Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salmon patties are one of those timeless comfort foods that combine simplicity with incredible flavor. They’re economical, easy to prepare, and can be made with either fresh cooked salmon or canned salmon. The addition of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates rich layers of flavor, while breadcrumbs and egg hold everything together without making the patties dense.
Unlike deep-fried fish cakes, these salmon patties are lightly pan-fried, giving them a delicious golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of time, or looking for a healthier alternative to burgers, these crispy salmon patties are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Patties
- 2 pounds (900 g) salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
After Cooking the Salmon
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt if needed
For Frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Garlic Herb Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix everything together until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan
- Fish spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the salmon dry using paper towels.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for about 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily.
Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Flake the Salmon
Transfer the cooked salmon to a large bowl.
Using two forks, gently flake it into medium-sized pieces.
Avoid over-mixing.
You want small chunks instead of a paste because the texture makes the patties much more enjoyable.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
Add to the bowl:
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Parsley
- Chives
- Garlic
- Onion
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
If it’s too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
If it’s too dry, add one teaspoon of mayonnaise or another beaten egg.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into equal portions.
Shape each into patties about:
- 3 inches wide
- ¾ inch thick
Place them on a tray.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
This helps them hold together while frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat.
Once hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet.
Cook about 4–5 minutes on each side.
Avoid flipping too early.
A beautiful crust forms naturally once they’re ready.
Transfer cooked patties onto paper towels.
How to Know They’re Done
Perfect salmon patties should have:
- Deep golden crust
- Moist interior
- Flaky salmon pieces
- Crispy edges
- Internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic herb sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Coleslaw
- Garden salad
- Garlic green beans
- Corn on the cob
- French fries
They’re equally delicious tucked into a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and tartar sauce for a gourmet salmon burger.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerator:
- Up to 3 days
Freezer:
- Up to 3 months
Separate patties with parchment paper before freezing.
Reheating
Oven:
- 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes
Air Fryer:
- 375°F for 5–6 minutes
Skillet:
- Medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crispy crust.
Variations
You can customize these salmon patties in countless ways:
Cheesy
Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Spicy
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Mediterranean
Include chopped olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
Cajun
Season with Cajun spice blend for bold Southern flavor.
Asian-Inspired
Add grated ginger, green onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
Gluten-Free
Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
- Don’t overcook the salmon before mixing.
- Chill the mixture before frying.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Flip only once for the crispiest crust.
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving so they hold together better.
- If using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any large bones if preferred.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Patty)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Values will vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon?
Absolutely. Canned salmon works very well for this recipe. Drain it thoroughly and flake it before mixing with the remaining ingredients.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush them with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Spray the patties lightly with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
Why are my patties falling apart?
This usually happens when the mixture is too wet or hasn’t been chilled. Add a little more breadcrumbs if needed, and refrigerate the shaped patties before cooking.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely. Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. You can also freeze uncooked patties and cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These crispy salmon patties are a delicious combination of rich salmon, savory herbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings, finished with a beautifully crisp golden crust. Whether served as a main course, a sandwich, or an appetizer with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re a versatile recipe that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Once you try them, they’re likely to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.