If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal, these salmon patties are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Made with simple ingredients like canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a handful of flavorful seasonings, these patties pan-fry to golden, crispy perfection in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, a snack, or something special for guests, these salmon patties hit the spot every time.
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility — serve them with a fresh salad, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Plus, they’re packed with protein and omega-3s, making them a healthy choice that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible salmon patties, and I’ll share some handy tips and variations to keep things exciting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Canned salmon (drained and flaked) or freshly cooked salmon
- Eggs (for binding)
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Dijon mustard
- Chopped green onions
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying (olive oil or vegetable oil works well)
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
These patties come together in no time, with minimal prep but maximum flavor. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking fish, this recipe will change your mind — it’s simple, forgiving, and the crispy golden crust is insanely satisfying. Using canned salmon keeps it affordable without sacrificing taste or nutrition, but you can swap in fresh salmon for a lighter, fresher flavor. Bonus points: you probably already have most of these ingredients stocked at home!
How to Make Crispy Salmon Patties – Step-by-Step
Prepare the Salmon
If you’re using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any bones or skin — they’re soft, but if you prefer, you can fish them out for a smoother texture. For fresh salmon, cook and flake it before starting. I like to use pink canned salmon because it’s affordable and flavorful.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the salmon with eggs, breadcrumbs, mayo or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. The egg and breadcrumbs help bind the mixture so the patties don’t fall apart while cooking.
Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide — about the size of your palm. For even cooking, try to make them uniform in size and thickness.
Heat the Oil
Add oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan but not so much that the patties are swimming in it.
Fry the Patties
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each patty enough space so they crisp up nicely.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these salmon patties warm with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh pop. They also go wonderfully with tartar sauce, dill sauce, or even a zesty remoulade. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies make great side dishes to round out the meal.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
- Avoid soggy patties: Make sure to drain your salmon really well and gently pat it dry if needed. This prevents excess moisture that can make patties fall apart.
- Chill before cooking: After forming your patties, pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This firms them up, making them easier to handle and cook without breaking.
- Breadcrumbs vs. crackers: You can swap regular breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or panko for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Add moisture: A spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness, especially if you find your salmon is a bit dry.
- Fresh herbs: Toss in some fresh parsley, dill, or chives for an herbal lift that brightens the flavors beautifully.
Variations to Try
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
- Low-carb option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
- Cheesy delight: Mix in some shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar for a rich, melty surprise inside the patties.
- Herb boost: Fresh dill or parsley mixed in makes the patties feel fresh and vibrant — perfect for spring or summer meals.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F — this keeps the crust crisp and the inside tender.
For make-ahead prep, you can form patties and freeze them raw for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the fridge and cook as usual. This makes for a fantastic quick meal option on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? Absolutely! Cook and flake the fresh salmon before mixing. It gives a lighter flavor and is great if you want to skip canned fish.
- How do I keep the patties from falling apart? Use enough egg and breadcrumbs to bind well, and chilling the patties before frying helps them hold together.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Bake them at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- What sauces pair well? Classic tartar sauce is a winner, but lemon-dill aioli, remoulade, or even a garlic yogurt dip work beautifully.
- Are these gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep them gluten-free.
- How do I avoid dry patties? Don’t overcook and add a bit of mayo or Greek yogurt to keep them moist and tender.
- Can I cook salmon patties in an air fryer? Yes, set it to 375°F and air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon patties are wonderfully flexible. They’re great as the centerpiece of a casual dinner with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Or, for a lighter option, serve them on a bed of greens or alongside coleslaw for a picnic-style meal. For a quick lunch, pop a patty between sandwich buns with lettuce and tomato — salmon sliders, anyone? Adding a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of your favorite sauce makes each bite pop with flavor.
Final Thoughts
These salmon patties are a true crowd-pleaser — crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and so quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping a casual get-together, or just need a fast, delicious meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the seasonings and serving styles to make it your own!
Happy cooking!
Easy Crispy Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon thoroughly and remove any bones or skin. Flake the salmon into a large bowl.
- Add eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 6 small patties, about 2 to 3 inches wide.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar or dill sauce.
