Crispy, Golden, and Ready in Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Easy Salmon Patties are about to be your go-to. Made with canned or fresh salmon, pantry staples, and simple seasonings, they come together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re aiming for a protein-packed lunch or a family-friendly dinner, salmon patties are the answer. Lightly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—serve them with a fresh salad, inside a bun, or topped with a dollop of lemony yogurt sauce for a satisfying, wholesome dish.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and taste absolutely amazing. Whether you’re using leftover cooked salmon or a can from the pantry, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in less than half an hour.
They’re also a fantastic way to incorporate more omega-3-rich fish into your diet, even for picky eaters. The crisp golden crust and flavorful interior make them appealing to kids and adults alike. You can also customize them—add fresh herbs, spice them up with hot sauce, or keep them mild and classic.
Great for meal prep, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly too—these salmon patties are the versatile protein you didn’t know your weeknight dinners needed.
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Ingredients (with Details)
Here’s what you’ll need for these easy salmon patties:
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked (or 1½ cups cooked fresh salmon)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs – for binding the patties
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion – adds moisture and flavor
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – for brightness
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – optional, but adds tang
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil – for frying (olive oil or neutral oil works well)
Optional Add-ins: minced garlic, paprika, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce
Nutrition Information (Per Patty, based on 6 patties)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Recipe Tips: Keep It Foolproof
- Drain salmon well: Remove excess liquid for better binding and crispier texture.
- Use panko for crunch: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko adds an extra crisp bite.
- Chill before frying: Letting patties rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes helps them hold shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give patties room to crisp up evenly.
- Make them mini: Great for appetizers or salmon sliders—just adjust cooking time.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These salmon patties are perfect for prepping ahead. You can mix the patties up to a day in advance and keep them uncooked in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.
Cooked patties store well, too—just refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, separate them with parchment paper so they don’t stick. Reheat straight from the fridge in a skillet or oven to keep that outer crisp.
For meal prep, pack them with a side salad, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a protein-rich lunchbox.
Pro Tips for the Best Salmon Patties (3 Quick Paragraphs)
Choose the Right Salmon: If you’re using canned salmon, look for wild-caught varieties for better flavor and nutrition. Be sure to remove any skin or bones if not already done. If you’re using leftover fresh salmon, flake it finely so it blends well with the other ingredients.
Get the Texture Right: The key is balance—enough binding to hold together, but not so much that the patties are dry. Start with the recommended amount of breadcrumbs, then add more if the mix feels too wet. A quick chill helps them stay firm while frying.
Flavor Boosters: These patties are a blank canvas—add dill, garlic, green onions, or even a bit of grated Parmesan to punch up the flavor. You can also top them with tzatziki, aioli, or spicy mayo for a delicious finish. A squeeze of lemon always brings it all together.
Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 patties
Ingredients:
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, parsley, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form patties: Shape into 6 even patties. If time allows, chill for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, with salad, rice, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Can this recipe be air fried
Absolutely! These salmon patties can definitely be air fried. Just preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly spray the patties with a bit of oil, and cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. It’s a great lighter option—still crispy on the outside and tender inside!
Let me know how they turn out if you try it! 😊
Thank you for the recipe
I grew up anticipating the days my mom would make salmon patties for supper !
She made hers the exact same way , only instead of bread crumbs she used Ritz crackers .
She would always make big steak fries to go with them as well as home made cole slaw .
Dad always had to have malt vinegar on his and because dad did , so did i 😄
Thank you for the wonderful memory !
I have 2 cans of salmon on the counter right now for tomorrow’s salmon patties 😉
Aw, thank you for sharing such a sweet memory! 💚 Ritz crackers sound like a tasty twist, and that full meal combo sounds amazing. Hope your salmon patties turn out perfect tomorrow! 😊