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How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

EASY12 INGREDIENTS12STEP45 MIN·
Posted: 02/07/2025
Thea
BY Thea
Posted: 02/07/2025

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

Want to try a burger that’s both healthy and delicious? Air fryer salmon burgers are definitely a great choice. Let’s take a look at how to make this tasty dish with simple ingredients.

2-3
SERVINGS
12
INGREDIENTS
12
STEP
45 min
TOTAL TIME

Why do I love this recipe?

There are so many reasons I love this recipe! First, it makes the salmon absolutely delicious, with the freshness of the fish paired with the refreshing taste of salad dressing and lemon. The crushed peanuts and green onions add more texture to the salmon patty, giving it a savory flavor with a hint of crunch.

Plus, this recipe not only gives the salmon patty a tender texture but also a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating on the outside. One bite, and it's incredibly satisfying. It's also not complicated to make, which is perfect for busy days when you want something quick and tasty.

The best part is that the whole burger is cooked in the air fryer, which keeps it light on oil while still maintaining that crispy texture. And the bun, after being toasted, is crunchy and delicious, making it the perfect pairing with the salmon patty!

air fryer salmon burgers

Required Ingredients and Substitutes

Salmon cubes: Fresh, tender fish meat, ideal for making patties.

Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a creamy taste.

Salad dressing: Enhances the overall flavor.

Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor.

Green onions: Provides fragrance and texture.

Crushed peanuts: Adds crunchiness.

Salmon sauce: Enhances the salmon flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Used for the crispy outer layer.

Arugula: As a side garnish for the burger.

Burger buns: The base of the burger.

Salt: Adjusts the saltiness.

Black pepper: Adds a spicy kick.

Substitutes

Salmon cubes: Can be replaced with other fish like cod or tuna.

Mayonnaise: Can be replaced with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.

Salad dressing: Can be replaced with a mix of yogurt and yellow mustard.

Breadcrumbs: Can be replaced with oatmeal or crushed cornflakes.

Arugula: Can be replaced with lettuce or spinach.

How to prevent salmon patties from falling apart?

The key to preventing salmon patties from falling apart is using the right binders, such as breadcrumbs and eggs. If the mixture is too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs to help it hold together.

After forming the patties, refrigerate them for about 10 minutes to help them firm up and reduce the risk of falling apart.

Cooking Tips

Shaping the patties: When shaping the patties, try to make them uniform in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and reduces the chances of them falling apart.

Cooking temperature: Set the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for optimal results. This temperature helps keep the patties crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender interior without drying them out.

Pan-frying tip: If you're pan-frying, use low heat and cook each side for about 3 minutes. This allows both sides to become golden and crispy without burning or hardening, improving the texture.

Breadcrumbs: For a crispier texture, you can mix some herbs or spices into the breadcrumbs, such as garlic powder or thyme, to enhance the flavor of the patties.

Burger buns: Pre-toast the burger buns in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. This gives them a crispy texture and prevents them from getting soggy when you assemble the burger with the salmon patty.

Even seasoning: When making the patties, ensure the seasoning is mixed evenly, especially the salmon sauce and lemon zest. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

INGREDIENTS

Main Ingredients

  • ·
    300g salmon cubes

Additional Ingredients

  • ·
    30g mayonnaise
  • ·
    20g salad dressing
  • ·
    5g lemon zest
  • ·
    10g chopped green onions
  • ·
    15g crushed peanuts
  • ·
    10g salmon sauce
  • ·
    Appropriate amount breadcrumbs
  • ·
    Appropriate amount arugula
  • ·
    2 burger buns

Seasonings

  • ·
    3g salt
  • ·
    2g black pepper

Hi, I'm Thea, and I see cooking as a fun activity. I also love sharing cooking tips, hoping everyone can easily make delicious meals.

COOKING STEP

HIDE IMAGES

Step 1

Take half of the salmon cubes and cut them into chunks.

Cube salmon

Step 2

Add mayonnaise, salad dressing, and lemon zest, then mix into a paste.

Make paste

Step 3

Cut the remaining salmon into small cubes.

Cube remaining salmon

Step 4

Add chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, salmon sauce, salt, and black pepper, then mix evenly.

Add seasoning

Step 5

Brush some oil on parchment paper in the air fryer.

Oil parchment

Step 6

Shape the salmon mixture into round patties and air fry at 160°C for 20 minutes.

Shape patties

Step 7

After cooking, remove the patties and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.

Coat with breadcrumbs

Step 8

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and cook the patties on low heat until both sides are golden brown (about 3 minutes per side).

Pan-fry patties

Step 9

Place the burger buns in the air fryer and toast at 160°C for 3 minutes until crispy.

Toast buns

Step 10

Spread salad dressing on the bottom half of the burger bun.

Spread dressing

Step 11

Layer arugula and the cooked salmon patty on top.

Layer arugula & patty

Step 12

Cover with the top half of the burger bun and serve.

Assemble & serve

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Eating Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a refreshing salad or vegetables like lettuce, arugula, and tomatoes to balance the richness of the salmon patties and add layers to the overall texture.

Seasoning Tips: Adding a little lemon juice or a pinch of chili powder to the salmon mixture can elevate the flavor, offering a fresh or mildly spicy kick.

Sauce Pairings: Serve with yogurt sauce, honey mustard sauce, or homemade lemon dressing to enhance the unique flavors of the salmon patty.

Burger Fillings: For added texture and depth, consider adding avocado spread or grilled onions inside the burger.

Best Served Hot: Salmon patties are best enjoyed fresh and hot. When just pan-fried or air-fried, the crispy outer layer and tender interior offer the most satisfying texture!

FAQs:

Q
Can I make homemade salmon burgers and freeze them?
A
Absolutely! Homemade salmon burgers are perfect for freezing. After preparing the burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed bag before freezing.
When you're ready to enjoy them, just take them out of the freezer and either pan-fry them until golden on both sides or reheat them in the air fryer until they're heated through. The flavor will remain just as good! For the best taste, it's recommended to consume them within 1 month when frozen.
Q
Do I need to season the burger?
A
If you like a richer flavor, you can definitely season the salmon patties a bit. In my recipe, I added scallions, crushed peanuts, salt, salmon sauce, and black pepper, which already gives a great amount of flavor.
However, if you want to add more layers of taste, you can spread some salad dressing on the bottom of the burger bun, or even add some sweet chili sauce or mustard for an extra kick. Seasoning can be adjusted according to your personal preference—keeping it simple helps highlight the fresh taste of the salmon!
Q
Is it okay if the middle of the salmon is pink?
A
Yes, it's perfectly fine if the middle of the salmon is pink! Salmon naturally has a pink to reddish-orange color, and after cooking, the middle may still have some pinkness, especially if it's not fully overcooked. As long as the outside is golden and crispy, and the inside remains tender and juicy, you've got the perfect salmon burger patty.
However, if you prefer it fully cooked, you can extend the cooking time a bit to ensure it's cooked through. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out the texture.
Q
Do I need to thaw the salmon burger before cooking?
A
Yes, it's best to thaw the salmon burger before cooking. This ensures that it heats evenly during cooking, preventing the outside from getting cooked while the inside remains cold or undercooked. If it's frozen, you can thaw it in the fridge for a few hours.
If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave on low power to thaw it, or simply let it thaw naturally. Once thawed, it's ready to be pan-fried or air-fried for the best texture and flavor!
2

REVIEWS

Your Rating:
Jacob
Jacob February 09, 2025

Can I use frozen salmon for these salmon burgers?
Chinarecipes REPLY:
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw it first and remove the skin and bones for even texture and easier preparation.
Kathleen
Kathleen February 10, 2025

These salmon burgers are not only healthy but also super easy to make—perfect for a light meal or a quick dinner!
Chinarecipes REPLY:
Exactly, salmon is nutritious and the recipe is quick and convenient, great for busy days!

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