Why Salmon Patties Are So Popular
Salmon patties are loved because they are:
- Quick and easy to make
- Budget-friendly
- High in protein
- Crispy and satisfying
- Great for meal prep
They transform simple ingredients into something that feels special and restaurant-style, while still being easy enough for beginners.
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
- 400 g salmon (cooked fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
For Cooking
- 2–3 tablespoons oil or butter
Choosing the Right Salmon
You can use:
Fresh Salmon
- Bake or pan-cook first
- Flake into small pieces
- Rich and delicate flavor
Canned Salmon
- Convenient and affordable
- Remove large bones if desired
- Drain well
Both options work well — canned salmon makes this recipe very fast.
Preparing the Salmon Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- Flaked salmon
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Herbs and seasonings
Mix gently until combined.
Texture tip:
The mixture should hold together but not be wet. If too soft, add more breadcrumbs.
Avoid overmixing to keep patties light and tender.
Why Cheese Makes a Difference
Cheese adds:
- Creamy texture
- Extra flavor
- Slight crispiness when cooked
Cheddar gives stronger flavor, while mozzarella makes the inside soft and stretchy.
You can even mix both for balance.
Shaping the Patties
Take small portions and shape into patties about:
- 2–3 inches wide
- Medium thickness
Press gently so they hold shape but remain tender.
If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly oil your palms.
Place formed patties on a tray before cooking.
Chilling for Better Results
For best texture, refrigerate patties for 15–20 minutes.
This helps:
- Firm them up
- Prevent breaking
- Improve crispiness
This step is optional but highly recommended.
Pan-Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties:
- 3–4 minutes per side
Look for:
- Deep golden crust
- Crispy edges
- Warm center
Do not flip too early — let the crust form first.
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Baking Option (Healthier Version)
If you prefer less oil:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F)
- Place patties on lined baking sheet
- Lightly brush with oil
- Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway
They will still be crispy but lighter.
Air Fryer Method
Air fryers work perfectly:
- Preheat to 190°C (375°F)
- Lightly spray patties with oil
- Cook 10–12 minutes
- Flip halfway
Result: crispy outside with less grease.
Creamy Dipping Sauce Idea
Quick sauce:
- ½ cup mayo or yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley
Mix and chill.
This bright sauce balances the rich salmon perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve salmon patties with:
- Lemon wedges
- Green salad
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
They also work great inside burgers or wraps.
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator
- Store cooked patties in airtight container
- Good for 3 days
Freezer
- Freeze uncooked or cooked patties
- Up to 2 months
Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating Tips
Best reheating methods:
- Skillet (restores crispiness)
- Air fryer (5 minutes)
- Oven (180°C for 8 minutes)
Avoid microwave if possible — it softens the crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixture too wet
- Flipping too early
- Overcooking (dries salmon)
- Not seasoning enough
- Using high heat
Medium heat gives the best golden crust.
Flavor Variations
Try these easy twists:
Spicy version: add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Herb version: add dill and chives.
Garlic lover: extra garlic and parmesan.
Asian style: add soy sauce and ginger.
The recipe adapts easily to your taste.
Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Use panko breadcrumbs
- Chill patties before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd pan
- Use medium heat
- Add a little cheese on outside edges
These small tricks give restaurant-style results.
Why These Patties Are Great for Families
They’re ideal because:
- Fast to prepare
- Kid-friendly flavor
- Healthy protein source
- Easy to pack for lunches
Even people who normally don’t eat fish enjoy them because the flavor is mild and balanced.
Final Thoughts
Crispy cheesy salmon patties are simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With a crunchy golden exterior and soft, savory inside, they make an easy meal that feels special without requiring complicated steps.