Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes because they turn simple pantry and refrigerator ingredients into a quick, filling meal. Canned salmon makes preparation especially convenient, while fresh onion, bell pepper, and seasonings add plenty of flavor.

I also like how versatile these croquettes are. I can serve them as a main dish with vegetables, add them to a salad, tuck them into a sandwich, or make smaller patties for an appetizer. The air fryer makes cooking them quick and keeps cleanup simple.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned salmon, drained
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking oil spray
• Lemon wedges for serving, optional

I use well-drained canned salmon because it makes these croquettes convenient and budget-friendly. Breadcrumbs and egg help bind everything together, while a little mayonnaise keeps the centers moist.

I add onion and bell pepper for texture and flavor. Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, paprika, and parsley give the salmon a bright, savory finish without covering up its natural flavor.

Directions

1. I drain the canned salmon thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl. I break it into small flakes with a fork.
2. I add the breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, bell pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. I gently mix everything until the ingredients are evenly combined. I avoid overmixing because I want the croquettes to remain tender.
4. I shape the salmon mixture into evenly sized patties. If the mixture feels too wet to hold its shape, I add a small amount of additional breadcrumbs.
5. I refrigerate the shaped patties for about 15–20 minutes when I have time. I find that chilling helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
6. I preheat my air fryer to 390°F (199°C) if my particular model recommends preheating.
7. I lightly coat the air fryer basket and both sides of the croquettes with cooking oil spray.
8. I arrange the croquettes in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. I work in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.
9. I air fry the salmon croquettes for approximately 8–12 minutes, carefully flipping them about halfway through cooking.
10. I remove the croquettes when the exterior is crisp and golden and the centers are thoroughly heated. When using previously cooked or canned salmon, I aim for a hot center; if I substitute raw salmon, I cook it to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
11. I let the croquettes rest briefly before serving them with lemon wedges or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 servings, or approximately 8 medium croquettes, from one standard batch.

I allow around 15 minutes for active preparation and approximately 8–12 minutes for air frying. If I chill the patties before cooking, I add another 15–20 minutes to the preparation time.

Without chilling, I can generally have the croquettes ready in about 25–30 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of my patties and the air fryer I use.

Variations

Spicy Salmon Croquettes

I add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or finely diced jalapeño to the salmon mixture when I want some heat. I can also serve them with a spicy mayonnaise-style sauce.

Old Bay Salmon Croquettes

I replace some of the individual seasonings with Old Bay-style seafood seasoning for a classic savory seafood flavor.

Cheesy Salmon Croquettes

I mix a small amount of shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan into the salmon mixture. I keep the amount moderate so the cheese does not overwhelm the salmon or make the patties difficult to hold together.

Fresh Salmon Croquettes

I can use finely chopped raw salmon instead of canned salmon. Since the salmon starts raw, I make sure the centers reach 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Herb and Lemon Salmon Croquettes

I add extra fresh parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a brighter flavor. I particularly like this version with a cool yogurt-based sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cooked salmon croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. I let them cool before covering and refrigerating them promptly.

I prefer reheating the croquettes in the air fryer because it helps restore their crispy exterior. I air fry them at a moderate temperature for a few minutes, checking frequently until the centers are thoroughly heated.

I can also reheat them in the microwave, although the exterior will be softer. For longer storage, I can freeze cooked croquettes in a freezer-safe container, separating layers so they do not stick together.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon for Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes?

Yes. I actually prefer canned salmon when I want a quick and convenient version. I drain it thoroughly before mixing it with the remaining ingredients so the croquettes are not overly wet.

How do I keep Salmon Croquettes from falling apart?

I use egg and breadcrumbs as binders and make sure the salmon is well drained. I also press the patties together firmly enough to hold their shape. Chilling the shaped croquettes for 15–20 minutes can make them even easier to handle.

Do I need to flip Salmon Croquettes in the air fryer?

I prefer flipping them about halfway through cooking because it helps both sides become evenly browned and crisp. I turn them carefully with a thin spatula so they stay intact.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes?

I like serving them with salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables. For dipping, I can add tartar sauce, remoulade, garlic mayonnaise, or a lemony yogurt sauce.

Can I prepare Salmon Croquettes ahead of time?

Yes. I can mix and shape the croquettes ahead of time, cover them, and keep them refrigerated until I am ready to air fry them. I find that the chilling time actually helps the patties become firmer and easier to cook.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes are an easy way for me to turn canned salmon into a crispy, flavorful meal without deep frying. I combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, vegetables, lemon, mustard, and savory seasonings, then let the air fryer create a beautifully golden exterior. Whether I serve them for dinner, add them to a salad, or make smaller croquettes for an appetizer, I get a quick and versatile salmon recipe with plenty of flavor.

Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes

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Crispy, golden salmon croquettes made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, vegetables, lemon, and savory seasonings. The air fryer creates a crisp exterior while keeping the centers tender and flavorful without deep frying.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 croquettes, 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• Canned salmon, drained
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking oil spray
• Lemon wedges for serving, optional

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Instructions

1. Drain the canned salmon thoroughly, place it in a large mixing bowl, and break it into small flakes with a fork.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, bell pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. Gently mix until evenly combined, taking care not to overmix.
4. Shape the salmon mixture into approximately 8 evenly sized patties. If the mixture is too wet to hold its shape, add a small amount of additional breadcrumbs.
5. If time permits, refrigerate the shaped croquettes for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) if recommended for your model.
7. Lightly coat the air fryer basket and both sides of the croquettes with cooking oil spray.
8. Arrange the croquettes in a single layer with space between them, working in batches if necessary.
9. Air fry for approximately 8–12 minutes, carefully flipping the croquettes about halfway through cooking.
10. Remove the croquettes when the exterior is crisp and golden and the centers are thoroughly heated. If using raw salmon instead of canned salmon, cook the centers to 145°F (63°C).
11. Let the croquettes rest briefly, then serve with optional lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Drain canned salmon thoroughly to prevent the croquette mixture from becoming too wet.
• Egg and breadcrumbs help bind the patties, while optional chilling for 15–20 minutes makes them firmer and easier to handle.
• Add cayenne, chili flakes, or finely diced jalapeño for spicy salmon croquettes.
• Old Bay-style seafood seasoning can replace some of the individual seasonings.
• A moderate amount of shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan can be added for cheesy salmon croquettes.
• Finely chopped raw salmon can replace canned salmon, but cook the centers to 145°F (63°C).
• Add fresh dill, extra parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a brighter herb-and-lemon variation.
• Store cooked croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for the crispiest exterior or use the microwave for convenience.
• Cooked croquettes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container with the layers separated to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 croquettes
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg