Are you wondering what to do with that leftover salmon? Check out our simple and delicious gluten-free salmon patties made in the air fryer. Adding potatoes, we created a nutritious, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that is ideal for a quick dinner or a healthy snack.
Armed with a new air fryer and leftover salmon, it’s no surprise we came up with this recipe. After all, I’ve always had a soft spot for salmon cakes; their crispy exterior, paired with the tender, flavorful salmon and potato inside, just hits the spot every time.
As I hadn’t eaten crispy fried food in years, we were more than ready to experiment with the air fryer and keep things light.
Adding potatoes for substance (and because it’s the combination I like), along with a blend of spices to enhance the flavor, we ended up with a new staple in our kitchen.
Honestly, these gluten-free salmon patties are more than just a delicious rescue mission for leftover salmon. They’ve become our go-to quick meal solution.
Whether we’re looking for a nutritious dinner option or need to whip up something impressive for unexpected guests, our air fryer salmon patties recipe has never let us down.
What you need to make air fryer salmon cakes
First off, you need an air fryer. If you don’t have one, check out our favorite, the Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer, which has shelves rather than a basket and a window so we can see what is happening. On rare occasions, we need to override the settings, but we find out right away rather than when it beeps and we pull out the drawer to find burnt food.
- Raw salmon
- Potatoes
- Egg
- Bell pepper (optional)
- Cooking oil (avocado, olive, etc.)
- Brown rice flour or tapioca flour
- Parsley
- Chili pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Check out the Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer here.
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Why salmon?
Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet according to Healthline.
More specifically, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and decrease risk factors for disease. In addition, it is high in protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
More recipes where salmon is the star
Tips for making gluten-free salmon patties in the air fryer
Really, these are pretty easy to make with the instructions below. Key preparation tips would be to break up the salmon into tiny bits, don’t overboil the potatoes, and mix well at each step before moving on. A few other tips:
- When forming your patties, try to keep them uniform in size and thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time. An ice cream scoop can help create consistent portions.
- Chilling the pre-cooked gluten-free salmon cakes in the refrigerator before frying helps them stay together and not fall apart in the air fryer. We will be the first to admit that we often skip this step, and so far, the damage hasn’t been too bad.
- Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer with some space around each for air circulation. Cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy salmon cakes.
- We line our air fryer tray with parchment paper to prevent the food from sticking when we flip it. Without the parchment paper, the crispy layer is often lost.
- The patties should be golden and ideally crispy (but this doesn’t always happen) on the outside.
Serving suggestions
While our salmon patties with potato cover our protein and carbs, we typically add a vegetable for a more balanced meal. A few of our favorites that complement, without overpowering include:
- Fried cabbage – or using the same recipe, substitute kale or Swiss chard
- Roasted tahini cauliflower – not as colorful as a green vegetable, but equally as delicious
- Classic coleslaw – this is our summer go-to
- Green or quinoa salad – either complements nicely
And don’t forget to serve gluten-free salmon cakes with either a slice of lemon or some sweet chili sauce. We like to make our own: Sweet Chili Ginger Sauce
And why not a dessert to follow?
We generally want something lighter like a mousse or sorbet. And since I am dairy-free, we make our own chocolate mousse with avocado.
Some readers have asked . . .
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon as a substitute for fresh salmon in this recipe. Make sure to drain the salmon well before using it. While canned salmon can be a convenient and cost-effective option, raw salmon will keep the healthy fish oil within the cake.
Are these salmon patties kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These gluten-free salmon patties are not only nutritious but also have a mild pleasing flavor that makes them suitable for children. You can omit the chili pepper if you’re concerned about the spice level. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce like ketchup or a mild tartar sauce to make them even more appealing to kids.
How can I store leftover salmon patties?
Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until they are heated through. You can also freeze them for up to three months; thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them as directed.
Our air fryer salmon patties recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Cakes
Quick, tasty gluten-free salmon patties made in your air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces salmon, minced (240-300 grams)
- 1 pound potatoes (450 grams)
- 2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, finely ground
- ½ bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ½ chili pepper, finely minced (optional)
- 3 Tablespoons rice or tapioca flour
- 1 Tablespoon cooking oil (avocado, olive, etc.)
Instructions
- Quarter, and boil potatoes for approximately 10 minutes until they yield with a fork. We leave the skin on, but peeling is optional.
- While the potatoes are cooking, beat the egg in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, ground pepper, parsley, chili pepper, and salmon. Mix well.
- When the potatoes are done, strain away the boiling water and cool them under running water for a minute. Mash the potatoes and then add them to the salmon mixture in the large bowl, mixing well (using a potato masher works well).
- Add the gluten-free flour to the salmon mixture and mix in until absorbed.
- Form 6 patties from the mixture, place them on wax or parchment paper, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Remove the patties from the refrigerator and lightly coat or spray the top with oil.
- Flip the patties onto the air fryer racks or basket (multiple batches) and coat the top side lightly with oil. We line the cooking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook at 400ºF (200ºC) for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 10 minutes (until crispy).
Notes
Cooked or canned salmon maybe used but using raw salmon will keep the healthy fish oil within the pattie.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 421Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 474mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 22g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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Really tasty. The salmon flavour came through and they worked perfectly in the air fryer. Thanks!
this was the best meal. So flavorful and so easy to make. My family loved it.
Tried these salmon patties twice already, once in air fryer and once in the oven. Both ways it came out super flavorful, but air fryer is more crispier. Great gluten-free option! Will make it again!
These gluten-free salmon patties were a total hit! They were so easy to make in the air fryer and turned out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A delicious and healthy meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights!