Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and totally satisfying dish, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe. I absolutely adore how crispy on the outside and tender on the inside these patties get without all the fuss of frying in oil. When I first tried making salmon patties in the air fryer, I discovered something magical: fresh, simple ingredients combined with the magic of air frying give me that perfect balance of flavor and texture every single time. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips so you can nail this recipe the very first time you try it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe is in its simplicity. These few ingredients come together to make a delicious combo that’s easy to find and even easier to love. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in.

• Fresh Salmon Fillet: Look for a small, good-quality fillet with skin removed to make processing smooth and the patties tender.
• Almond Flour: This gluten-free alternative to bread crumbs helps bind the patties while adding a subtle nutty flavor.
• Large Egg: Acts as your binder and gives the patties structure.
• Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and sharpness—finely chopped ensures it mixes in evenly.
• Fresh Chives: Brightens the patties with a mild onion flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to add just the right amount of zing and depth.
• Garlic Powder: For that subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the salmon.
• Kosher Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors without making it too salty.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a little peppery bite to balance the taste.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand, and I encourage you to do the same. It’s a versatile base that welcomes all kinds of tweaks to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Adding fresh herbs: Sometimes, I swap chives for dill or parsley for a slightly different herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper gives the patties a subtle kick that my whole family enjoys.
• Use gluten-free panko: If you prefer a crunchier texture, gluten-free breadcrumbs work well instead of almond flour.
• Make it dairy-esque: Toss in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy hint without the dairy.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Salmon

Start by cutting your fresh salmon fillet into a few chunks that will fit easily into your food processor. I used a small 5-ounce piece, which made just the right amount for four patties. Removing the skin beforehand makes processing smoother and ensures you won’t have any chewy bits in your patties.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Food Processor

Add your salmon chunks, almond flour, chopped onion, egg, fresh chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into the food processor. Pulse on high just enough to combine everything while still keeping a few small pieces of salmon and onion visible. You want some texture in your patties, so don’t overdo it!

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Patties

Using your hands, form the mixture into four 3-inch patties. I find chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking really helps them hold their shape and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer without overcrowding, then lightly spray the tops of the patties. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it, until the patties are golden and cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch and have a lovely crusty exterior.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping these salmon patties with a dollop of creamy avocado mayo or a tangy homemade tartar sauce. A sprinkle of fresh dill or extra chopped chives on top adds a fresh, green note that really elevates the dish. A wedge of lemon on the side is always a must-have for that final squeeze.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for a simple, fresh meal. I also love serving it alongside a quinoa salad or even piling the patties on a gluten-free bun with lettuce and tomato for a satisfying salmon burger experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a casual dinner party, I’ve served these salmon patties mini-style as appetizers with toothpicks and a spread of dipping sauces like spicy aioli and lemon herb yogurt. They look charming on a wooden board and disappear fast—I promise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for 2 to 3 days. They’re great as a quick snack or reheated addition to your next meal.

Freezing

If I want to stash some away for later, I freeze the uncooked patties by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. This way, I can air fry them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheating leftover patties in the air fryer for about 3–4 minutes at 350°F brings back their crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy and less tasty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s wholesome, speedy, and makes me feel good about what I’m serving my family without compromising flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste those crispy edges and tender, flavorful centers, I guarantee it’ll be a recipe you come back to again and again. Enjoy making it your own and savor every bite!

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