All you seafood lovers will love air fryer salmon burgers. When you’re looking for something nutritious yet simple to whip up, this is the perfect solution. Enter the trusty air fryer and a can of salmon – a duo that’s about to make your dinner both effortless and delightful.

Air fryer salmon patties stacked on top of each other with a dollop of sour cream on top.

What We Love About This Recipe

Efficiency: Air frying salmon burgers simplifies cooking with a quick 10-12 minute preparation time and only a few minutes of cooking time.
Healthiness: Salmon patties made in an air fryer are a nutritious, low-carb option, perfect for a healthy diet.
Flavor and Versatility: Air fryer salmon cakes offer diverse flavors and can be easily customized with different toppings and herbs for a family-friendly meal.

Salmon burgers stacked on a white plate.

Ingredients

Canned salmon (like sockeye or pink salmon)
Breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture)
Yellow onion, finely chopped
Mayonnaise (or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
Egg
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions

ingredients in glass bowls on a white counter.

Drain the can of salmon and add it to a large bowl. Remove bones and skin.

Add remaining ingredients (except parsley) and combine well.

Preheat the air fryer and form salmon into patties. Cook in the air fryer basket in a single layer until golden brown.

stacked salmon burgers on a white plate.

Garnish with parsley and serve warm. The patties can be eaten on a hamburger bun or by themselves. Or, grab this easy zesty ranch dip and dip away!

Variations

For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Add lemon zest or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Try different herbs like fresh dill, rosemary, or green onion for a fresh flavor.
Add a small amount of Dijon mustard to the recipe.
Dice up some red onion and add it to the burgers.

Tips

Ensure patties are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Let the air fryer salmon patties sit at room temperature briefly before cooking for better texture.
Do not use any cooking spray, as it can damage the coating of your air fryer.

Ingredient Substitutions and Options

Here are a few great ideas for making salmon burgers in different ways. For best results, follow the recipe while adding these ingredients.

Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free option.
Replace mayonnaise with sour cream or a different creamy element.
Use wild-caught salmon for a higher-quality patty.
Add some Old Bay Seasoning to the burger patties.

Storage Instructions

Store the salmon burger recipe in an airtight container or wrap it up in some plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Eat the salmon burgers within three days for optimal freshness.

Dish Pairings

Serve with potato casserole or a potato subtitute for a lower-carb option.
Try some homemade healthy green bean casserole from Ambitious Kitchen.
Complement the salmon burgers recipe with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Eat a delicious bowl of creamy grits on the side.
Add some cheesy broccoli on the side.

The Air Fryer Advantage

Air fryer recipes are great for cooking faster and keeping the heat out of the kitchen.

Air frying uses less oil, making it a healthier option.
It provides a crispy texture without the heaviness of traditional frying.
Salmon cooked in the air fryer retains more omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
Air frying is much more efficient and great for use in the summertime.

Salmon patties sitting on a cutting board in front of an air fryer.

So, what makes these air fryer salmon burgers a must-try? They’re not just an easy recipe but a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Have you tried making salmon burgers in your air fryer yet?

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