Imagine a perfectly seared salmon fillet, its crispy edges giving way to tender, flaky insides—now picture that same texture in a handheld patty. You can achieve this with an air fryer, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. But the secret lies in the balance of flavors and the precision of cooking time, which can make or break your patties. What if you could master this technique in just a few steps, ensuring golden, crispy perfection every time? The answer might surprise you, and it starts with a few key ingredients and a well-preheated air fryer.
Key Takeaways
- Combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon zest, and seasonings in a bowl, mixing thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch thick patties, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking.
- Cook patties in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve with fresh greens, lemon-dill sauce, or sides like roasted vegetables, garnished with herbs and a lemon wedge.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you've got all the ingredients ready. Start with your salmon selection—opt for fresh, skinless fillets or canned salmon for convenience. If using fresh, guarantee it's deboned and flaked. For ingredient preparation, gather breadcrumbs, an egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and dill. Measure everything out beforehand to streamline the process. If you're using canned salmon, drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Keep your air fryer preheating while you prep to save time. Having all ingredients prepped and within reach secures a smooth workflow. Double-check your list to avoid last-minute surprises. Proper salmon selection and ingredient preparation set the foundation for perfectly crisp, flavorful patties.
Prepare the Salmon Mixture
With your ingredients prepped and ready, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the salmon seasoning is evenly distributed. The mixture consistency should be moist but firm enough to hold together—if it feels too dry, add a splash of milk or another egg. If it's too wet, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs until it reaches the right texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense. Taste a small portion and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once combined, let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
Shape the Salmon Patties
Once the salmon mixture has rested, scoop out portions using a 1/4 cup measure or your hands to guarantee even sizing. Gently shape each portion into a patty, aiming for a consistent patty thickness of about 1/2 inch. This secures even cooking and a tender texture. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly dampen your hands or use shaping tools like a burger press to make the process easier. Avoid over-packing the mixture, as this can result in dense patties. Press lightly to form a smooth surface, but don't flatten them too much—they'll hold their shape better during cooking. Place the shaped patties on a plate or tray, leaving space between them to prevent sticking. Now, they're ready for the next step.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the patties for cooking. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the salmon patties in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Set the air fryer settings to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking times to make sure they brown evenly on both sides. Check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the exterior should be golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the texture. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed, depending on the thickness of your patties. Once cooked, remove them carefully using tongs or a spatula.
Serve and Enjoy
After the salmon patties are golden and crispy, let them rest for a minute or two to set. This helps them hold their shape and guarantees they're perfectly tender inside. Plate them on a bed of fresh greens or alongside vibrant side dishes like roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. For presentation tips, drizzle a lemon-dill sauce over the patties or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve them warm with a wedge of lemon for a bright, zesty finish. Pair with a light, invigorating drink like iced tea or sparkling water to complement the flavors. Enjoy your air fryer salmon patties as a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests—either way, they're sure to delight.
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