Flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties in 30 Minutes

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession – these Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties! I used to dread making salmon patties because of all the messy pan-frying, but my air fryer changed everything. Now I get perfectly crispy patties with just a spritz of oil – no greasy splatters all over my stove! The lemon zest and fresh herbs make these taste so bright and fresh, you’d never guess they’re ready in under 30 minutes. I make them weekly for quick lunches, and even my picky kid gobbles them up. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the old way!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties

Let me count the ways these patties will become your new weeknight hero:

• Crazy fast – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (even with my distracted “oops, where’s the lemon zester?” moments)
• Healthier crunch – That perfect golden crust comes from just 1 tablespoon of oil instead of swimming in grease
• Flavor bombs – The lemon zest and fresh herbs make each bite taste like sunshine (my kids call them “happy fish cakes”)
• No fishy smell – The air fryer contains all aromas – my kitchen never smells like a seafood restaurant afterward
• Easy cleanup – One bowl for mixing, one quick wipe of the air fryer basket – done!

Seriously, these check all my boxes for busy nights when I want something wholesome but refuse to spend hours cooking.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties

Here’s what you’ll need to make these bright, flavorful patties – and yes, every ingredient matters! I learned this the hard way that fresh herbs make all the difference (that sad day I tried using dried dill… never again).

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet – Chop it small or pulse in the food processor, but leave some texture (we’re not making mush!)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – Plain or panko both work great for that perfect crisp
• 1 large egg – Beaten first so it mixes in evenly (no one wants egg white streaks)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Squeeze it right before using for maximum zing
• 1 tsp lemon zest – The yellow part only! White pith = bitter sadness
• 1 tbsp each fresh dill and parsley – Chopped small so they distribute evenly
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Fresh garlic can burn in the air fryer, so powder works better here
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adjust to taste, but don’t skip – salmon needs seasoning!
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For brushing – makes them gorgeously golden

See? Nothing fancy, just fresh, simple ingredients that let the salmon shine. Now let’s make some magic!

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How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties

Alright, let’s get cooking! These salmon patties come together so easily, but I’ve got some tricks to make sure they turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, crispy patties with a tender center that’ll make you do a happy dance.

Forming the Patties

First things first – don’t overmix! I learned this the hard way when I ended up with hockey pucks instead of patties. Gently fold all the ingredients together just until combined – a few streaks of breadcrumbs are totally fine. The mixture should hold together when pressed, but still look a bit loose. Pro tip: Wet your hands before shaping to prevent sticking!

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (I use an ice cream scoop for consistency) and gently press into 1-inch thick patties. If your mixture feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes – the chill helps them hold their shape better. Just don’t make them too thick, or the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.

Air Frying for Perfect Texture

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this is crucial for that instant crisp! While it’s heating, brush both sides of each patty lightly with olive oil. When ready, arrange them in a single layer with space between (they shouldn’t touch – overcrowding = steamed patties, not crispy ones).

Cook for 8 minutes, then flip carefully with a thin spatula. They should release easily if properly oiled. Cook another 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Thicker patties might need an extra minute – just peek through the window! Let them rest 2 minutes before serving – this helps them firm up perfectly.

These lemon herb salmon patties are light, crispy, and bursting with flavor. If you’re craving another salmon favorite that cooks perfectly in the air fryer, try these Air Fryer Salmon Bites—they’re just as quick and irresistible.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Want pro-level results? These little tricks make all the difference:

• Fresh is best – Dried herbs can’t match the vibrant flavor of fresh dill and parsley (trust me, I’ve tried both sides of this debate!)
• Bone check – Run your fingers through the salmon before mixing – even “boneless” fillets sometimes hide sneaky pin bones
• Season boldly – Salmon needs more salt than you think; do a test fry of a tiny bit to check seasoning before shaping all patties
• Even thickness – Flatten patties to the same size so they cook uniformly (my kitchen scale helps portion the mix perfectly)
• Don’t peek! – Resist opening the air fryer too often – that blast of cold air slows down the crisping process

Follow these, and you’ll get restaurant-quality patties every single time – pinky promise!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties

Oh, the possibilities! These golden patties are like little flavor canvases waiting for your creative touches. My absolute favorite way is to drizzle them with a quick lemon-dill yogurt sauce (just mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt – so easy!). They’re fantastic perched on a bed of mixed greens or with roasted asparagus spears for dipping. On busy nights, I’ll serve them burger-style on toasted brioche buns with arugula. And don’t forget extra lemon wedges – that bright squeeze at the end wakes up all the flavors!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news – these salmon patties taste almost as amazing the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave (unless you like soggy patties – yuck!). Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until they’re crispy and heated through. I sometimes add a quick brush of olive oil before reheating to bring back that perfect golden crust. They’re so good, I often make extra just to have leftovers!

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FAQs About Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Patties

I get asked about these patties all the time! Here are my quick answers to the most common questions – the kind of stuff I wish I knew when I first started making them:

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re getting into with these tasty patties (not that you’ll stop at just one)! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary depending on your salmon’s size and how generous you are with the olive oil.

Per patty: 220 calories • 12g fat (2.5g saturated) • 22g protein • 6g carbs • 0.5g fiber • 380mg sodium • 95mg cholesterol

See? Packed with protein but light enough that you can totally have two. I won’t tell!