Air Fryer Southern Salmon Croquettes (Salmon Patties)

This air fryer Southern salmon croquettes recipe features a golden-brown, crispy coating enveloping a savory mix of flaky salmon in traditional Southern-style patties, delivering a delightful and healthier take on this beloved Southern classic dish.

These are the best Southern salmon patties. A classic salmon croquette recipe is cooked in hot oil or shortening, but in the air fryer, you’ll get the same great flavor made with a lot less oil.

It’s a really easy weeknight meal because it only takes 15 minutes to prep and cook. 

I’ve been eating these since I was a little girl, and we have always called them salmon patties here in the Midwest, but they originated in the South during the Great Depression. They are known as a Southern staple food.

Salmon Patties vs Croquettes vs Cakes vs Burgers

Salmon patties go by a few different names depending on how they’re made and where you live. They’re all made with flaky salmon that uses binders, like breadcrumbs or crackers, and then mixed with eggs and seasoning.

Salmon cakes are formed into a thicker patty, more like a mini round cake.

Croquettes, patties, and cakes are all served as main dishes and are sometimes eaten with a dipping sauce.

Calling them croquettes is just as common as patties, so the two terms can be used interchangeably, but croquettes originated in France. It really comes down to personal preference or what you grew up calling them.

There are also salmon burgers, which are made with raw, ground, fresh salmon and seasoning. There’s no flour or breadcrumbs in salmon burgers, and they’re prepared and served on a bun like a traditional hamburger.

Ingredients

• Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon or Canned Salmon
• Breadcrumbs, Fine Cracker Crumbs, or Panko Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Salmon patties are a fairly versatile dish that allows you to add different spices and seasonings. In some of the recipes out there, you can add Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, or diced red onions.

I’ve kept it very simple and used my grandma’s recipe, which she passed down to my mother. It has very simple ingredients. The only real difference is that she cooked hers in shortening in a large skillet.

I used three 5-ounce Chicken of the Sea salmon packets. Cans of salmon tend to have the bones still intact, and it can be tedious to remove the pieces of cartilage.

If you’re not able to remove the cartage, it’s okay. You likely won’t notice the smaller pieces, and they blended very well into the salmon mixture.

How to Make Air Fryer Southern Salmon Croquettes

1. Add salmon to a large bowl and flake with a fork.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix well.

1. Form salmon mixture into patties approximately 4 inches in diameter.
2. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

1. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8-10 minutes until they reach a golden brown, crispy exterior. For best results, lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking oil to help them brown.
2. Remove from the basket and set on a plate lined with paper towels. Eat it plain or serve with your favorite sauce.

Sauces

Salmon croquettes can be enhanced with a variety of flavorful sauces. Here are some delicious sauce options to serve with salmon patties:

• Lemon-Dill Sauce: A classic choice that complements the natural flavors of salmon. Combine fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard for a zesty sauce.
• Tartar Sauce: A traditional accompaniment, tartar sauce is made with mayonnaise, pickles or relish, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Remoulade Sauce: This Louisiana-style sauce typically includes mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, horseradish, and herbs. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce to create a spicy mayo that adds a kick to your salmon patties.
• Garlic Herb Aioli: Combine mayonnaise with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

Salmon patties pair well with a variety of side dishes, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.

Because the patties can be a little heavy and dense, a lighter side can pair nicely, or you can serve with a classic Southern dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve with salmon patties:

• Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw adds freshness to the plate, balancing the richness of the salmon patties.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serve salmon patties over a bed of quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. You can also mix in herbs or spices for added flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts offer a flavorful and nutritious side to complement the patties.
• Grits: Creamy grits provide a classic Southern accompaniment, offering a comforting and savory element to the meal.
• Collard Greens: Cooked collard greens seasoned with bacon or ham add a hearty and flavorful touch to your Southern salmon patties.
• Black-Eyed Peas: Seasoned black-eyed peas, cooked with ingredients like ham hocks or bacon, provide a flavorful and protein-rich side dish.
• Southern-Style Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad with a Southern twist, perhaps featuring mustard and pickles, can be a tasty addition to your meal.

Leftovers

According to USDA guidelines, perishable foods like leftover salmon croquettes should be refrigerated in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.

Once refrigerated, it is generally safe to consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you have uncooked salmon patties, it’s recommended to cook them within 1 to 2 days of preparing.

How to Reheat Salmon Patties

Reheating salmon patties in the air fryer can help maintain the crispiness without drying them out.

1. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the salmon patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking periodically for doneness.

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