Salmon Patties You can make easy salmon patties by mixing flaked salmon with a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, shaping the mixture into cakes, and pan-frying them until golden brown. Share How do you make easy salmon patties? To make perfectly crisp salmon patties, combine 10 ounces of well-drained canned or packet salmon with one egg, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and fresh seasonings. Form the mixture into four patties and pan-fry in olive oil for four minutes per side until crisp and warm. Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 10-15 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Servings 4 servings What are the key takeaways for this recipe? Speed and convenience: Salmon patties require only 15 minutes of prep time and 10–15 minutes of cooking time, creating a 30-minute budget-friendly meal. Ingredient flexibility: You can use 10 ounces of cooked fresh salmon, canned pink salmon, or convenient wild-caught salmon in packets. Binding is critical: Thoroughly draining your salmon and combining it with one large egg and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs prevents the patties from falling apart. Cooking options: Pan-frying yields the crispiest coating, while air frying and baking provide excellent low-fat alternatives. Nutrition highlights: Each serving delivers a high-protein meal with 17g of protein, 200 calories, and an excellent source of Vitamin D (40% DV). These classic and easy salmon patties are a game-changer! This salmon patties recipe turns humble canned salmon (or fresh salmon) into a flavorful, crispy meal that everyone will devour. This recipe shows you how to make salmon patties that are wonderfully tender on the inside with a perfectly crispy coating. Using simple pantry staples, you can create a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s ideal for any busy weeknight. These versatile salmon cakes are fantastic served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, on a fresh salad, or as salmon burgers (sliders). Table of Contents Required ingredients for salmon patties Step-by-step cooking instructions Cooking method comparison How to prevent salmon patties from falling apart Recipe variations and expert tips Storage and reheating guidelines Frequently asked questions Nutritional facts and breakdown Recipe reviews What ingredients do you need for salmon patties? The best salmon patties require 10 ounces of salmon, a binder made of egg and breadcrumbs, moisture from sour cream, and flavor from lemon juice, parsley, and onion. What are the exact recipe ingredients? Optional: chili flakes, aioli, and/or lemon wedges for serving 2 – 5 oz. cans of salmon, drained 1 teaspoon dry minced onion 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon lemon juice Black pepper, to taste 2 Tablespoons sour cream 1 large egg 1/4 cup bread crumbs 2 Tablespoons olive oil Are there ingredient substitutions for salmon patties? Yes, you can easily substitute binders, dairy, and seasonings based on pantry staples, using items like yogurt instead of sour cream or panko instead of standard breadcrumbs. Optional Ingredients: Add chili flakes for heat, serve with aioli for dipping, and offer lemon wedges for a final burst of citrus. Salmon: You can use cooked and flaked fresh salmon, canned pink salmon, or wild-caught salmon in packets. Just make sure you have about 10 oz total. If using canned salmon, drain it thoroughly. Dry Minced Onion: Provides a mild onion flavor without the bite of raw onion. 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh onion can be used instead. Chopped Fresh Parsley: For freshness and brightness. Fresh dill or chives work well, as does 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Lemon Juice: Cuts the richness of the salmon with a bright acidity. Freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor. Black Pepper: Boosts the overall flavor; freshly ground is ideal. Sour Cream: Provides moisture and a rich texture. Plain yogurt, mayo, or tartar sauce are good substitutes. Large Egg: This is the binder that helps the patties stay together. Bread Crumbs: Gives the patties structure and helps them get crispy. Panko will yield the crispiest result. Olive Oil: Recommended for pan-frying due to its flavor, which helps create a crispy exterior. You can use another high-smoke-point oil (like avocado oil) if needed. How do you cook salmon patties step-by-step? You can cook salmon patties in three simple steps: mixing the wet and dry ingredients, shaping the mixture into four patties, and cooking them using a skillet, oven, or air fryer. What are the step-by-step instructions? 1. In a large bowl combine salmon, onion, parsley, lemon juice and black pepper. 2. Stir in sour cream, egg and bread crumbs. 3. Shape into 4 patties. 4. Cook your patties. For the best crispy salmon patties, pan-fry them in olive oil. However, baking or air frying are healthier alternatives. Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook cakes for about 4 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned, turning gently. Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F, line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil, and cook for 10-15 minutes (flipping halfway through) until crisp on the exterior and warm throughout. Air Fryer: Brush both sides of each patty with olive oil, then place in your basket and air fry on 400°F for about 10 minutes. 4. Serve topped with optional chili flakes and with your favorite dip. Which cooking method is best for salmon patties? Pan-frying in olive oil is the best method for maximum crunch and traditional flavor, while air-frying is ideal for achieving a crispy texture with less fat. How do the cooking methods compare? Cooking Method Equipment Needed Temperature / Heat Cook Time Best For… Pan-Frying Skillet, Olive Oil Medium heat 8 minutes (4 mins/side) Achieving maximum crispiness and a traditional, rich flavor profile. Air Frying Air Fryer 400°F 10 minutes A healthy crunch with minimal added oil; great for easy cleanup. Baking Oven, Baking Sheet 425°F 10–15 minutes Cooking large batches hands-free with no oil splatters. How do you keep salmon patties from falling apart? To keep salmon patties from falling apart, thoroughly drain all excess liquid from the canned salmon, use an egg and breadcrumbs as a strong binder, and chill the patties before cooking. Short answer: To keep salmon patties from falling apart, make sure the canned salmon is drained very well and flaked properly. Use enough bread crumbs to bind the mixture. Chilling the patties for about 30 minutes before you cook them also helps them hold their shape. A common mistake is not draining the canned salmon well enough, which can make the patties fall apart. Another issue is not using enough bread crumbs to bind the mixture. What are the best tips and variations for salmon patties? You can easily adjust the texture, flavor, and dietary profile of salmon patties by swapping breadcrumbs for almond flour, adding spices, or changing how you serve them. How can you boost the flavor? Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. Zesty: Include 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for more citrus flavor. Herby: Try fresh dill, chives, or oregano. How can you adjust the texture? Extra Crispy: Use panko bread crumbs for the crunchiest exterior. Chunky: Fold in finely chopped celery, bell peppers, or red onion. How can you make it a full meal? Brunch: Serve as a “Salmon Benedict” with a poached egg and hollandaise. Lunch: Make salmon patty melts with cheese on toasted bread. Salad: Crumble cooked patties over greens. What are the dietary adaptations? Gluten-Free: Use GF-friendly bread crumbs or almond flour. Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs. How long do cooked salmon patties last? Cooked salmon patties will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months when stored properly in an airtight container. What are the storage instructions? Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. What are the best reheating methods? Skillet: Reheat over medium heat until warmed. Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. What are frequently asked questions about salmon patties? Common questions about salmon patties cover necessary ingredients, troubleshooting texture issues, alternative cooking methods, and meal prep storage. What goes into salmon patties? The best salmon patties typically include canned salmon, bread crumbs, egg, and mayonnaise. Common seasonings are onion, parsley, and lemon juice. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, capers, or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. What are some common mistakes when making salmon patties? A common mistake is not draining the canned salmon well enough, which can make the patties fall apart. Another issue is not using enough bread crumbs to bind the mixture. Failing to chill the patties for about 30 minutes before cooking can also cause them to fall apart. Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh for patties? Yes, you can use canned salmon for patties. The recipe notes mention that you can use cooked and flaked fresh salmon, canned pink salmon, or salmon in packets. Just make sure you use about 10 ounces total. Can I cook salmon patties in an air fryer? Yes, air frying is listed as a healthier alternative for cooking salmon patties. You should brush both sides of each patty with olive oil. Then, place them in the basket and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes. How do I make salmon patties with canned salmon? To make salmon patties with canned salmon, simply drain and flake the salmon, then combine it with bread crumbs, egg, and your desired seasonings. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Can you make baked salmon patties ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salmon patty mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day of serving. What are the nutrition facts for salmon patties? A single serving of these salmon patties contains 200 calories, 17 grams of protein, and only 7 grams of carbohydrates, making them a nutritious, protein-dense meal. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving? Serving Size: 95g Calories: 200 Total Fat: 12g (16% DV) Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV) Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 100mg (33% DV) Sodium: 290mg (13% DV) Total Carbohydrate: 7g (2% DV) Dietary Fiber: <1g (2% DV) Total Sugar: <1g, Includes 0g Added Sugar (0% DV) Protein: 17g Vitamin D: 8.3mcg (40% DV) Calcium: 70mg (6% DV) Iron: 1.1mg (6% DV) Potassium: 250mg (6% DV) Recipe Reviews