sockeye has superior flavour.
• panko crumbs:  Regular or gluten-free panko crumbs help to hold the salmon patties together more effectively than bread crumbs or crackers.
• delicious additions: Add sliced green onions, finely chopped red pepper, minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
• seasonings:  Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, Dijon mustard and mayonnaise
• don't forget to top with the best Lemon Aioli! It's easy to whisk together and takes these air fryer salmon patties to the next level!

🥄 How to make salmon patties in an air fryer

1. Prep the salmon. If you're using canned sockeye salmon, drain it thoroughly. If using freshly cooked or leftover cooked salmon, remove the skin and bones and flake with two forks. When using raw salmon, remove the skin and bones, add to a food processor and process until finely ground.
2. Combine the ingredients. Add all salmon patty ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine.
3. To make patties burger size: Using a half-cup measure, press mixture firmly into the cup, then tap out onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press down gently to form patties about ¾ inch thick and 2 ½ inches in diameter.
4. To make appetizer-sized salmon patties: Use a large cookie scoop, press the mixture firmly into the scoop, then release it on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Chill. Put the baking sheet with patties in the fridge to chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step is important to prevent the patties from falling apart in the air fryer. If you're in a hurry, put them in the freezer for a few minutes.
6. Preheat your air fryer. Brush the air fryer basket with oil or spray it lightly with an oil mister (not non-stick cooking spray which may damage the finish on your air fryer.) Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. for 3 minutes.
7. Make them crispy and golden! Brush one side of each patty lightly with olive oil or avocado oil. Place the patties oil-side down in the air fryer, then brush the other side with oil. Using a small amount of oil not only helps to prevent the patties from sticking, but also helps to form an appetizing golden crisp surface.
8. Air fry at 390°F. for 8 - 10 minutes. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

👍🏼Helpful Tips

Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. The hot air needs to circulate around the patties to make a crisp exterior.

To avoid scratching your air fryer basket, use a silicone lifter or spatula to remove the patties to a serving dish. You don't need to flip the burgers halfway through. The hot circulating air crisps the surface of the patties on both sides.

❓Frequently asked Questions

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve these as salmon burgers in a bun, or as open-faced burgers. They're delicious with a small dollop of lemon aioli. Add a slice of tomato and crisp lettuce leaves or sprouted greens for the full burger experience. Don't forget the Pickled Red Onions!

Salmon cakes (aka fish cakes, salmon burgers or salmon patties) also pair well with avocado. Top your burger with a few thin slices of avocado or a scoop of Quick Chunky Guacamole. So good!

Want to serve these as appetizers? Form small patties about 1-inch in diameter. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F., brush the basket with oil, add the chilled patties (also brushed with a little oil on both sides) and air fry. The time needed to cook will depend on the size of the patties but check after 3 - 4 minutes, adding a minute or two more as needed.

What to serve with salmon patties

What side dishes go well with salmon patties?

Burgers go with fries! These Smoky Sweet Potato Wedges can be roasting in the oven while you air fry the salmon cakes. Or try these Grilled Lemon Garlic Potato Kabobs--so good!

A side of coleslaw goes well with this meal too! Try either Cabbage Coleslaw with Sesame Miso Dressing or Thai-Style Coleslaw with Kohlrabi for a healthy side dish with lots of crunch.

Or keep it easy with a simple green side salad! You'll find lots of salad recipe ideas in my Salads and Dressings category.

Love using your air fryer? You'll find more air fryer recipes here in my Air Fryer Recipes section.