Why air fryer salmon cakes are a great meal option
Air fryer salmon cakes are a great meal option because they are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Unlike traditional salmon cakes that are fried in oil, air fryer salmon cakes use little to no oil, making them a healthier option. The air fryer also ensures that the salmon cakes are cooked evenly and have a crispy exterior while remaining moist and tender on the inside. Additionally, salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health.
Ingredients needed for the recipe
To make air fryer salmon cakes, you will need 1 pound of fresh salmon, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Cut the salmon into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until the salmon is finely chopped but not pureed. In a bowl, mix together the salmon, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 patties and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon cakes are golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Preparing the Salmon
Choosing the right salmon for the recipe
When making salmon cakes, it’s important to choose the right type of salmon. Look for salmon that is fresh, wild-caught, and sustainably sourced if possible. Avoid farm-raised salmon, as it can contain harmful chemicals and may not have the same flavor and texture as wild-caught salmon. When selecting salmon, look for fillets that are firm, bright, and have a mild scent. You can use either fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe, but be sure to thaw frozen salmon before cooking.
How to cook and flake the salmon for the cakes
To cook the salmon for the cakes, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before flaking it with a fork. You want the salmon to be in small, bite-sized pieces for the cakes. To make the cakes, combine the flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, diced vegetables, and seasonings. Form the mixture into patties and cook in the air fryer until golden brown and crispy.
Making the Salmon Cakes
Step-by-step instructions for making the cakes
Air fryer salmon cakes are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy seafood. To make these cakes, start by mixing together canned salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, chopped parsley, and seasoning in a bowl. Form the mixture into patties and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon cakes for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with a side salad or tartar sauce for a complete meal.
Tips for shaping and handling the cakes
Shaping and handling the salmon cakes is important to ensure that they hold together during cooking. When shaping the patties, be sure to press them firmly together, so they don’t fall apart in the air fryer. It’s also essential to preheat the air fryer before cooking, so the cakes cook evenly. Make sure to leave enough space between the patties in the basket, so they don’t stick together or overlap. If the cakes are sticking to the basket, lightly spray it with cooking oil before adding the patties. With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect air fryer salmon cakes every time.
Air Frying the Salmon Cakes
Setting up your air fryer for the best results
Before you start cooking your salmon cakes in the air fryer, it’s important to set it up properly to ensure the best results. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes. This will help to ensure that your salmon cakes cook evenly and thoroughly.
Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon cakes from sticking to the basket. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the basket.
When placing the salmon cakes in the air fryer basket, make sure to leave some space between them so that they cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking and may cause the salmon cakes to stick together.
How long to air fry the salmon cakes
The cooking time for salmon cakes in the air fryer may vary depending on the size and thickness of your salmon cakes. As a general rule, cook the salmon cakes for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side.
Keep an eye on the salmon cakes as they cook, and adjust the cooking time as needed. The salmon cakes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside.
Once the salmon cakes are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the salmon cakes with sides and sauces
Air fryer salmon cakes are a delicious and healthy option for any meal of the day. They are easy to make and can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces to create a well-rounded meal. Some great options for sides include roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple salad. You can also try serving the salmon cakes on a bed of greens for a lighter option.
When it comes to sauces, the possibilities are endless. A classic tartar sauce or lemon-dill aioli are always a great choice, but you can also try something more unique like a sweet chili sauce or honey mustard. For a healthier option, try a Greek yogurt and cucumber dip or a mango salsa.
No matter what sides and sauces you choose, the air fryer salmon cakes will be the star of the show. They are packed with flavor and are a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet.
Ideas for turning leftovers into new dishes
If you have any leftover air fryer salmon cakes, don’t let them go to waste! There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them into new dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:1. Salmon Cake Benedict: Top a toasted English muffin with a salmon cake, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce for a delicious brunch option.2. Salmon Cake Salad: Crumble the salmon cakes over a bed of greens and add your favorite salad toppings for a quick and easy lunch.3. Salmon Cake Tacos: Stuff a soft taco shell with a salmon cake, avocado, and salsa for a fun twist on taco night.4. Salmon Cake Sandwich: Layer a salmon cake on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a tasty sandwich.
No matter how you choose to use your leftover salmon cakes, they are sure to be a hit. With these ideas, you can transform a simple meal into something new and exciting.
Conclusion
Final thoughts on the air fryer salmon cakes recipe
Air fryer salmon cakes recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy salmon. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, and the air fryer does all the work, ensuring that the salmon cakes come out crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. One great thing about this recipe is that it allows you to use leftover salmon, which means you can save money and reduce food waste.
The recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite spices and herbs. You can also serve the salmon cakes with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish. Overall, the air fryer salmon cakes recipe is a winner, and you should definitely try it out.
Encouragement to try the recipe and share your feedback.
If you haven’t tried the air fryer salmon cakes recipe yet, I encourage you to do so. It’s a great way to enjoy salmon, and it’s an easy recipe that even novice cooks can handle. Once you’ve tried the recipe, be sure to share your feedback. Did you like it? What changes did you make to the recipe, if any?Sharing your feedback is a great way to help others who might be hesitant to try the recipe. They can learn from your experience and make adjustments accordingly. You can share your feedback on social media, on your blog, or in the comments section of the recipe post. Let’s encourage each other to try new recipes and share our experiences!
