Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These salmon burgers are packed with bold flavor, tender texture, and healthy omega‑3s. They’re easy to prepare, versatile for grilling, pan‑searing, or air‑frying, and come together quickly for a weeknight dinner, weekend cookout, or meal prep option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh salmon (skin removed, cut into chunks)
egg or egg substitute
gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond flour
fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
lemon zest
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil or avocado oil
Directions
- Chop the fresh salmon into small pieces or pulse briefly in a food processor until coarsely ground.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon with egg, gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond flour, chopped herbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil.
- Cook the salmon burgers for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, grill or air‑fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving on your favorite bun or lettuce wrap with toppings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 salmon burgers
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
• Add minced jalapeño for a spicy kick
• Mix in grated zucchini or carrot for extra veggies
• Swap herbs for cilantro and add lime zest for a citrus twist
• Serve with avocado slices or a yogurt dill sauce
• Use smoked salmon for a deeper, smoky flavor
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through; avoid overheating to keep them moist.
FAQs
What type of salmon should I use?
Fresh salmon fillets work best, but you can use frozen salmon that’s fully thawed and patted dry.
Can I make these gluten‑free?
Yes — simply use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of traditional breadcrumbs.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
Adding a binder like egg and a dry ingredient like breadcrumbs or almond flour helps keep the patties together. Chill them briefly before cooking.
Can I grill salmon burgers?
Yes — brushing the grill grates with oil and grilling over medium heat works well.
What toppings go well with salmon burgers?
Lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, and a creamy sauce like tzatziki or aioli are great choices.
Are these healthy?
Yes — salmon is high in protein and rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, making these a nutritious option.
Can I freeze the uncooked patties?
Yes — freeze the formed patties on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes — air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sauce pairs best with salmon burgers?
Dill yogurt sauce, lemon aioli, or a simple pesto mayo all complement the flavors.
Can I add cheese to salmon burgers?
Yes — a slice of your favorite cheese can be added during the last minute of cooking, though many enjoy them without.
Conclusion
Salmon Burgers are a flavorful, versatile, and nutritious meal option that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender salmon, fresh herbs, and easy prep, these burgers deliver big taste and satisfying texture in every bite.
PrintSalmon Burgers
Salmon Burgers are juicy, flavorful patties made from fresh salmon mixed with herbs and seasonings, lightly cooked to tender perfection. They offer a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers and pair beautifully with fresh toppings and sauces for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 salmon burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried / Air Fryer / Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skin removed, cut into chunks)
- 1 egg or egg substitute
- 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Chop the salmon into small pieces or pulse briefly in a food processor until coarsely ground.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon with egg, breadcrumbs or almond flour, herbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Form the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil.
- Cook the salmon burgers for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, grill or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving on buns or lettuce wraps with desired toppings.
Notes
- Chilling the patties for 15 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
- Use skinless salmon fillets for best results.
- Top with avocado, red onion, or a dollop of dill yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze extra uncooked patties for quick meals later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon burger
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg