Best Air Fryer Salmon Cakes Recipes

Salmon cakes are a popular dish in many households, and for a good reason. They are delicious, easy to make, and versatile enough to go with a variety of sides. Traditionally, salmon cakes are made by frying them in oil, but with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy healthy and crispy salmon cakes without the added oil. In this article, we will explore air fryer salmon cakes recipes and why they are worth trying out.

What is an air fryer?

Before we delve into air fryer salmon cakes recipes, let us first understand what an air fryer is. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It is a healthier alternative to traditional fryers because it requires little or no oil to cook food. Air fryers use convection cooking technology, meaning that they circulate hot air around the food, which gives it a crispy texture similar to that of fried food.

Why air fryer salmon cakes?

Salmon is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals. However, traditional salmon cakes that are fried in oil can be high in calories and fat. Air fryer salmon cakes eliminate these concerns because they use little or no oil, resulting in lower calorie and fat content. Additionally, air fryer salmon cakes are quick and easy to make, making them an ideal dinner option for busy nights.

Air fryer salmon cakes recipe

Here is a simple and delicious air fryer salmon cakes recipe that you can try out.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon, cooked and flaked
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and flaked salmon, red onion, red pepper, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually add in the beaten egg and breadcrumbs, mixing until thoroughly combined.
3. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray.
4. Place the salmon cakes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking.
5. Cook the salmon cakes in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and crispy.
6. Remove the salmon cakes from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Conclusion

Air fryer salmon cakes are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional salmon cakes. With their crispy texture and easy preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try out the above air fryer salmon cake recipe and customize it to your liking with different seasonings and ingredients. Happy cooking!

Tips for Making Delicious Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

Air fryer salmon cakes are delicious and healthy alternatives to traditional fried salmon cakes. They are easy to make, and you can make them using fresh or canned salmon, making the recipe very convenient. However, to get the best air fryer salmon cakes, you need to follow some tips, which we have outlined below.

1. Choose High-Quality Salmon

The quality of salmon you use will determine the flavor and texture of the salmon cakes. You can use fresh or canned salmon, but ensure you choose high-quality salmon. Fresh salmon tends to be more expensive, but it has a better flavor and texture than canned salmon. If you choose to use canned salmon, ensure that it is wild-caught, and not farmed.

2. Drain Salmon Properly

If you are using canned salmon, ensure that you drain it properly. Removing excess liquid will ensure that the salmon cakes stay together when being cooked, and don’t crumble. If you don't drain the salmon, the excess liquid will also make the salmon cakes soggy.

3. Add Binders

Binders such as eggs, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise help keep the salmon cakes together, making them firm and easier to cook. Eggs are the most commonly used binder, but you can use breadcrumbs or almond flour if you are looking for a gluten-free option. Mayonnaise serves a dual purpose of binding the salmon cakes and adding some extra moisture.

4. Use Flavorful Herbs and Spices

Adding flavorful herbs and spices will enhance the taste of the salmon cakes. You can use parsley, dill, garlic, or chives to add some flavor to the salmon cakes. Lemon and lime juice can also be added to give the salmon cakes a tangy taste.

5. Form the Salmon into Patties

When making air fryer salmon cakes, it is important to form the salmon into patties of equal size. This is important because it will ensure that the salmon cakes cook evenly. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to form the patties, depending on the size you prefer.

6. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer before cooking will ensure that the salmon cakes cook evenly and with a crispy exterior. You should preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually 375°F for salmon cakes.

7. Brush the Salmon Cakes with Oil

Brushing the salmon cakes with oil will help them become crispy during cooking. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Brushing the salmon cakes will also help prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

8. Flip the Salmon Cakes Halfway through Cooking

Flipping the salmon cakes halfway through cooking will ensure that they cook evenly on both sides. This will also help the salmon cakes become crispy on both sides. Be careful when flipping the salmon cakes to avoid breaking them.

9. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket will affect the cooking of the salmon cakes. If you overcrowd the basket, some of the cakes may not cook properly, and they may also stick together. It is advisable to cook the salmon cakes in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

10. Adjust the Cooking Time According to the Size of the Salmon Cakes

The cooking time for air fryer salmon cakes will depend on the size of the cakes. If you make large salmon cakes, they will take longer to cook than smaller ones. Therefore, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid over or undercooking the salmon cakes. In conclusion, air fryer salmon cakes are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional salmon cakes. However, to get the best salmon cakes, follow the tips outlined above. Choosing high-quality salmon, using binders, flavorful herbs and spices, and forming the salmon into patties are some of the tips that will help you get the best salmon cakes, while preheating the air fryer, brushing the salmon cakes with oil, and flipping them halfway through cooking will ensure that they come out crispy and evenly cooked. So go ahead and make delicious air fryer salmon cakes with these valuable tips!