These easy homemade Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory flavor. Made with canned salmon and simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick family dinner.

Salmon Patties

If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t require a lot of preparation, Salmon Patties are a classic choice.

Made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, and simple seasonings, these golden patties come together quickly and cook in a skillet until beautifully crisp on the outside.

They’re delicious served with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make
• Affordable pantry-friendly ingredients
• Crispy outside and tender inside
• Great for lunch or dinner
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for using canned salmon
• Family-friendly and filling

Ingredients

For approximately 4 servings:

• 2 cans (14–15 ounces total) canned salmon, drained
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
• 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil

If your canned salmon contains bones and skin, you can remove them if preferred. The soft bones are edible, but removing them may give the patties a smoother texture.

How to Make Salmon Patties

1. Prepare the Salmon

Drain the canned salmon thoroughly.

Place it in a large mixing bowl and gently break it apart with a fork.

Removing excess liquid is important because too much moisture can make the patties difficult to shape.

2. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the eggs, breadcrumbs, diced onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and parsley.

Mix gently until everything is well combined.

The mixture should hold together when pressed.

If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, add a small amount of mayonnaise.

3. Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into approximately 8 portions.

Shape each portion into a patty about ½-inch thick.

Press the edges gently so the patties hold together.

Don’t make them too thick, as thinner patties cook more evenly and develop a crispier exterior.

4. Chill the Patties

Place the shaped patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for about 15–30 minutes.

This step is optional but can help the patties firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

5. Heat the Skillet

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

You want enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan without completely submerging the patties.

6. Cook the Salmon Patties

Carefully place the patties into the hot skillet.

Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

Turn them carefully with a spatula to prevent them from breaking.

Transfer the finished patties to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack.

How to Make Them Extra Crispy

For a beautifully crisp exterior:

• Drain the salmon thoroughly.
• Don’t make the patties too thick.
• Chill them before frying.
• Make sure the skillet is properly heated.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Don’t flip them repeatedly.

Panko breadcrumbs can also be used instead of regular breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.

What to Serve With Salmon Patties

These patties are incredibly versatile.

Serve them with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Garden salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Corn
• Rice
• Roasted vegetables

For a lighter meal, serve them over a fresh salad with lemon dressing.

Delicious Dipping Sauces

A good sauce can take salmon patties to another level.

Simple Lemon Sauce

Combine mayonnaise with lemon juice, black pepper, and a little Dijon mustard.

Garlic Herb Sauce

Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and black pepper.

Spicy Sauce

Combine mayonnaise with hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon.

Tartar sauce is also a classic pairing for salmon.

Easy Variations

Cheesy Salmon Patties

Add a small amount of shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the mixture.

Spicy Salmon Patties

Add cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, or finely diced jalapeño.

Herb Salmon Patties

Add fresh dill, parsley, chives, or green onions.

Old Bay-Style Flavor

Use a seafood seasoning blend instead of some of the individual spices.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can You Use Fresh Salmon?

Absolutely.

Cook fresh salmon until it reaches 145°F (63°C), allow it to cool, then flake it with a fork.

Use the cooked salmon in place of canned salmon and continue with the recipe.

This is an excellent way to use leftover baked or grilled salmon.

Can You Bake Salmon Patties?

Yes.

Place the patties on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush or spray them lightly with oil.

Bake at approximately 425°F (220°C) until they’re golden and cooked through, carefully turning them halfway through.

The exact cooking time will depend on their thickness.

Can You Make Them in an Air Fryer?

Yes.

Lightly spray the patties with oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air-fryer basket.

Cook at around 400°F (200°C) until golden and heated through, turning halfway.

Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate around each patty.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow cooked salmon patties to cool appropriately before refrigerating them in an airtight container.

Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.

Reheat them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best texture. The microwave works quickly but won’t keep the exterior as crisp.

Can You Freeze Salmon Patties?

Yes.

You can freeze cooked salmon patties once they’ve cooled completely.

Place parchment paper between individual patties to prevent them from sticking together.

Store them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.

Thaw them safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

Salmon Patties are proof that a few simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, lemon, and seasonings come together to create golden patties with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful center.

Serve them with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a comforting dinner, or pair them with salad and a bright lemon sauce for something lighter.

They’re easy, economical, versatile, and perfect for keeping in your recipe rotatio