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A plate of canned salmon patties over Cajun grits.
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Salmon Cakes (Pan-Fried or Air-Fried)

Salmon cakes, salmon croquettes, or salmon patties... whatever you call them, these super easy Salmon Cakes are packed with flavor and protein! This classic recipe goes modern with both pan-frying and air fryer cooking options.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Soul Food
Servings: 8 patties
Calories: 129kcal
Author: Shani W.

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Can Opener
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • Sheet Pan
  • Large Skillet with Deep Sides
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • ½ count green bell pepper chopped, about ⅓ cup
  • 14.75 ounces boneless, skinless salmon canned
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 count egg
  • vegetable oil for frying - skip if you are using the air fryer!

Instructions

  • Dice the green bell pepper into even-sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, pour in the canned salmon and flake it with a fork.
  • Add in the bell pepper, breadcrumbs, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
    Stir with a fork until combined. 
  • Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to your preference if necessary.
  • Add in the egg and stir again until well combined.  Form even-sized patties (about 60 grams each) and set them on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
    Chill the uncooked patties in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

If pan-frying:

  • Coat a non-stick skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
  • Sauté on medium heat for 7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.  Remove from heat and serve. Enjoy!

If air-frying:

  • Spray the air-fryer basket/bottom with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the patties on the basket, and spray with a little more vegetable oil or nonstick spray.
  • Cook on 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips & Tricks:
Taste your mixture before adding the raw egg, in case you would like to change any flavor profiles with different seasoning mixes.
 
Storage: 
These will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They are good to eat cold, or you can reheat in a microwave, air fryer, or on a skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 304mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 1mg