Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes: Simple, Delicious, and Healthy
Air fryer salmon croquettes are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. These crispy salmon patties offer a perfect blend of flavor and texture, making them an excellent choice for a quick meal or a snack.
The air fryer method ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthy air fryer recipe. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re using fresh or canned salmon, these croquettes are a versatile option that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients and Kitchen Tools Needed
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary items for our salmon croquettes recipe ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Salmon Croquettes:
- 2 cups fresh cooked salmon or 1 can canned salmon (drained and flaked)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond meal for a gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for the air fryer
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls: One large for mixing the ingredients
- Spatula: For mixing and forming the croquettes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray: To lightly coat the air fryer basket
How to Cook Salmon Croquettes in Air Fryer
Follow these salmon croquettes cooking instructions for perfect results:
1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the croquettes: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. This should make about 8-10 croquettes.
4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the croquettes: Place the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
6. Check for doneness: The croquettes should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Note: Make sure to not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each croquette is evenly cooked and crispy.
Tips for Making Perfect Salmon Croquettes
To make the best crispy salmon croquettes, here are some tips for cooking salmon croquettes that will ensure great texture and flavor:
- Use a light spray of oil: Before cooking, lightly spray the croquettes with olive oil. This enhances the crispiness without adding too much fat.
- Season well: Besides the basic seasonings, add fresh dill and lemon zest to brighten the flavors. These salmon seasoning tips can make a big difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Ensure the croquettes have enough space in the air fryer basket. This allows air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Check for doneness: The croquettes should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they feel soft in the center, give them a few more minutes in the air fryer.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, delicious salmon croquettes every time.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily modify this recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Here are some salmon croquette variations and fish patty substitutions:
- Different types of fish: Swap out salmon for tuna, cod, or even crab meat for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or grated zucchini can be mixed into the croquette mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free air fryer recipe.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
These variations and substitutions allow you to customize the croquettes to your taste, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
How to Serve Air Fried Salmon Patties
When it comes to serving salmon croquettes, there are plenty of delicious options. Here are some ideas:
- Dipping sauces: Serve with tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. These are some of the best dipping sauces for fish patties and will complement the flavor perfectly.
- Side dishes: Pair your croquettes with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. These side dishes for salmon croquettes are great choices that balance the meal and add extra nutrients.
These serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience and make your salmon croquettes even more enjoyable.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, here’s how to handle storing salmon croquettes and keeping them delicious:
Storing
- Refrigerator: Place the croquettes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. This method works well for freezing salmon croquettes.
Reheating
- Air fryer: To reheat and maintain crispiness, place the croquettes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This is the best method for reheating air fryer patties.
- Oven: Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your salmon croquettes just as much as when they were freshly made.
FAQs about Air Fryer Instructions
Have You Tried These Crispy Salmon Croquettes Yet?
Making salmon croquettes in the air fryer is a convenient and healthy option. This easy fish patties recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy salmon with minimal effort.
Using the air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, resulting in healthy air fryer meals that are both crispy and flavorful. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare a satisfying meal in no time.
Feel free to experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your preferences. I hope you find this recipe helpful and enjoyable. Share your results and any questions in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
See more crispy recipes:
- Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
- Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp
- Air Fryer Barramundi
- Trader Joe’s Shrimp Burgers
Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes
Air fryer salmon croquettes are a tasty and healthy option for quick meals. These crispy patties are easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, low-fat dish.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 croquettes 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cooked salmon or 1 can canned salmon (drained and flaked)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond meal for a gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for the air fryer
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the croquettes: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. This should make about 8-10 croquettes.
4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the croquettes: Place the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
6. Check for doneness: The croquettes should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Make sure to not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each croquette is evenly cooked and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes