There’s something incredibly satisfying about a crispy salmon cake, especially when it’s made in the air fryer! These Air Fryer Salmon Cakes are not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor and nutrition. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering. In this recipe, we’ll take flaked salmon and mix it with fresh ingredients to create a delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Upside of Air Fryer Salmon Cakes
Cooking with an air fryer is a game-changer, especially for those who want to enjoy crispy food without the excess oil. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, providing that golden crunch we all love, while keeping the dish light and healthy. These Air Fryer Salmon Cakes are a fantastic alternative to traditional frying, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without the guilt.
Gather These Ingredients
To make these delicious salmon cakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon, cooked and flaked
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Oil spray
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! A good quality air fryer ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Spoon or Spatula: To mix everything well.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the cakes from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Cook Air Fryer Salmon Cakes Like This
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and flaked salmon, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, Panko bread crumbs, Italian herbs seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), and lemon zest. Pour this mixture into the salmon mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Cakes
Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can make them thicker or thinner based on your preference, but keep in mind that thinner cakes will cook faster.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon Cakes
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon cakes in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Spray the tops lightly with oil to encourage browning. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon cakes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Make It Fit Your Plan
These Air Fryer Salmon Cakes are versatile and can easily fit into various dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream substitute and ensure your hot sauce is also dairy-free.
- Spicy: Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
When cooking Air Fryer Salmon Cakes, you might run into a few issues. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
- Cakes Falling Apart: Ensure the mixture is well combined and the eggs are adequately mixed in to bind the ingredients together.
- Not Crispy Enough: Make sure to spray the tops of the cakes with oil before air frying, and don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Too Dry: If your cakes are dry, consider adding more sour cream or a splash of water to the mixture.
- Uneven Cooking: Flip the cakes halfway through cooking for even browning.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, here are some tips:
- Storage: Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for the best results.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked salmon cakes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Quick Q&A
Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned salmon works well. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly before flaking.
What can I serve with these salmon cakes?
These cakes pair perfectly with a side salad, tartar sauce, or even a delicious Honey Butter Garlic Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner.
Can I make these salmon cakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the cakes ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have Panko bread crumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but Panko gives a lighter and crispier texture that enhances the cakes.
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Bring It to the Table
These Air Fryer Salmon Cakes not only taste incredible, but they are also a breeze to make, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling are sure to impress, and the best part? You can feel good about serving a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a delightful dish that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Air Fryer Salmon Cakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and flaked salmon, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, Panko bread crumbs, Italian herbs seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), and lemon zest. Pour this mixture into the salmon mixture and stir until well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can make them thicker or thinner based on your preference, but keep in mind that thinner cakes will cook faster.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon cakes in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Spray the tops lightly with oil to encourage browning. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon cakes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute Panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To make dairy-free, use a dairy-free sour cream substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
