If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy way to enjoy seafood that’s quick to make and super satisfying, you’ve got to try my Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe. I absolutely love how these patties turn out—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, all without the heaviness of breadcrumbs or deep frying. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to switch up dinner, this recipe is a real winner you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy & Quick: You’ll be amazed how little time it takes to whip these up, especially with the air fryer doing all the hard work.
- Fresh, Clean Flavor: Using fresh salmon means these patties have a bright, natural taste without being fishy or overwhelming.
- Gluten-Free & Healthy: No breadcrumbs here—almond flour keeps it grain-free and adds a nice nutty touch.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives you that golden crust you want without extra oil or mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a role to balance texture, flavor, and that perfect binding you want in your salmon patties. Choosing quality fresh salmon will make a world of difference, and fresh herbs always add that extra oomph.
- Fresh salmon fillet: Look for skinless, boneless pieces for ease and best texture.
- Almond flour: This keeps the patties gluten-free and lightly nutty without overpowering the salmon taste.
- Large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- Onion: Adds a gentle crunch and sweetness; I like to use yellow or white onion.
- Fresh chives: A mild, oniony herb that brightens the flavor without dominating.
- Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash to lift and balance the savory notes.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky kick without any bitterness.
- Kosher salt: Essential to elevate all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a little warmth and depth.
Variations
I love that this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe adapts well to your taste and dietary needs—you can really make it your own. Here’s what I’ve tried that worked great:
- Herb Twists: Adding dill or parsley gives a fresh, garden-y vibe—my family especially loved dill mixed into the batter.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper took the patties from classic to exciting in a flash.
- Low-Carb: Sticking to almond flour means you can enjoy this recipe even if you’re watching carbs or gluten.
- Chunkier Texture: Pulse your salmon just a couple times in the food processor if you like little bites of salmon instead of fully smooth patties.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pulse Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your fresh salmon fillet into a few manageable chunks—we’re setting it up for the food processor. Toss the salmon, almond flour, egg, chopped onion, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the processor. Pulse on high just enough so the mixture almost comes together but still has small bits of salmon, onion, and herbs throughout. This texture contrast is what makes these patties so satisfying.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties
Once your mixture is ready, scoop and gently shape it into four evenly sized patties—about 3 inches across works perfectly. I like to press them a bit to make sure they hold together, but don’t overdo it or they’ll get too dense. Pop the patties into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling step helps them firm up, so they don’t fall apart during air frying.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket generously with non-stick cooking spray before placing the patties inside—it makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer (give them some breathing room), then lightly spray the tops of each patty. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Around the 5 or 6-minute mark, I like to carefully flip them over for even crispness. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides are golden and crispy and the insiders are cooked through but still moist.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
- Don’t Overprocess: I learned the hard way that fully pulverizing the mixture makes the patties dense and less interesting—it’s all about that little texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigeration after shaping is key to keeping patties intact while cooking—don’t skip this step!
- Use a Light Spray of Oil: Even though the air fryer crisps without much oil, a gentle spray on both sides helps develop the best crust.
- Flip Carefully: Use a flexible spatula and a gentle hand to flip your patties so they stay whole and beautiful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these salmon patties simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill. A dollop of garlicky aioli or tartar sauce also makes them feel extra special and pairs beautifully with the crispiness.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually go with a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Sometimes, I serve the patties over a bed of quinoa or with steamed veggies to round out the meal. They’re equally great on gluten-free buns for a twist on seafood burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve served mini-sized patties as appetizers on toothpicks with a side of remoulade sauce—it’s always a hit! Another fun idea is stacking them with avocado slices, a slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for an impressive seafood slider platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them cool really preserves their flavor and texture, though I recommend reheating them properly to keep the outside crispy.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the patties individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag—this stops them from sticking together and lets me thaw just what I need. They last up to 2 months frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the salmon patties back into the air fryer for about 4-5 minutes at 375°F. This method keeps them crispy on the outside without drying out the salmon inside, which microwave heating tends to do.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe?
You can, but it’s best to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before using. Frozen salmon tends to release more moisture, which could make the patties a bit soggy and harder to shape.
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Are these salmon patties gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe uses almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, making it naturally gluten-free and ideal for anyone avoiding gluten or grains.
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What’s the best way to get crispy patties without deep frying?
The air fryer is your best friend here. Just make sure to spray the basket and patty tops with a little oil spray, and flip halfway through cooking for even crispness without the need for heavy oil.
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Can I add other seasonings or vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a bit of smoked paprika for warmth, or even tiny diced bell peppers for crunch. Just keep the balance so you don’t overwhelm the salmon’s natural flavor.
Final Thoughts
I honestly didn’t know how much I’d love making salmon patties this way until I tried the air fryer method—it’s a game changer for quick, healthy meals that actually feel indulgent. The fresh salmon shines bright here, and thanks to the almond flour and simple seasonings, these patties come together so effortlessly with fantastic flavor and texture. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a family dinner, this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe is going to become one of your staples like it did for me. Give it a shot—I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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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
These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fresh salmon. Made with almond flour and simple seasonings, they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these patties make a perfect quick lunch or dinner served with a salad or on a 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 basket and patties
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon mixture: Cut the salmon fillet into a few pieces and add all ingredients except cooking spray to a food processor. Process on high until combined but leaving a few small pieces of salmon, onion, and chives for texture.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 4 patties approximately 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange patties and spray: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry: Cook the patties at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- These salmon patties are gluten-free and dairy-free, thanks to almond flour and no breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or in a burger bun for a satisfying meal.
- If you prefer, you can double the recipe for more servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 358 calories
- Sugar: 2.8 g
- Sodium: 674 mg
- Fat: 12.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 10.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24.8 g
- Cholesterol: 129 mg
