These air fryer salmon croquettes are a delightful and healthy twist on a classic dish. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a great appetizer or main course. The air fryer ensures a guilt-free cooking process without sacrificing flavor or texture.
If you don't usually have Old Bay seasoning in your pantry, it's a key ingredient that adds a unique blend of spices to the croquettes. You might also need to pick up dijon mustard and mayonnaise if they're not staples in your kitchen. These ingredients can be found in the condiment aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes
Salmon: Provides the main protein and flavor base for the croquettes.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture together and adds a crispy texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
Onion: Adds a sharp, savory flavor and a bit of crunch.
Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the croquettes.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the mixture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a unique, savory flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the croquettes.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Technique Tip for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes
When forming the salmon croquettes, make sure to press the mixture firmly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to help bind the ingredients together. For an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the patties with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
salmon - Substitute with canned tuna: Canned tuna has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for salmon in croquettes.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding and texture to breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can act as a binding agent similar to an egg.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor but can still provide the necessary aromatic quality.
bell pepper - Substitute with celery: Celery adds a similar crunch and freshness to the croquettes.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is slightly less complex.
old bay seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning offers a similar blend of spices and can add a comparable depth of flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add the necessary saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Salmon Croquettes
How to Store and Freeze Your Salmon Croquettes
- Allow the salmon croquettes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- To freeze, arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the croquettes are firm.
- Once frozen, transfer the croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen croquettes in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
- For reheating from the refrigerator, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the croquettes for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon croquettes in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and regain their crispy texture.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly warmed. Note: This method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Essential Tools for Making Salmon Croquettes in an Air Fryer
Air fryer: This is the primary cooking appliance used to cook the salmon croquettes to a golden brown and crispy texture.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl is needed to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and chopped vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the dijon mustard, old bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion and bell pepper.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of salmon.
Fork: Useful for beating the egg and flaking the salmon.
Plate: Handy for placing the shaped patties before transferring them to the air fryer.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Salmon Croquettes in an Air Fryer
Use pre-chopped veggies: Save time by using pre-chopped onions and bell peppers from the store.
Opt for canned salmon: Using canned salmon eliminates the need for cooking and deboning fresh fish.
Mix in a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for a quicker, more uniform mixture.
Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while you mix the ingredients to save time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Salmon drained
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Bell Pepper finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- 3. Shape the mixture into small patties.
- 4. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- 5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for Your Salmon Croquettes Meal
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