If you’re craving a healthy, delicious, and quick meal, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I absolutely adore this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe because it’s not only bursting with flavor but also super simple to pull together. Whether you’re short on time or just want a fuss-free protein-packed dish, these salmon patties come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: You can have these patties ready in under an hour from start to finish—perfect for busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh salmon and almond flour, no breadcrumbs or fillers needed.
- Crispy Texture Without Frying: The air fryer gives these patties an amazing crunch without all the oil.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild, fresh, and flavorful enough for picky eaters and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to make a simple yet flavorful batch of salmon patties. I love how fresh salmon paired with almond flour keeps things light and gluten-free—plus, a little fresh chive and lemon juice really brighten it up.
- Fresh salmon fillet: Make sure to use fresh, skinless salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Almond flour: This keeps the patties light and gluten-free; you can’t taste the almond flavor at all.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder to keep everything together.
- Onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
- Fresh chives (chopped): Gives a mild oniony, herby note that’s not overpowering.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens flavors and lifts the fishiness beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Just the right hint of savory depth.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick and rounds out the taste.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on the season or what we have in the fridge. These patties are pretty forgiving and invite fun twists. Feel free to make the recipe your own!
- Adding fresh herbs: I sometimes swap chives for dill or parsley, which pairs beautifully with salmon and adds a fresh punch.
- Spicy kick: If you love some heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mix—I did this once, and everyone went wild for it!
- Using different flours: While almond flour is my favorite, you could try crushed pork rinds if you’re keto, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crunchier texture.
- Onion alternatives: If raw onion seems too strong, caramelizing it before adding gives a sweeter, mellow flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pulse Ingredients
Start by cutting your fresh salmon fillet into a few chunks—this makes it easier for the food processor to handle. Then, toss the salmon pieces, almond flour, egg, chopped onion, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the processor. Pulse on high just until everything is combined but you can still see small chunks of salmon and onion. I love this texture because it keeps the patties from turning into mush and adds a little bite.
Step 2: Shape and Chill Your Patties
Next, form your mixture into four equal patties about 3 inches in diameter. I find that refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better in the air fryer, so don’t skip this step—even if you’re eager to eat!
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket with a little non-stick cooking spray, then arrange the patties in a single layer without crowding. Give the tops a gentle spray too. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. You’ll notice the patties get beautifully crispy on the outside while staying moist inside. If your air fryer runs hotter or smaller, check them at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
- Don’t Overprocess the Mixture: Leaving some small chunks in the patties creates a better texture—pureeing everything makes them too dense.
- Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerating the patties firms them up so they don’t fall apart in the air fryer, a trick I only learned after a couple of messy tries!
- Use Non-Stick Spray Liberally: Spraying both the basket and tops prevents sticking and helps get a golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each patty enough space to crisp up; otherwise, they steam instead of frying crisp.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these salmon patties with a dollop of tartar sauce or a tangy garlic aioli. Fresh lemon wedges on the side never hurt either. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra chopped chives or microgreens just to jazz up the presentation when guests come over.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides are simple and fresh—think a crisp mixed green salad, roasted asparagus, or some buttery steamed green beans. For something heartier, sweet potato fries in the air fryer alongside the patties is absolutely delicious and keeps things easy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve served these salmon patties on soft brioche buns with avocado slices for a gourmet burger feel. Another time, I crumbled leftover patties over arugula for a quick salmon salad. These ideas always impress at casual dinners or weekend brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat surprisingly well in the air fryer or a skillet, which brings back their crispiness. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
Freezing works great too! After shaping and chilling the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. When I do this, it’s easy to grab a couple for a quick meal—just air fry extra time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat without losing crunch, pop the patties in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. It reheats evenly and revives that lovely outer crispness, making leftovers taste almost fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon in a pinch, but fresh salmon gives a much better texture and flavor, especially with the air fryer method. If you do use canned, drain it well and reduce or omit the almond flour slightly, as canned salmon is softer and contains extra moisture.
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Are these patties gluten-free and dairy-free?
Absolutely! Using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs keeps this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe both gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s a great option if you have food sensitivities but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or texture.
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How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
The key is chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking so they firm up. Also, avoid overprocessing the salmon in the food processor and use an egg to help bind the mixture. Cooking them in a single layer without crowding the air fryer basket helps them hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
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Can I bake these patties instead of air frying?
You can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy as in the air fryer, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free. I love how it elevates simple salmon into a quick, crispy meal everyone in my family enjoys, even the picky eaters. Give it a try and see for yourself how these patties make weeknight dinners a breeze—and don’t forget to play around with garnishes and sides to make it your own!
Print
Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy Air Fryer Salmon Patties made with fresh salmon, almond flour, and simple seasonings. These gluten-free, dairy-free patties are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option served with a side salad or burger bun.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties
- 1 small salmon fillet, skin removed (about 5 ounces)
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Non-stick cooking spray for air fryer
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon Mixture: Cut the salmon fillet into a few pieces and add all the ingredients, except the cooking spray, to a food processor. Process on high until the mixture is combined, but some small pieces of salmon, onion, and chives remain for texture.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into 4 patties approximately 3 inches in diameter each. Place them in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes; this helps them hold together during cooking.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer in the basket, ensuring enough space for air circulation. Spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray as well.
- Air Fry Patties: Air fry the patties at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and attain a crispy golden exterior.
- Serve: Remove the patties carefully from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of sides like a fresh green salad or a burger bun for a tasty meal.
Notes
- These salmon patties are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, made without bread crumbs or crackers, making them a great option for sensitive diets.
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to spray the patties with cooking spray before air frying to achieve a crispy crust.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them maintain their shape while air frying.
- Serve with a side salad or on a bun for a versatile meal option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 2.8 g
- Sodium: 673.8 mg
- Fat: 12.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24.8 g
- Cholesterol: 129.1 mg
