Best Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes Recipes

What is an Air Fryer Salmon Croquette?

An air fryer salmon croquette is a dish that is made up of mashed salmon that is combined with different kinds of ingredients like vegetables, breadcrumbs, and spices. These croquettes are normally fried, but with an air fryer, they can be made much healthier, with a crisp and even crust. Salmon croquettes are relatively easy to make and are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.

The Benefits of Air Frying Salmon Croquettes

Air frying is a healthier cooking technique when compared to traditional frying. With air frying, the food is cooked by circulating hot air around it, which results in a crispy and evenly cooked exterior. The air fryer is also an excellent cooking instrument because it cooks the food faster while retaining its moisture content. Air frying also reduces the amount of oil needed to cook the meal, which makes the dish much healthier. Cooking salmon croquettes in an air fryer is an excellent option because it allows you to enjoy this dish without worrying about the adverse effects of frying it in oil.

Ingredients Used to Make Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes

The ingredients used to make air fryer salmon croquettes include mashed salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, vegetables like onions and celery, and various types of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Mashed Salmon

Mashed salmon is the primary ingredient of salmon croquettes. Fresh salmon is ideal, but you can also use canned salmon. The salmon should be flaked with a fork and mashed into small pieces to create a sticky consistency that can hold the croquette together.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are added to the mixture to help hold the croquette together. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, but plain breadcrumbs are preferable because they allow the other flavors of the croquette to shine.

Eggs

Eggs help to bind the ingredients of the croquette. Two eggs are usually used to make croquettes to ensure that they are firm enough to maintain their shape.

Vegetables like Onions and Celery

Chopped onions and celery add flavor and texture to the croquette. They can be sauteed before being mixed with the other ingredients for better flavor.

Spices

Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper can be used to add flavor to the croquettes. The spices used can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes

To make air fryer salmon croquettes, follow these simple steps: 1. Mash the salmon using a fork or a food processor. 2. Add the breadcrumbs, onions, celery, eggs, and spices to the salmon and mix well. 3. Shape the mixture into small, rounded patties. 4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, place the croquettes in the air fryer basket, and cook them for around ten minutes or until they are golden brown, flipping them halfway through.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes

Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes can be served with different accompaniments like a side salad, a vegetable dip, or even tartar sauce. They are generally eaten as a main course for lunch and dinner, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack any time of the day.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes are a perfect meal option that is both tasty and healthy. By making these croquettes in an air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy texture and flavor that comes with traditional frying without worrying about consuming oil. With this dish, you get to indulge in the goodness of salmon and different spices without compromising your health.

Salmon croquettes are a delicious and healthy dish that can be cooked in many ways, including baking, frying, and grilling. However, air frying salmon croquettes is a healthier and hassle-free alternative that yields crispy and perfectly cooked patties with significantly less oil than traditional frying. In this article, we will share some valuable tips when making air fryer salmon croquettes recipes that will help you achieve the best results possible.

Tip 1: Choose quality salmon

The quality of the salmon you use is crucial when making salmon croquettes, as it will determine their flavor, texture, and overall quality. It is recommended to use fresh or frozen wild-caught salmon, as it is sustainable, more flavorful, and contains fewer contaminants than farmed salmon. Some popular types of wild-caught salmon are sockeye, king, coho, and pink salmon. If you have leftover cooked salmon, you can also use it to make salmon croquettes.

Tip 2: Choose the right binder

A binder is an ingredient that holds the salmon croquette mixture together and prevents it from falling apart. Common binders for salmon croquettes include flour, breadcrumbs, oats, mashed potatoes, egg, mayonnaise, and mustard. The binder you choose should complement the flavor and texture of the salmon, as well as your personal preferences. For example, if you want a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour instead of wheat flour.

Tip 3: Add flavor and texture with herbs and spices

Herbs and spices can elevate the taste and texture of your salmon croquettes by adding depth, freshness, and complexity to the dish. Some popular herbs and spices that go well with salmon croquettes are dill, parsley, chives, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, and black pepper. You can use fresh or dried herbs depending on availability and taste preferences. Be mindful of the amount of seasoning you use, as too much can overpower the natural flavor of the salmon.

Tip 4: Chill the mixture before air frying

Chilling the salmon croquette mixture before cooking is essential to ensure that the patties hold their shape and don't fall apart in the air fryer. You can refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the ingredients to set and bind together. If you have time, you can also chill the mixture overnight, which will enhance the flavor and texture of the croquettes.

Tip 5: Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure that the croquettes cook evenly and crispy on both sides. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature (about 370°F to 400°F for salmon croquettes) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. This will also reduce the cooking time and prevent the croquettes from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Tip 6: Brush or spray the croquettes with oil

While air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, it still requires some amount of oil to achieve the desired crispness and texture. You can brush or spray the croquettes with a small amount of oil (such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray) before placing them in the air fryer basket. This will help them brown and crisp up evenly without drying out.

Tip 7: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and soggy croquettes. It is recommended to leave enough space (about ½ inch to 1 inch) between the croquettes to allow hot air to circulate and crisp them up evenly. If you have a lot of croquettes to cook, you can do it in batches or use a larger air fryer that can accommodate more food.

Tip 8: Flip the croquettes halfway through cooking

Flipping the croquettes halfway through the cooking time will ensure that they cook evenly on both sides and develop a crispy crust. Depending on the size and thickness of the croquettes, you can flip them using tongs, a spatula, or a fork. Be gentle when flipping them to avoid breaking them apart.

Tip 9: Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your salmon croquettes are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, which is the safe minimum for consumption. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the croquette to get an accurate reading. Avoid overcooking the croquettes, as this will dry them out and reduce their flavor and texture.

Tip 10: Serve hot and with dipping sauce

Serve the salmon croquettes hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, aioli, or salsa. Garnish them with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or green onions for extra flavor and color. You can also serve them as a main dish with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salad.

Conclusion

Air fryer salmon croquettes are a healthier and hassle-free way to enjoy this classic dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. By using quality ingredients, choosing the right binder and seasoning, chilling the mixture, preheating the air fryer, brushing or spraying with oil, not overcrowding the basket, flipping halfway through cooking, using a meat thermometer, and serving hot with dipping sauce, you can make perfect salmon croquettes every time. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and binders to create your own unique version of this delicious dish.