Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further! These air fryer salmon patties are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend brunch. Packed with flavor and flaky salmon, these patties are a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious fish without the fuss of traditional frying. This recipe is a winner for both healthy eating enthusiasts and busy individuals seeking easy recipes.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 pound canned salmon, drained well (look for wild-caught for optimal flavor and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Salmon Patties
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Prepare the Salmon: Gently flake the drained salmon in a large bowl, removing any bones. Make sure to drain the salmon really well to avoid overly moist patties.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the bread crumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the salmon. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
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Shape the Patties: Form the salmon mixture into 4-6 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. You can use your hands or a small spatula for shaping.
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Preheat & Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Cook the Patties: Place the salmon patties in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your delicious air fryer salmon patties immediately. They're fantastic on their own, with a side of your favorite vegetables, or as part of a larger meal.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
- Don't overmix the patties: Overmixing can result in tough patties. Just gently combine the ingredients until they are moistened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh dill on hand, use about 1 tablespoon finely chopped instead of the dried dill.
- For crispier patties: Allow the patties to rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator after forming them before air frying. This helps them firm up.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Spicy Salmon Patties: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
- Mediterranean Salmon Patties: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the mixture.
- Creamy Dill Sauce: Serve with a creamy dill sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill.
Nutritional Information (per patty, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
These air fryer salmon patties are a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your weekly meal rotation. They're quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and a great way to enjoy the goodness of salmon without any complicated cooking methods. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know how you liked it!