Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs salmon; 1 shallot (minced); 1 red pepper (diced); 2 eggs (beaten); 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1.5 tbsp dijon mustard; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1/2 lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh dill (minced); 1/2 cup greek yogurt; 1 chipotle pepper ( in adobo sauce, finely minced); 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp tajin; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp water; salt to taste; Brioche buns; lettuce (or microgreens); avocado (thinly sliced); red onion (thinly sliced); crisp lettuce leaves; tomatoes (sliced); pickled jalapeños; sprouts (or microgreens); cucumber (sliced); crumbled feta (or cotija cheese); bacon strips; sliced mango (or pineapple)

Jump to Recipe

These Air Fryer Salmon Burgers are an easy to make seafood dinner that can be made with fresh salmon or canned salmon. Easy to make ahead or freeze, this is the ultimate salmon recipe to keep in your back pocket.

You’ll love this easy and healthy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes with super simple steps.

Air fryer salmon burger sitting on table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These

a girl wearing a black leather jacket holding a drink

Perfect for meal prep or freezing – Make a batch and enjoy leftovers all week, or save in the freezer for a lazy night!
Customizable: You can easily serve these salmon burgers on your choice of bun with all of your favorite fix-ins for a dinner you’re sure to love.
Easy to make: These salmon patties are so simple to make and cook up perfectly in the air fryer.

Jordan

Ingredients you will need

Labeled ingredients for air fryer salmon burgers.

For the Salmon Cakes:

Salmon: Salmon is the star of this burger, providing a rich, flaky texture. It’s perfect for making juicy, flavorful salmon patties. I used Atlantic salmon for mine.
Shallots & Red Peppers: Shallots bring a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor, while red peppers add a crisp and sweet bite. Together, they create a savory balance in the salmon burgers, adding both flavor and texture.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in the salmon burger mix, holding the ingredients together and providing moisture to the patties for a tender, juicy bite.
Breadcrumbs: Help hold the salmon burger patties together.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the salmon burgers without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.
Mayo: Mayonnaise brings richness and creaminess to the salmon burger mix, ensuring that the patties stay moist while complementing the other flavors.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens up the flavor profile with a zesty, refreshing tang, balancing the richness of the salmon and adding a fresh element to the burger.
Fresh Dill: Complements the salmon perfectly!

For the chipotle lime sauce:

Greek yogurt: Creates a nice creamy base with the perfect amount of tang. You can use mayonnaise or sour cream for the base if you prefer.
Chipotle pepper: Adds a nice amount of bold heat.
Lime juice: Balances out the spice of the chipotle with some citrus acidity.
Seasonings: I add garlic powder, Tajin, and salt.
White vinegar: For an added punch of slightly sour and acidic flavor.

Three open faced salmon burgers with cucumbers, red onion and feta cheese in small bowls on the side.

What kind of salmon should I buy?

Atlantic Salmon: This is a commonly found and affordable salmon. It tends to be a bit fattier so it gives your salmon burgers more flavor and moisture. This is what I usually use for this recipe!

King Salmon: On the more expensive side, if you’re looking to splurge for something extra tasty this is the option that will result in the best flavor.

Sockeye Salmon: A slightly leaner option, sockeye salmon is around the same price point as Atlantic salmon. It’s not my favorite for salmon burgers because they can dry out easily, but if you prefer a leaner, crispier patty, you will like it!

Coho Salmon: Similar to sockeye but with a more delicate texture and milder flavor.

Canned Salmon: Looking to stay in your budget? Canned salmon is the most affordable on this list and will also work perfectly as a base for the patties.

Tip: make this a pantry staple recipe by paring down the fresh ingredients and just using canned salmon, a jar of roasted red peppers, and a dash of onion powder and garlic powder. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand when you’re in a pinch!

How to buy salmon

If you live close to the coast, the best place to buy salmon will be a local fish market. Your local grocery store is another good option, regardless of your location.

When choosing salmon, look for a piece that has a moist appearance and avoid fish that seems at all dried out, has a particularly fishy smell, or dark blemishes.

For fresh farmed salmon, the coloration should be lighter pink, whereas wild-caught salmon will be a darker pink.

How to make salmon burgers

Salmon fillet in a black air fryer basket.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Air fry the salmon filets for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

Uncooked salmon burgers assembled on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the salmon patties. Combine the ingredients for the patties. Separate the salmon mixture into 6 even portions and flatten into patty shapes.

Cooked salmon burgers in a black air fryer basket.

Step 3: Cook the salmon burgers for 8 to 10 minutes, or until each salmon patty is golden brown around the edges. While the salmon cooks, make the chipotle lime sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the burgers. Spread some sauce on both sides of each burger bun, then add the cooked salmon patties and your choice of toppings.

Close up of an air fryer salmon burger with a bite taken out of it.

Recipe FAQs

Why did my salmon burgers fall apart?

Too much moisture can lead to your salmon patties not staying together in the air fryer. Add more breadcrumbs to compensate for too much moisture. On the other hand, if they’re too dry, they can also end up crumbly. Use some extra mayo and/or mustard if the mixture is too dry.

Do I need to remove the skin from the salmon?

Yes, remove the skin before mixing the salmon into your burger mixture. The skin can affect texture and doesn’t break down well in the burger.

Should I flip the burgers halfway through?

Yes! Flipping helps both sides crisp up evenly and ensures a good texture.

Can I use canned salmon or does it have to be fresh?

Yes, you can use canned salmon! Just be sure to drain it well and remove any bones or skin. Fresh or leftover cooked salmon also works great.

Storing and reheating

To store leftover salmon patties, keep the patties in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the sauce in a separate container, also in the fridge. They should last 2 to 3 days.

You can also keep the patties in the freezer for months at a time. Wrap them in plastic wrap or use some parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

How to cook frozen salmon burgers in an air fryer

Reheat air fryer salmon patties right from frozen by air frying at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or so. They may need a couple of extra minutes, so be sure they’re warmed all the way through.

More air fryer seafood recipes

If you tried these Air Fryer Salmon Burgers or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!