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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!
Hi! I made these and they turned well, Only suggestion comes form my husband, the real cook in the family. He suggested a little less bread crumbs next time. He’d like less ‘filler’ in relation to the salmon. Maybe 1/4 or 1/3 cup?
Man this sounds so good, you’ve got me a little scared on the bone and skin situation though. I’m glad you prepared me before I opened the can but all these comments keep the bones in keep the bones out has drove me bonkers. This will be my first time making salmon patties and I want to do it right. I’m planning to first just open the can and weigh my odds and I will have to write you back. Right now I’m just really scared to open the can of salmon. but I’m doing it tonight and I plan on putting in some red peppers and a clover of garlic with my recipe. and I think I’ll clean the fish.
I’m dying to know how it went!
Nancy M.
My Mom made salmon casserole with eggs and soda crackers. She baket the casserole in the oven. (Cracker and eggs extend 1 can of salmon to feed 6 people) She left the bones in (calcium) and we kids would fight to get some. Had Tomato Gravy and home canned green beans. YUM!!!
Thank you for the recipe it was great. I especially liked the lime it gave the salmon that little extra tang together with the parmesan. The only thing I changed was the onion that I cooked in a little butter as our vegetable market only sells brown onions on my island in the South Pacific.
My family loved these. So simple and nice. I’m going to swap out an older recipe I’ve been using.. I sautéed the onion in a little hot oil as someone suggested. I didn’t have any lemon or lime so used salad vinegar instead. Perfect with either a salad or mash & greens. A bit of roasted bell pepper would make a great addition. Cilantro and red onion would make them extra special for those who love cilantro.
Thanks Krissy
I made these tonight. My lovely bride said this recipe goes in the rotation. I agree. My mother served them with a chopped hard boiled egg in a white sauce. I’m thinking that sauce with curry powder mixed in would be a good compliment
Krissy, thanks for the recipe, I’m literally making them as I’m posting. I added red bell peppers and onions, I fried them up first quick before I mixed them in with the salmon so it wasn’t overly crunchy (i have twin 3 year olds so I try to sneak veggies into most things if I can get away with it). Also, I wanted to let you know I picked out the bones and skin. Don’t worry girl, you’re not the only one who is grossed out by it ;). Thanks again for the recipe, it smells great already!
Thanks for the comment! I hope your toddlers didn’t notice the veggies! Red bell pepper would be an outstanding addition! Krissy
An impressive amount of comments on this thread! I’ll add one more:
I separate bones and skin too, but I save them and pulse them in a small food processor, then blend in lime juice, a little cilantro, and red onion. This is then folded into the meat mixture with the egg and a blob of umami paste. So we get all the nutrients, and my faint-of-heart kids won’t bite into a slivery bone.
; )
Great suggestion!
Can I make these cakes without frying, cover and refrigerate, then fry when I am ready to eat them? Or if I cook them all at once will they be just as good microwaved?
Nothing is ever just as good microwaved! I would do what you suggested and make them ahead of time and then fry them up later.
I tried the recipe last night and it was delicious! thank you! 🙂