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Close-up of crispy tuna patties on a plate with one broken open to show the texture, served with lemon wedges

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties (Air Fryer Recipe)

Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these classic salmon patties are made easy and healthier in the air fryer. A quick and satisfying meal reminiscent of grandma's kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon Patties
  • 14.75 oz canned pink salmon drained, flaked, skin and bones removed if desired
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery
  • 2 tbsp finely diced red onion or shallot
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko for extra crisp
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Air Frying
  • Cooking spray oil spray, e.g., avocado or olive oil

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Fork
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prepare the Salmon Mixture
  1. Drain the canned salmon thoroughly. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, flake the salmon, removing any skin or small bones if desired (they are edible and a good source of calcium, but some prefer to remove them).
  2. Add the finely diced celery, red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried dill, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the flaked salmon.
  3. Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly with a fork until well combined. Do not overmix.
Form the Patties
  1. Divide the salmon mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a flat, round patty, about 3/4-inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Preheat Air Fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Patties
  1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  2. Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.
  3. Air fry for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip the patties, spray the other side with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
  1. Remove the salmon patties from the air fryer and serve warm.
  2. If cooking in batches, repeat the air frying process for the remaining patties.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular. These salmon patties are delicious served with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a side of tartar sauce, or a simple green salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.