How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Salmon Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Air fryer salmon burgers are a healthy and delicious meal that is quick and easy to make. The air fryer gives the burgers a crispy texture without needing to use any oil. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making these burgers a nutritious choice. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to make perfect air fryer salmon burgers every time.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer has many advantages when cooking salmon burgers

• Requires no oil, reducing calories while still getting a crispy texture
• Cooks burgers evenly and prevents drying out
• Saves time compared to grilling or pan-frying
• Easy clean up with minimal mess
• Allows you to cook frozen salmon burgers with no thawing
• Retains more nutrients than high-heat cooking methods
• Safe for nonstick basket unlike grilling

Air frying is a healthy and convenient way to enjoy salmon burgers regularly.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer

Making air fryer salmon burgers couldn’t be more straightforward when using frozen pre-made patties.

Ingredients

• Frozen salmon burgers

Instructions:

1. Coat air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil for easier cleanup.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
3. Place frozen salmon patties in air fryer basket without overlapping.
4. Cook for 6 minutes.
5. Flip patties and cook for another 6 minutes based on thickness.
6. Check internal temperature to ensure burgers reach 145°F.
7. Remove from air fryer and enjoy on buns with desired toppings.

Frozen salmon burgers come out tender and flavorful with this simple method.

How to Cook Thawed Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer

Pre-made thawed salmon patties also work great in the air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Thawed salmon patties

Instructions:

1. Spray air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
2. Brush both sides of salmon patties lightly with oil for added browning if desired.
3. Cook patties for 6-7 minutes then flip.
4. Brush again with oil if you want more color.
5. Cook for another 5 minutes based on thickness.
6. Check temperature to ensure 145°F is reached.
7. Enjoy on your favorite buns with toppings.

Thawed patties develop a lovely crispy crust when air fried to perfection.

How to Make Salmon Burgers from Scratch for the Air Fryer

Crafting salmon burgers at home lets you control the ingredients. Both fresh salmon fillets and canned salmon work wonderfully:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet or canned salmon, drained and flaked
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg (optional)
• Fresh herbs like dill, seasoning

Instructions:

1. Drain canned salmon or cut salmon fillet into chunks, removing any bones.
2. Place 1/3 of salmon in food processor with mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and egg. Pulse to form a paste.
3. Transfer to bowl with remaining salmon and mix in breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasoning.
4. Form into patties, using 1/2 cup measure for uniform sizing. Chill for 1 hour.
5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Brush basket with oil or spray.
6. Brush salmon patties with oil or spray top. Cook for 6-7 minutes then flip.
7. Brush again with oil if desired and cook 5 more minutes.
8. Check temperature, cook longer if needed to reach 145°F.
9. Serve on buns with favorite toppings.

Homemade air fryer salmon burgers are juicy, flavorful and healthy! Follow your own taste preferences when seasoning.

Extra Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

• Use fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, thyme, oregano, etc for flavor.
• Cut carbs by serving salmon patties over salad instead of a bun.
• If mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add egg or mayo.
• Don’t overload air fryer basket – patties need room to cook evenly.
• Use parchment paper for easier clean up.
• Cook at highest temperature your air fryer allows for crispiest exterior.
• Check doneness early – salmon overcooks quickly.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Salmon burgers pair well with so many flavors. Consider these tasty serving ideas:

• Classic – burger bun, lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce
• Southwest – avocado, pepper jack, chili mayo
• Greek – tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, red onion, pita bread
• Asian – sesame ginger slaw, hoisin mayo
• Brunch – fried egg, arugula, hollandaise sauce

Serve with fries, slaw, roasted veggies or a fresh salad for delicious complete meals.

Shop for Quality Salmon for the Best Burgers

For optimal nutrition and flavor, choose sustainably caught wild salmon, such as salmon from Alaska. Farm-raised salmon has lower omega-3 content and environmental concerns. Reputable sellers like Vital Choice provide traceable wild Alaskan salmon of restaurant quality.

With quality salmon fillets or patties and your air fryer, you can enjoy tasty salmon burgers any night of the week. Follow this guide for crispy, tender and healthy air fried salmon burgers bursting with flavor. Mix up the seasoning or toppings to keep mealtimes exciting.

To cook salmon burgers to a safe and enjoyable temperature, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).