Craving something crispy, protein-packed, and super easy? These Air Fryer Salmon Patties come together in minutes using pantry-staple canned salmon—no fuss, all flavor! Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a weeknight win the whole family will devour. Let’s turn that humble can of salmon into something seriously crave-worthy!
Whip up a batch of these easy air fryer salmon cakes using just a few pantry staples! Canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and simple seasonings come together in minutes to form crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patties that are packed with flavor.
No fancy ingredients or frying mess—just toss everything in a bowl, shape, and let the air fryer do the work. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something quick and satisfying, these salmon cakes are a go-to for busy weeknights or easy meal prep!
If you love all things seafood, try out my Air Fryer Salmon Burger, Air Fryer Copycat Applebees Honey Grilled Salmon, Air Fryer Shrimp and Vegetables, and Air Fryer Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Canned Salmon Patties!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable canned salmon and pantry staples, this is a delicious way to eat well without breaking the bank.
- Crispy: The air fryer gives you that golden, crispy exterior.
- Packed with Protein: Each patty is loaded with protein and omega-3s, making it a nourishing option for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
- Versatile & Family-Approved: Serve them as a main dish, slider, or even in a wrap! They’re customizable and kid-friendly, so everyone at the table is happy.
Ingredients Needed
- Canned salmon: Rich in protein and omega-3s, perfectly flaky.
- Bread crumbs (or crushed crackers): Adds crispy texture and helps bind the patties.
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creamy base for moisture and subtle tang.
- Egg: Essential for binding all the ingredients together.
- Lemon juice: Bright citrus flavor that enhances the salmon beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth with a hint of sharp tanginess.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Kosher salt and black pepper.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties Using Canned Salmon
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flaked canned salmon, bread crumbs, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more bread crumbs to help it hold together.
Step 2: Scoop and shape the mixture into 4–6 patties, about 1 inch thick each. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 3: Set your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
Step Four: Lightly brush or spray both sides of each patty with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket—no overcrowding! Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve the salmon cakes warm, sprinkled with fresh parsley if you’d like. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a dip like tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or just a simple squeeze of lemon juice.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon Recipe Tips
- Drain the Canned Salmon Well: Make sure to drain the canned salmon thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your patties. If needed, you can gently press the salmon with a paper towel to remove any remaining liquid.
- Adjust the Texture: If the salmon mixture feels too wet or sticky, add a little extra breadcrumbs to help bind it together. This will ensure your patties hold their shape and don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking! You can add herbs like dill or parsley, or swap Dijon mustard for yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest patties, cook them in a single layer without overcrowding. If you have a larger batch, cook the patties in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- Use a Light Coat of Oil: Brushing or spraying the patties with olive oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. A light, even coat will keep them golden brown without being greasy.
- Check for Doneness: Air fryer times may vary, so check your patties around the 8-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and firm to the touch when done.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked salmon patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated directly from frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the patties back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy. You can also reheat in the oven at the same temperature, but air frying will keep them extra crispy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon pair perfectly with a variety of sides to make a well-rounded meal. Serve them with a crisp, fresh salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light option.
If you’re craving something heartier, try pairing them with roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. For a touch of zest, a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce or aioli will complement the patties beautifully.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon Recipe Faqs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon? Yes, you can substitute fresh salmon, but canned salmon offers convenience and a great texture for the patties. If using fresh, cook it first and flake it before mixing.
Can I make these salmon patties gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
How can I make these salmon patties spicy? To add a bit of heat, you can mix in some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper into the salmon mixture for extra spice.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of using an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart? Ensure your mixture has the right balance of breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together well when shaped into patties.
How do I know when the salmon patties are done? The patties should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and firm to the touch. If you want to be extra sure, check the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F (63°C).
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Air Fryer Salmon Patties Using Canned Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounces salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked canned salmon, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. If the mixture feels too wet, simply add a little more breadcrumbs to help it hold together.
- Scoop the salmon mixture and shape it into small patties, roughly 1 inch thick. You should get around 4–6 patties, depending on how large or small you make them.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the patties with olive oil. Arrange the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Se cook time for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the salmon cakes warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair them with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or a fresh squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or nonstick cooking spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Refrigerating: Once the salmon patties have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re not touching. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: You can reheat refrigerated or thawed salmon patties in the air fryer at 370°F (185°C) for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re hot and crisp again. If reheating from frozen, it might take a couple of minutes longer.
- Tip: To maintain the best texture, it’s advisable to reheat the patties in the air fryer rather than the microwave, as the air fryer will restore their crispy exterior.
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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S.K.
I love how everyone complains about her taking the bones out. Grow up people. Its obvious she doesn’t like them but never said you HAVE to take them out. I don’t est them either. To each their own.
Diane Engle
I grew up on salmon patties, but my mother called them salmon croquettes, and she used crushed saltine crackers instead of bread crumbs. Can’t wait to try them in my air fryer.
Judy
Can you use regular canned salmon for this?
Jim Sikorski
I do, I also use cheese crackers in place of the bread crumbs
Morgan Wiebe
The bones ARE COMPLETELY EDIBLE. We eat them out of the canned salmon all the time. Great source of calcium. My mom taught me to eat them when I was young. My kids love eating the bones as a treat before I make the patties. Then if I miss a small bone, it doesn’t matter.
Eric
If you want a different taste, add some sage to the mix and you will be amazed at the taste
Saler
Made them and the flavor was good! The suggested temp and cook time was too much! The first batch came out dry until I made some adjustments. The second and third batches were much better.
Amy
What temp and cook time did you end up using for 2nd and 3rd batches?
Ann
I used green onion, parsley, black pepper, hot sauce, Old Bay, a bit of garlic powder, no breadcrumbs. I didn’t add dill since this was being served with a wasabi tzatziki sauce. Instead of making patties, I cooked it in a small glass pie pan, topped with cheese in my countertop convection oven. It held together fine and the cheese made a nice crust on top!. Served as wedges.
Lucy @ Salmon Recipes
Sounds fantastic! This reminds me of my mother in laws salmon Dish. I feel I can make this second week.
David
Dill weed….The bones are totally edible. Not only are the bones edible, they are good for you.
Wallabbie
The bones are my favorite part, they are chock-full of calcium!!