Air Fryer Keto Salmon Patties – Crispy, Quick, and Low-Carb
These salmon patties come together fast, taste fresh, and get perfectly golden in the air fryer. They’re keto-friendly, budget-friendly, and weeknight-friendly. If you love a crispy crust with a tender, flavorful center, this recipe checks all the boxes.
You can use canned salmon to keep things easy or swap in cooked fresh salmon if you have it. Serve them with a zesty lemon-dill sauce, pile them on greens, or tuck them into a lettuce wrap for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet or lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking.
- Drain and flake salmon: Open the cans, drain well, and flake the salmon with a fork. If you have bones or skin, remove them unless you like the added calcium and omega-3s; they’ll mash easily.
- Mix the binder: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dill, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the almond flour until the mixture thickens slightly. You want a scoopable, not runny, texture.
- Fold in salmon and onion: Add the flaked salmon and chopped onion. Mix gently to keep a little texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Form patties: With damp hands, shape the mixture into 8 small patties (about 2 1/2 inches wide) or 6 medium patties. Flatten slightly to about 3/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Oil lightly: Spray both sides of the patties with oil. This helps with browning and prevents sticking.
- Air fry, first side: Arrange patties in a single layer in the basket without crowding. Cook for 6–7 minutes.
- Flip and finish: Carefully flip, spray again, and cook another 5–7 minutes, until the patties are deep golden with crisp edges and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Rest 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve with your favorite sauce or a fresh salad.
What Makes This Special
- Air fryer = crisp without the mess: No splattering oil or guesswork. The air fryer delivers even browning and a great crust.
- Keto-friendly and gluten-free: Almond flour stands in for breadcrumbs, keeping carbs low while giving structure.
- Weeknight simple: Uses pantry staples and canned salmon, so you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
- Meal-prep ready: The patties hold well and reheat beautifully, so tomorrow’s lunch is covered.
- Balanced flavor: Lemon, dill, and Dijon brighten rich salmon, so the patties taste clean, not heavy.
Shopping List
- 2 cans (14–15 oz total) wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked (boneless/skinless if preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fine almond flour
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or avocado mayo)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (or shallot)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- For serving (optional): lemon wedges, keto-friendly tartar sauce, or a quick dill-yogurt sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet or lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking.
- Drain and flake salmon: Open the cans, drain well, and flake the salmon with a fork. If you have bones or skin, remove them unless you like the added calcium and omega-3s; they’ll mash easily.
- Mix the binder: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dill, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the almond flour until the mixture thickens slightly. You want a scoopable, not runny, texture.
- Fold in salmon and onion: Add the flaked salmon and chopped onion.
Mix gently to keep a little texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Form patties: With damp hands, shape the mixture into 8 small patties (about 2 1/2 inches wide) or 6 medium patties. Flatten slightly to about 3/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Oil lightly: Spray both sides of the patties with oil.
This helps with browning and prevents sticking.
- Air fry, first side: Arrange patties in a single layer in the basket without crowding. Cook for 6–7 minutes.
- Flip and finish: Carefully flip, spray again, and cook another 5–7 minutes, until the patties are deep golden with crisp edges and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Rest 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve with your favorite sauce or a fresh salad.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 4–6 minutes, or warm in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp.
Why This is Good for You
- High in protein and omega-3s: Salmon supports heart and brain health, while protein keeps you full.
- Low carb, nutrient dense: Almond flour adds vitamin E and healthy fats without the carb load of breadcrumbs.
- Balanced fats: Using avocado or olive oil and mayo keeps these patties satisfying without being greasy.
- Fresh herbs and lemon: Dill and citrus add flavor without extra calories, salt, or sugar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheat: A cold air fryer won’t crisp the exterior properly.
- Overmixing: Stir just until combined.
Overmixing can make the patties dense.
- Too wet or too dry: If the mixture doesn’t hold, add 1–2 tablespoons more almond flour. If it’s dry, add 1 tablespoon mayo or a splash of lemon juice.
- Crowding the basket: Give space for hot air to circulate. Work in batches if needed.
- Forgetting to oil: A light spray ensures a crisp crust and prevents sticking.
Alternatives
- Fresh salmon: Use about 14–16 oz cooked, flaked salmon instead of canned.
Leftovers work great.
- No almond flour: Swap in ground pork rinds (same amount) for an even lower-carb, super-crisp result.
- Dairy-free sauce: Use avocado mayo and serve with a lemon-garlic aioli made with olive-oil mayo.
- Herb swaps: Try parsley, chives, or cilantro. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Spice profile: Curry powder and lime for a Southeast Asian twist, or Old Bay and celery seed for a classic seafood vibe.
- Bake instead of air fry: Bake at 425°F (218°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, then broil 1–2 minutes for extra color.
FAQ
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes. Mix and shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Air fry straight from the fridge, adding 1–2 extra minutes if needed.
Do I need to remove the skin and bones from canned salmon?
You don’t have to. The bones are soft and mash easily, adding extra calcium. If the texture bothers you, choose boneless, skinless cans or pick them out.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet, and chill the formed patties for 10–15 minutes if they feel loose.
A bit more almond flour or an extra tablespoon of mayo can help bind without drying them out.
What sauces go well with these?
Tartar sauce, lemon-dill yogurt, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayo. For a quick option, mix mayo, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of paprika.
Are these kid-friendly?
Usually yes. Skip the onion if your kids are sensitive to texture, and go light on dill or paprika.
Serve with ketchup or a mild dipping sauce.
Can I use tuna instead of salmon?
You can. The flavor will be different and slightly drier. Add an extra teaspoon of mayo and a splash more lemon for balance.
What should I serve with salmon patties on keto?
A crisp salad, roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini, or cauliflower mash.
A simple slaw with lemon and olive oil also pairs well.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be deep golden on both sides and reach 145°F (63°C) internally. The centers will be firm but still moist.
Can I cook them on the stovetop?
Yes. Pan-fry in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat with 1–2 tablespoons of avocado oil, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden.
Is there a nut-free option?
Use ground pork rinds or a seed meal like finely ground sunflower seeds as a 1:1 swap for almond flour.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Keto Salmon Patties are the kind of recipe you’ll keep on repeat: quick to mix, easy to cook, and big on flavor.
They’re light yet satisfying, with a crisp edge and tender center that holds up to bold sauces or simple lemon. Keep a couple of cans of salmon in your pantry and you’ll always have a protein-packed dinner ready to go. Whether you meal prep for the week or need a last-minute lunch, this recipe has you covered.
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