Craving a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal? These incredible Salmon Patties are your answer. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe produces perfectly crispy, golden-brown patties on the outside, with a tender, flaky, and flavorful center. Forget dry or bland salmon cakes; this foolproof method guarantees a satisfying meal that the whole family will love, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a simple lunch.
We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure your patties hold together beautifully every time. Plus, we’re sharing our favorite simple dill sauce that takes them over the top!
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Patties Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This entire recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: It primarily uses affordable pantry staples like canned salmon and breadcrumbs.
- Flavor-Packed: Fresh dill, lemon, and a hint of Dijon mustard elevate the flavor of the salmon beautifully.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or as the main course. We’ve included instructions for pan-frying, baking, and even the air fryer! Check out our Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta for another great salmon dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
- Canned Salmon: The star of the show. Make sure to drain it well and remove any skin or large bones.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs, acting as the perfect binder.
- Egg: The key ingredient to bind everything together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a bit of richness, ensuring the patties are never dry.
- Onion & Garlic: Finely minced for a base layer of flavor.
- Dill: Fresh dill is highly recommended for its bright, classic pairing with salmon.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that complements the fish.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Salmon Patties: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making delicious salmon patties is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
In a medium bowl, flake the drained canned salmon with a fork. Add the Panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, minced onion, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into six equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1-inch thick. If the mixture feels a bit too wet, you can chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties (Pan-Frying)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot pan, ensuring not to crowd them. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Salmon Patties
While pan-frying is classic, these patties are also delicious when baked or made in the air fryer for a lighter option.
Baked Salmon Patties
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. For another easy air fryer meal, try these Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu bites.
Tips for the BEST Salmon Patties
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can result in dense, tough patties.
- Drain the Salmon Well: Excess liquid can make the patties soggy and difficult to form. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
- Chill if Needed: If your mixture feels too soft, chilling it for 15-30 minutes before cooking will make the patties much easier to handle and help prevent them from falling apart.
- Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs create a much crispier exterior than traditional breadcrumbs. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference.
Easy Dill Sauce for Salmon Patties
A simple sauce elevates these patties from good to great. In a small bowl, simply mix together:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and serve alongside your hot salmon patties. If you enjoy this, you’ll also appreciate the flavors in our Lemon Dill Baked Salmon.
What to Serve with Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are incredibly versatile. You can serve them on a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato for a delicious salmon burger, or as a main course with sides like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or flavorful Spanish rice.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Keep leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the salmon mixture and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by layers of parchment paper. Cook them straight from the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
Absolutely! To use fresh salmon, simply bake or poach about 12 ounces of salmon fillet until cooked through. Let it cool completely, then flake it with a fork and use it in place of the canned salmon in the recipe.
The key is to have the right balance of binder and moisture. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind them, while mayonnaise adds moisture. Chilling the formed patties for 15-30 minutes before cooking is the best trick to help them firm up and hold their shape in the pan.
If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers (like Saltines or Ritz), or even almond flour for a low-carb, gluten-free option. Note that the texture may vary slightly.
Canned pink or sockeye salmon are both excellent, affordable options for salmon patties. Just be sure to choose a quality brand and drain it very well. If using fresh salmon, any type like Atlantic, Coho, or King salmon will work.
The Ultimate Salmon Patties Recipe
Salmon Patties (The BEST Easy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, flake the well-drained salmon. Add Panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, minced onion, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form into patties about 1-inch thick. For best results, chill the patties for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until deeply golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- While the patties cook, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Serve the salmon patties warm with the dill sauce.
Notes
Tip 2: Chilling the formed patties before cooking is the secret to making sure they don't fall apart in the pan.
Tip 3: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a tablespoon of capers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
These truly are the best Salmon Patties you’ll ever make. They strike the perfect balance of a crispy exterior with a moist, flavorful interior. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.
If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and rating below. And don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious inspiration!
