Name: Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Sir Kensington's recommended); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 12 ounces cooked or canned wild salmon, flaked (from 1 lb fresh salmon or 2 cans of 6 ounces each); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plain or gluten-free panko, or matzo for Passover); Olive oil spray, for air fryer basket; Lemon wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love making these salmon patties because they come together so quickly and taste incredible every time. This Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something crispy, flavorful, and wholesome without turning on the oven or frying in oil. Using the air fryer gives these patties a perfectly golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist. It’s a winning combination that I can’t wait to share with you!

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

When I first made this recipe, the burst of flavors completely won me over. The dill and red onion add a fresh brightness, while the Old Bay seasoning brings a warm, subtle kick. Combined with creamy mayo and tangy Dijon mustard, each bite feels balanced and exciting. The salmon itself stays flaky and tender, making these patties taste like a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

What truly sets this recipe apart for me is how simple and fuss-free it is. I love that the air fryer does most of the work, crisping the patties without extra oil splatters or standing over the stove. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever I have guests and want to offer something impressive but easy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or even party appetizers that disappear fast!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. In the center is a white bowl filled with light pink chunks of shredded salmon. Surrounding it are six bowls: one with crushed breadcrumbs, one with a pale yellow creamy dollop, one with a beige dollop of mustard-like sauce, one with finely chopped red onions, one with chopped fresh green dill, and one with a small amount of brown ground spice. To the right of the bowls are two brown eggs resting on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role—from flavor enhancers to texture builders—making the patties uniquely delicious. These few key ingredients come together to create a satisfying, colorful dish with just the right balance of creaminess, crunch, and herby zing.

Large eggs: Act as a binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
Chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, refreshing bite and a pop of color.
Chopped dill: Brings a bright, herby aroma that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Mayo: Provides creaminess and helps keep the patties moist.
Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: Infuses a savory, warm spice mix with coastal charm.
Cooked or canned wild salmon: The star protein, flaky and rich in taste.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crispy texture on the outside when air fried.
Olive oil spray: Ensures the patties crisp up nicely without excess fat.
Lemon wedges: Brighten the finished dish with a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your air fryer by placing a piece of air fryer parchment in the basket or spraying it generously with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, chopped red onion, dill, mayo, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined. This creates a flavorful base for the salmon patties.

Step 3: Gently fold in the flaked salmon and panko breadcrumbs. If your mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of panko so the patties hold their shape nicely.

Step 4: Place the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This chilling step is key to making it easier to form the patties and ensuring they don’t fall apart during cooking.

Step 5: Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties, pressing them tightly so they stay firm. Carefully arrange them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Step 6: Air fry the patties at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy crust before removing them.

Step 7: Serve your salmon patties hot with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. They’re delicious over greens, on buns, or simply as they are!

Servings and Timing

This Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe makes 6 patties, enough to serve about 3 people generously (2 patties per serving). The prep time is around 10 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes chilling time. Cooking takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, making your total time roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. This quick turnaround makes it ideal for busy evenings when you want something nourishing with minimal wait.

How to Serve This Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe

Four round patties with a golden brown color and a rough, crumbly texture sit in a circular black air fryer basket. Each patty has small pieces of herbs and diced red onions visible within, giving spots of green and purple hues. The patties have slightly uneven edges and look crispy on the outside. The basket has holes all over and is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these salmon patties warm straight out of the air fryer to enjoy their crisp exterior and tender heart. One of my favorite ways is over a bed of mixed greens tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast. They also shine as sandwich fillings on soft potato buns with slices of avocado and crisp lettuce for texture.

For a fuss-free weeknight meal, I often pair these patties with roasted sweet potatoes or a light cucumber salad. Garnishing with fresh dill or parsley and an extra lemon wedge always adds a nice finishing touch and makes the presentation pop. These patties are excellent for casual family dinners, but I have served them at gatherings too—everyone loves how crispy and flavorful they are.

Serving these patties hot is best to fully appreciate the crunch, but they also hold up well at room temperature if you want to pack them for lunches or picnics. I usually portion 2 patties per person, which feels satisfying without being too heavy. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe, it will quickly become a staple!

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this recipe depending on what I have around or the flavors I crave. If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply swap the standard panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, which works just as well without altering the texture. For a lower-fat option, you can reduce the mayo slightly or use a lighter variety, though I find the original amounts keep the patties moist and delicious.

Want to switch up the flavors? Adding minced garlic or swapping dill for fresh parsley or chives gives a nice herbal twist. I’ve even mixed in a little grated zucchini for some extra moisture and subtle sweetness, which is a fun way to sneak in veggies. Alternatively, if you don’t have an air fryer, these patties can be pan-fried in a non-stick skillet over medium heat using a bit of olive oil—just be prepared for slightly less crunch but still tasty results.

For vegan friends, while this recipe centers on salmon, a similar approach with mashed chickpeas, vegan mayo, and flax eggs can create a plant-based pattie inspired by this method. The key takeaway is how adaptable these patties can be while still delivering satisfying texture and mouthwatering flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon patties, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining both flavor and texture if properly chilled. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking if you stack them.

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep. To freeze, place the uncooked patties individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply air fry them straight from frozen and add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat cooked salmon patties is in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their crisp exterior without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch, as it can make the patties soggy and rubbery. Oven reheating is another option but takes longer and won’t be quite as quick or convenient as the air fryer method.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon works perfectly. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and flake it finely before mixing it with the other ingredients. The flavor will be just as delicious, if not more vibrant.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make these salmon patties?

Yes! You can pan-fry them over medium heat in a little olive oil, about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway to get even crispness.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

You can prepare the pattie mixture and shape the patties in advance. Store them covered in the fridge for up to a day, or freeze for longer storage. Just air fry them fresh before serving for the best texture.

Are these salmon patties gluten-free?

The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Just make sure any other ingredients, like Old Bay seasoning, don’t contain gluten.

How do I know when the salmon patties are fully cooked?

The patties should turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Cooking at 400°F in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, ensures they’re cooked through and crispy outside.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Salmon Patties Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that feels a little bit special. The ease of the air fryer combined with the zesty, herby salmon mixture means you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality patties in no time. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your kitchen just like it has in mine!