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Air Fryer Salmon Burgers practically melt in your mouth! Salmon is all dressed up with panko breadcrumbs, herbs, Dijon mustard and more to create the very best flavor and consistency. The air fryer makes cooking these burgers a total breeze and helps to crisp them up perfectly on the outside while staying tender and moist on the inside!
Every day I fall a little bit more in love with my air fryer. As soon as I think I’ve done all I can do with it, it impresses me even more! Lately, my greatest air fryer obsession has been this quick and easy salmon burger recipe. By using the air fryer, the burgers take just about 6 minutes to cook and always turn out so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
Let’s talk about the flavors at play here, shall we? Because these salmon burgers are anything but bland. Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs and seasonings all come together to both compliment the natural flavors of the salmon and add the most mouthwatering flavors of their own. I’ve also included a little recipe for lemon dill mayo to slather on top of your burger that’ll really send it over the top.
Why You’ll Love This
- The consistency. These salmon burgers are made with all the right stuff to keep them from drying out. When cooked at the right temperature in the air fryer for just about 6 minutes, they practically melt in your mouth while still remaining crisp on the outside.
- Great protein alternative. Maybe you’re cutting back on red meats or dabbling in seafood or maybe you’re just looking to try something new. Either way, these salmon burgers are a wonderful alternative to your usual cheeseburger!
- SO EASY. Thank you, air fryer! Tossing together the ingredients for the burger patties takes no time, and the air fryer takes only minutes to preheat and actually cook the burgers. When you need a homemade dinner on the table quick, this is a great recipe to use.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make salmon burgers with lemon and dill mayo. Make sure to scroll down to view the full recipe for exact measurements.
- Salmon
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Scallions
- Dijon mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Rolls
For the mayo:
- Low-fat mayo
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Dill
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
Here is a general overview of the steps involved to make salmon burgers in the air fryer. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
Combine the ingredients (without salmon). Whisk together 3 tablespoons of panko, parsley, scallions, Dijon mustard, mayo, juice of half a lemon, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Blend the salmon. In a food processor, pulse the salmon pieces twice – just enough to blend it while still giving it some texture.
Create the burger patties. Mix the salmon into the bowl with the panko-mayo mixture. Use a 1/3 measuring cup to scoop the salmon and form into patties with your hands. Coat each patty with the panko breadcrumbs on both sides.
Let them chill. Once all the patties are formed and coated with breadcrumbs, place them on a lined baking sheet in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
Cook the salmon burgers. Place the patties into the basket of your air fryer and cook at 370°F for 6 minutes.
Make the mayo and assemble the burgers. Mix together the ingredients for the lemon and dill mayo. Spread on one half on a roll and place the salmon patty on top. Add another dollop on top of the salmon patty and place the other half of the roll on top.
Recipe Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
Air fryer salmon burgers are easy to make and with these tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro at making these in no time!
- You can use your stovetop instead. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot and glistening, cook two salmon patties at a time. Cook each side about 4 minutes each. They should have a nice brown crust.
- Don’t blend the salmon too much. Pulse the salmon pieces TWICE. No more or your salmon will turn into a paste. You want small and large chunks to give it texture.
- Use a good cut of salmon. First of all, make sure it’s skinless! I like to use sockeye salmon. However, you can use whatever cut of salmon you like best. If it’s frozen, just make sure to let it slowly thaw in the fridge prior to using.
- Watch the air fryer. Don’t just walk away and leave your salmon burgers to cook without keeping an eye on them! Just like ovens, all air fryers vary and some can run hotter than others. Panko burns quickly so you want to be safe than sorry!
- Try another sauce. Homemade Tartar Sauce is another great tangy sauce to slather on top of these air fryer salmon burgers!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Once cooled to room temperature, you can store your cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer for just a few minutes until warmed through.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
Serve these fresh salmon burgers with some just as fresh side dishes! Some of my favorites include:
Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
Ingredients
- 15 ounce (425 g) skinless sockeye salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs + 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 brioche buns
For the lemon and dill mayo:
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayo
- 3 tablespoons plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
- Handful of dill, chopped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of panko, parsley, scallions, Dijon mustard, mayo, juice of half a lemon, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, place 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs in and set that aside as well.
- In a food processor, pulse the salmon pieces TWICE. No more or your salmon will turn into a paste. You want small and large chunks to give it texture.
- Add the salmon to the large bowl of the panko-mayo mixture and using your hands, mix gently together, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, measure out the salmon and form them into patties. After each patty is formed, place the patty into the medium bowl with the panko breadcrumbs. Cover both sides with panko then place the patty on the prepared baking sheet. Once all patties have been formed and coated, place baking sheet into fridge for about 10 minutes to help the coating stick.
- Place into basket of air fryer and air fry at 370 °F (188 °C) for 6 minutes, or until cooked through.Alternatively, in a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot and glistening, cook two salmon patties at a time. Cook each side about 4 minutes each. They should have a nice brown crust.
- Mix together the ingredients for the lemon and dill mayo and spread on one half of a brioche bun and place the salmon patty on top. Add another dollop on top of the salmon patty and place the other half of the roll on top.
- Serve warm.
Yay on the name change! So exciting! And these salmon burgers, whoa bessie, I could eat several of these bad boys!
I don’t even like salmon yet I am fuhreeeaking out over these burgers. They look AMAZING, Julie!
The name changing process is such a pain but itll be nice when its all done. These burgers look so amazing. You really cant beat fresh salmon. Yum. Why didnt you invite me over for these?? ;)
Totally my kind of dinner, Julie! The kids love salmon, too. Thanks!
Congrats on the name change!! It took me nine months, cause I dreaded the idea of doing it. Urgh. And these look freakin’ divine. Can I come over for dinner?
These look absolutely wonderful Julie!! they would be a big hit in my family!
Those salmon burgers look good and the lemon and dill combo goes so well with salmon!
Yum! We made some grilled Sockeye this weekend. It was amazing! Tis the season…. I agree, go for the splurge and enjoy. It’s well worth it!
These burgers sound fantastic! Congrats on the name change! :)
I’ve been married 7 years and my last name still looks like a squiggle sometimes. haha These look delicious! I love salmon burgers!