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Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Patties — Crispy, Golden & Ready in 12 Minutes (No Thawing!)

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Patties

3.67 from 3 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Golden, crispy frozen salmon patties cooked straight from the freezer in the air fryer — no thawing, no fuss, perfectly done in 12 minutes. Works with any brand: Costco, Trader Joe's, Gorton's, Aldi, or SeaPak.

Ingredients 

Ingredients

  • 4 frozen salmon patties / burgers, any brand — see timing guide below for adjustments
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional — most brands are pre-seasoned)

For Serving (optional)

  • Brioche buns, toasted
  • Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or sriracha mayo
  • Lettuce, tomato, sliced avocado, pickled red onion
  • Fresh lemon wedges and fresh dill

Instructions

  • Set to 380°F and preheat for 3–5 minutes. Do not skip this step for frozen salmon patties — a preheated basket sears the bottom on contact and produces a much crispier result than a cold start.
  • Spray the preheated basket with cooking spray. Place frozen salmon patties in a single layer with at least ½ inch of space between each one. Do not overlap or stack.
  • Spray or lightly brush the top surface of each patty with avocado or olive oil spray. This is the key step for a golden exterior — do not skip it.
  • Cook at 380°F for 5–6 minutes (or 4–5 minutes for thin brands like Trader Joe's). Do not open the air fryer during this time.
  • Open the air fryer and carefully flip each patty with a thin spatula. Spray the new top surface with another light coat of oil. Close and continue cooking for 5–6 more minutes.
  • Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of one patty. It should read 145°F (USDA minimum for fish). If not, continue in 1-minute increments. The exterior should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
  • Let rest 2 minutes before serving. Build your burger or bowl and serve immediately while the exterior is still crisp.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Brand Timing Guide
 
Brand Thickness Total Time
Trader Joe's Thin (~⅓ inch) 8–9 min
Gorton's / SeaPak / Aldi Standard (~½ inch) 10–11 min
Costco Trident / Henry & Lisa's Thick (½–¾ inch) 11–12 min
Very thick / homemade frozen ¾+ inch 13–14 min
 
All times are for a preheated basket-style air fryer at 380°F. Oven-style air fryers need 1–2 extra minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer — air fryer brands vary significantly. Do not re-freeze cooked salmon patties. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes with a light spray of oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 483kcalProtein: 67gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 1666mgVitamin A: 136IUCalcium: 41mgIron: 3mg