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These Salmon Patties are the crispy, flavorful answer to “what should I make with canned salmon?” Tested over a decade to ensure they stay together and deliver a perfect crunch, this recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a complete dinner in under 30 minutes.
Why This is the Best Canned Salmon Recipe
In an era of viral trends, I believe a recipe is only as good as its reliability. I’ve been making these since childhood, and they remain one of my most popular recipes because they are:
- Pantry-Friendly: This is the ultimate “backup dinner” for when you haven’t made it to the grocery store.
- Quick & Efficient: You can have a nutritious, high-protein meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- Highly Versatile: Whether you prefer the stove, oven, or air fryer, I have tested every method to ensure success.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
For a full list with quantities, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Canned Salmon: Red salmon offers the best flavor, but pink salmon is a cost-effective alternative that works perfectly.
- The Binder (Eggs): I use eggs to hold the patties together. Pro Tip: Many readers suggest using mayonnaise for extra moisture.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: I prefer Panko for the ultimate crunch, but you can substitute crushed Saltines, Ritz crackers, or even cornmeal.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is my “secret” ingredient that helps the patties turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Aromatics: Fresh green onions add the best flavor, but sautéed yellow onions or even diced bell peppers are excellent swaps.
- Citrus: Fresh lime juice cuts through the richness of the salmon. Lemon juice or zest also works beautifully.
How to Make Salmon Patties (Step-by-Step)
Detailed instructions are available in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Salmon: Drain the liquid. If using salmon with bones and skin, you can remove them or simply crush and mix them in for added calcium.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the salmon with all ingredients except the oil.
- Form & Fry: Shape into 8 patties (no more than one inch thick). Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Crisp to Perfection: Fry for 5–10 minutes until golden, then flip once. Serve hot!
Alternate Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Air Fryer
While frying in oil provides the best texture, these methods are excellent healthy alternatives:
- Air Fryer Method: Spray both sides with olive oil and air fry at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes until crispy.
- Oven Method: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 5–10 minutes per side.
Safety Warning: If you choose to broil them for extra crispiness, remove the parchment paper first to avoid a fire hazard!
Expert Tips for Success
- Keep Them Together: If your patties are falling apart, add an additional egg to the mixture and reshape the patties.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between patties in the pan to ensure they crisp up rather than steam.
- Flavor Boosters: Try adding fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Salmon Cakes
I always recommend serving these with a starch and a vegetable:
- The Classics: Brown rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- The Veggies: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
- The Sauce: These pair perfectly with homemade remoulade or a simple garlic aioli.
Storage & Leftover Ideas
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet with a little oil or butter.
- Cold Option: These are incredible served cold over a salad with avocado and sunflower seeds for a quick lunch.
If you tried this Salmon Patty recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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Ingredients
- 24 ounces canned salmon 3-8oz cans with no skin/bones or 2-14.75 cans with skin/bones, drained, red or pink salmon
- 2 eggs if the patties won't hold their shape, you'll need to add another egg, egg yolk, or a tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 6 green onions minced
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 lime juiced
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil can use olive oil, increase oil if you like them extra crispy
Instructions
- Drain salmon. If using canned salmon that contains bones and skin, you can either remove them or crush the bones and mix everything together.
- In a large bowl, combine the 24 ounces canned salmon, 2 eggs, 6 green onions, 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, and the juice from 1 lime. Use your hands to combine the mixture. Form them into 8 patties that are no more than one inch thick. If making salmon burgers, you can make the patties larger to fit the bun.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 4 tablespoons avocado oil. When the oil is hot enough to bubble when a bread crumb gets tossed in, add your salmon patties. Be sure to leave enough room to allow space in between each patty. If your pan isn't large enough, you may need to cook them in two batches. Cook until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Serve warm. They also taste excellent cold on top of salad.
Notes
- Recipe easily doubles or triples if you want leftovers, however you may need to cook in batches to ensure they crisp properly.
- Popular reader variations/add-ins include lemon juice, crushed crackers, sauteed yellow onion, corn meal, fresh dill
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally published in June 2015 and has been updated with process photos, helpful information and cooking tips. Don’t worry – I didn’t change the recipe!
I have my own recipe for salmon patties. I’m going to try yours. My reason for commenting is bcz you said ppl freaked out on you for cleaning the filth out off the fish. I agree 100% with you. I don’t eat filth or bones or anything disgusting. Salmon is a very strong oily fish. The skin, bones and fat make it inedible to me and my family. If you are the type of person who eats that part good for you, but those of us who have a sensitive, refined palate and find those things repugnant that’s our choice just like it’s your choice to eat filth imo. So instead of freaking out on someone for showing their way of preparing food, take it for what it is, change it up if you want. I will say my family has never had any food born illness, except from eating some other filthy person’s “cooking”. Being clean with food, handling and cooking it properly stops any kind of issue.
This is one of the disgusting comments I have ever read. You should be ashamed of yourself. Your “refined palate” should get a life.
Do you know if I use fresh salmon fillets if I have to cook them before mixing it with the other ingredients? Not sure if the canned salmon is already cooked. Thanks!
Canned salmon is already cooked.
Have made these using graham cracker crumbs instead of Panco bread crumbs. Also, have used canned tuna in place of salmon. All were good.
I would think graham would be too sweet. If you try, let me know.
Looks so delicious.
What would be the best way to freeze these? I’m cooking for one, and don’t imagine I’d eat them all at once, or even all before they spoil.. Probably cook then freeze? Eat in 4-6 months?
Yes, or you could shaped into patties, vacuum seal, and then freeze. Even if by myself, i prefer to make the entire batch and then eat leftovers throughout the week.
My mother made there when I was 6 years old. 64 years ago. She trained my how to do make then when I was 10. We would buy it for 59 cents a can and load up. Our family of 4 would each eat about 2-3 topped with lemon juice. Making a salmon burger with a toasted bun was fantastic.
My wife thinks they are gross and sons wont go near them.
My grand kids 7,8,10 love them.
They are still one of my favorite easy dishes. I eat them when my wife is not home.
They was they are done in the demo is exactly how I make them. Grated cheese, green onions and bread crumbs. I add garlic powder to give them a nice pop.
I like the great value brand by Walmart, it doesn’t seem as strong. I don’t take the bones & skin out. I add eggs, onion & crackers & fry until brown.
For a gluten-free version, substitute crushed Rice Chex for the bread crumbs.
Try adding about a cup of cooked rice and six saltine crackers (crumbled) instead of bread crumbs to the mix. Use enough corn meal for them to hold together. A can of salmon feeds more people and taste delicious. My mother and her mother made them this way and probably is from the Great Depression. I have been married 50 years and have always made them by the same recipe. They are best with catsup.
My Mom traumatized me as a kid because she didn’t take out the bones. Warmed up the salmon and crunched all the way to the end. Did not know bones could be removed until your video. I’m the same when it comes to fat on meat. Ruins the experience. Will try your recipe.
I cook bone and all! It’s what the Salmon would want me to do!
Lol! Love this comment.