Crispy Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer

The Easiest Way to Make Healthy Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer

Whether you’re starting with fresh salmon or pulling patties straight from the freezer, the air fryer makes these salmon burgers come together in minutes — crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and packed with omega-3s and lean protein.

This recipe covers both fresh homemade patties and frozen store-bought burgers (Costco, Trader Joe’s, Trident — they all work great). You’ll find exact cook times, tips for keeping patties from falling apart, and serving ideas to round out your plate.

“My kids happen to like salmon — except for one. And he devours these burgers. Give them a try for picky eaters and salmon lovers alike. They’re that good.”

— Cathy Yoder, The REAL Air Fryer Queen at Empowered Cooks

How Long Do You Cook Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer?

For fresh homemade salmon burgers: Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, then cook 5 more minutes (13 minutes total). For frozen salmon burgers: Air fry at 375°F for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer salmon burgers check every box for a fast, healthy weeknight dinner — and they’re genuinely delicious, not just “healthy for you” good.

• Ready in under 20 minutes — from fresh or frozen, start to finish
• Crispy outside, flaky inside — the air fryer nails the texture every time without deep frying
• Packed with omega-3s and lean protein — a smart nutritional upgrade from beef burgers
• Keto and low-carb friendly — serve on lettuce wraps instead of a bun
• Picky-eater approved — even the salmon skeptics at the table tend to come around
• Works with fresh or frozen patties — maximum flexibility on busy nights

Ingredients & Supplies Needed

These simple ingredients come together quickly — most are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

For the salmon patties:

• Fresh salmon fillet (skin and pin bones removed)
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Scallions, onions, or shallots
• Crushed red chili flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Avocado oil cooking spray

Equipment you’ll need:

• Air fryer
• Food processor or hand blender
• Baking sheet (for chilling patties)
• Instant-read thermometer

Note: For the full ingredient amounts and nutrition info, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Fresh Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

Making salmon burgers from scratch takes about 15 minutes of active prep, plus one hour of chill time in the freezer to help the patties hold their shape. The result is worth every minute — a crispy, flavorful burger that’s far better than anything store-bought.

1. Prep the salmon. Remove the skin and any pin bones. Chop into roughly ¼-inch pieces.
2. Make the paste. Add about ¼ of the chopped salmon to a food processor along with the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Process until it forms a smooth paste — this is what binds the patties together.
3. Combine. Transfer the paste to a bowl with the remaining salmon chunks, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, and chili flakes. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or the texture will get dense.
4. Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Chill. Place the patties on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. This step is important — it keeps the patties from falling apart in the air fryer.
6. Air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with avocado oil. Place patties in a single layer and spray the tops. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook 5 more minutes until the internal temp reaches 145°F.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer

No fresh salmon on hand? No problem. Frozen salmon burgers go straight from the freezer to the air fryer — no thawing needed. This method works with Costco Trident burgers, Trader Joe’s salmon burgers, or any store-bought brand.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes.
2. Place frozen salmon burgers in the basket in a single layer — don’t stack or overlap.
3. Spray the tops lightly with avocado oil spray.
4. Air fry at 375°F for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Check with an instant-read thermometer — internal temp should reach 145°F before serving.

Other cooking methods for frozen patties:

• Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway
• Skillet: Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side
• Grill: Medium heat, 5 minutes per side

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

A few small steps make a big difference with these burgers:

• Don’t skip the freeze. Chilling the formed patties for an hour before air frying is the #1 thing that keeps them from falling apart.
• Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs. Panko stays light and helps the patties get crispy. Regular breadcrumbs absorb too much moisture and make the texture dense.
• Spray both sides. A light mist of oil on the tops before flipping gives you that golden crust on both sides.
• Use an instant-read thermometer. Air fryer cook times can vary by model. The thermometer takes the guesswork out — you’re looking for 145°F.
• Keep patties the same size. Uniform thickness means even cooking. Use a ½-cup measure to portion out your mixture.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if needed so air can circulate properly around each patty.

Serving Ideas

These burgers are versatile — dress them up or keep it simple depending on what you have on hand.

Bun options:

• Brioche buns (great for a classic burger feel)
• Sesame or potato buns
• Large butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap
• Over a salad with cucumbers, avocado, and red onion

Topping ideas:

• Avocado slices, tomato, red onion, dill pickles
• Spicy mayo or sriracha aioli
• Tzatziki or lemon dill yogurt sauce
• Mango salsa for a summer twist

Side dishes that pair well:

• Air fryer sweet potato fries or asparagus
• Zucchini chips or air-fried Brussels sprouts
• Light quinoa salad or coleslaw
• Crispy tater tots for a comfort-food night

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer (cooked): Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Freezer (uncooked patties): Form patties, freeze solid on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen using the frozen instructions above.

To reheat: Return to the air fryer at 360°F for 2–4 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave for 1 minute, though the air fryer keeps the texture crispier.

Tip: Meal prepping? Make a double batch, freeze the uncooked patties, and you’ll have a fast healthy dinner ready whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Salmon Burgers

How long do you cook salmon burgers in the air fryer?

Fresh homemade salmon burgers cook at 400°F for 13 minutes total — 8 minutes, flip, then 5 more. Frozen salmon burgers cook at 375°F for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always confirm with an instant-read thermometer: internal temp should reach 145°F.

How long do frozen salmon burgers take in the air fryer?

Frozen salmon burgers take 13–15 minutes at 375°F in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. No need to thaw first — they go straight from the freezer to the basket.

Can I air fry Costco or Trader Joe’s salmon burgers?

Yes — store-bought frozen salmon burgers like Costco Trident and Trader Joe’s work perfectly. Follow the frozen instructions above: 375°F for 13–15 minutes, flip at the halfway point, and check for 145°F internal temp.

Why are my salmon burgers falling apart?

The most common reasons are skipping the chill step, not enough binding agent, or patties that are too wet. Make sure to freeze the formed patties for at least an hour before cooking, and don’t skip the mayo and Dijon — they help bind everything together along with the panko.

Are salmon burgers healthy?

Yes — salmon is one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lean complete protein. Air frying uses minimal oil compared to pan-frying, making these a genuinely healthy burger option.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

You can, though the texture is different — canned salmon produces a softer, denser patty. If using canned, drain it very thoroughly and you may need slightly less panko since canned salmon holds more moisture. The cooking time stays the same.

Can I make salmon burgers ahead of time?

Yes. Form the patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, or freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen using the instructions in the frozen section above.

Air Fryer Salmon Burgers (Fresh or Frozen)

Crispy, flaky salmon burgers made in the air fryer in under 20 minutes. Works with fresh homemade patties or frozen store-bought burgers — a healthy, keto-friendly dinner the whole family will love.

4.67 / 5 ( 9 Reviews )

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 33 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Food processor or hand blender

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons scallions chopped (or yellow onion or shallot)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

• Remove any skin and pin bones from salmon, then chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Transfer 1/4 of the salmon pieces to a food processor. Place remaining salmon in a large bowl.
• Add mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Transfer mixture to the bowl with the remaining salmon. Mix in bread crumbs, scallions, and chili flakes until evenly combined.
• Form salmon mixture into 4 patties. Place on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Place in the freezer for 1 hour.
• Preheat an air fryer to 400 °F. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil.
• Place burgers in the prepared basket and spray tops with avocado oil. Air fry for 8 minutes. Spray tops again and air fry for 5 minutes more. Salmon burgers are done once they reach an internal temperature of 145 °F on your instant read thermometer.

Recipe Notes

Can I use canned salmon? 

This recipe is so much better with fresh salmon instead of canned salmon. But, if canned salmon is your only choice, you can use it too! If using canned salmon:

• If you are having trouble keeping the patty together, you may want to try adding an egg to help the ingredients stick together. 
• Additionally, canned salmon is already cooked, so the cooking time may be shorter than written. 

I haven't personally tried this recipe with canned salmon, so if you end up using canned salmon share with us in the comments how it went for you!

Salmon Burgers From Frozen Cooking Instructions

Note: the cooking instructions will be similar if you made the homemade patties. Use an instant read thermometer to gauge if your food is done. 

Air fryer instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C.
2. Place the patties in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with oil.
3. Cook for 13-15 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F/190°C. Flip and spray the burgers again at the halfway point. 

Oven instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
2. Place the patties on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.
3. Cook for 18-20 minutes in the oven at 400°F/200°C, or until they come to temperature. 

Stovetop instructions

1. Heat a skillet with your favorite cooking oil or fat over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, place the frozen salmon patties on the skillet and cook each side for about 5 minutes, or until the patties come to temperature. 

Grill instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 350°F/175°C. 
2. Once hot, place the frozen salmon patties on the grill and cook each side for about 5 minutes, or until the patties come to temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Recipe From: AllRecipes.com

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment and a star rating below — your reviews help other readers find recipes worth making, and they mean the world to a small business like ours. ❤️

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• Air Fryer Fish Tacos
• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
• Keto Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer
• Crispy Air Fryer Cod
• Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Final Thoughts

These air fryer salmon burgers are one of those weeknight dinners that earns a permanent spot in the rotation. They’re fast, healthy, genuinely delicious — and with nearly 5 stars from readers who’ve already made them, you know they deliver.

Whether you make the fresh homemade version or grab a bag of frozen patties for busy nights, the air fryer gets you to the table in under 20 minutes with a result that’s crispy, flaky, and satisfying every time.

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