Air Fryer Salmon Burger
Description
Quick and easy air fryer salmon burgers that turn out perfectly crispy outside and tender inside every single time. Made with fresh salmon, panko, and a handful of pantry staples, these healthy burgers cook in just 10 minutes — no flipping skill required! Includes instructions for fresh homemade patties and frozen store-bought varieties (Costco, Trader Joe's).
Ingredients
For the Salmon Burgers:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, finely chopped, fresh skinless
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons scallions, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon dill, or parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray, for cooking
For Serving (optional):
- 4 buns, brioche burger buns, toasted
- 4 slices Butter lettuce, or arugula
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices Avocado
- 1/4 cup Lemon-dill yogurt sauce
Instructions
- Chop the salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and remove any pin bones. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the salmon into small ¼-inch pieces. Do not use a food processor — hand-chopping preserves the texture.
- Mix the burger mixture. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, egg, panko, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, scallions, dill, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick and 4 inches wide. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing.
- Chill the patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This step is essential for burgers that hold their shape.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
- Air fry the salmon burgers. Place the chilled patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Lightly mist the tops with olive oil spray. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until the burgers are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and serve. Let the salmon burgers rest for 2 minutes before serving on toasted brioche buns with your favorite toppings.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Notes
- For frozen homemade patties: Cook at 380°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For store-bought frozen salmon burgers (Costco, Trader Joe's): Cook at 380–390°F for 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway. No thawing needed.
- For canned salmon: Substitute one 14.75 oz can of drained salmon. Reduce panko to ⅓ cup since canned salmon retains more moisture.
- Make-ahead: Form patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, or freeze uncooked for up to 3 months.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Internal temperature: Always cook salmon to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 653kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 34gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 823mgPotassium: 1399mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 753IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 13mg