Air Fryer Salmon Patties are made with fresh salmon, almond flour and a handful of simple seasonings. These gluten‑free, dairy‑free patties require no mayo, breadcrumbs or crackers. Serve them on a bun, on lettuce leaves, or alongside a crisp side salad for an easy lunch or dinner.
Fresh salmon is a frequent choice at our table — it’s a protein everyone agrees on, so I cook it often. These air fryer salmon patties are a regular because they’re fast, flavorful and straightforward. They use one small fillet and a few pantry ingredients to make four generous patties. In about 10 minutes in the air fryer you get tender, golden patties with a crisp exterior.
Ingredients for air fryer salmon patties
Below is a summary of the ingredients. See the recipe card further down for exact amounts.
- Fresh salmon – I prefer fresh salmon for texture and flavor. One small fillet (about 5 ounces) makes four large patties when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Almond flour – Used instead of breadcrumbs to keep the patties gluten‑free and grain‑free. It helps bind and adds a bit of protein so the patties are satisfying.
- Onion – Half a medium onion, chopped. It adds moisture and flavor to the mixture.
- Chives – Fresh chives add color and a delicate oniony note. If fresh chives aren’t available, substitute green onion or fresh dill rather than dried chives.
How to make salmon patties in the air fryer
Step 1: Remove the skin from the salmon if needed and cut the fillet into a few pieces. Place the salmon and the remaining ingredients into a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse on high until the mixture is combined but still has small pieces of salmon, onion and chives for texture.
Step 3: Form the mixture into four patties about 3 inches in diameter and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer, spray the tops lightly, and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
Frequently asked questions
The combination of fresh salmon, egg and almond flour helps bind the patties. Chilling them before cooking firms them up and reduces the chance they’ll break apart during cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 45–60 seconds or until warm; avoid overheating to prevent drying. Reheating in the air fryer for a few minutes will crisp them up again.
Yes. Wrap raw patties individually in plastic wrap, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer‑safe bag for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before air frying.
What to serve with air fried salmon patties
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a vegetable orzo salad for a light meal.
- Serve with coleslaw, air fryer baby potatoes, or potato slices for a heartier plate.
- Top the patties with a flavorful condiment such as a creamy dip or mayonnaise alternative when serving them as burgers on buns or on lettuce leaves.
Recipe tips and substitutions
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder: use two minced cloves in place of 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Grease the air fryer basket and spray the tops of the patties to encourage even browning and prevent sticking.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking is important — it firms them up and improves texture.
- Watch the cooking time closely; overcooking will dry out the salmon patties.
More air fryer seafood recipes
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
If you try these air fryer salmon patties, please leave a comment and rating to share how they turned out.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Patties (with Fresh Salmon)
Fresh salmon, almond flour and simple seasonings make quick, gluten‑free salmon patties that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 small salmon fillet, skin removed (about 5 ounces)
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into pieces and place in a food processor with the remaining ingredients.
- Pulse on high until the mixture is combined but still has small, visible pieces of salmon, onion and chives.
- Shape into four patties about 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray and arrange patties in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly.
- Air fry 10–12 minutes, until cooked through and golden on the outside.
Notes
- If fresh chives are unavailable, use green onion or fresh dill instead of dried chives for better flavor.
- Refrigeration before cooking is essential to help patties hold their shape and let flavors meld.
- Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying; air frying briefly will restore some crispness.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Calories: 181 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 13 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.