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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.

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

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.

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