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Fresh Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer

I grew up on salmon patties but using fresh salmon and cooking in the air fryer makes all the difference in the world. If made as directed, you don't even need an egg to combine. Serve on toasted buns with fixings of choice, such as mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions, or cheese.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine nordic
Servings 4 people
Calories 1918 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Food Processor Small to medium size
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound fresh salmon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • nonstick 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 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
  • Place burgers in the prepared basket and spray tops with nonstick spray. Cook for 8 minutes. Spray tops again and cook for 5 minutes more.

Notes

The freezing step is critical; it ensures the patties hold their shape and cook evenly in the air fryer, preventing them from crumbling. When pulsing the salmon in the food processor, avoid over-processing; you want a thick paste for binding, not a complete puree, to maintain some texture in the burgers. For best results, use high-quality fresh salmon. You can enhance the flavor profile by adding a touch of fresh dill or parsley to the mixture. Ensure the patties are of uniform thickness for consistent cooking. Serve on brioche buns with a homemade lemon-dill aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo to complement the salmon's richness.