15 Minute Easy Salmon Patty Recipe That’s Irresistibly Crispy

Oh, let me tell you about my go-to weeknight lifesaver – these easy salmon patties! I swear, they’re faster than ordering takeout and way tastier too. I’ve been making this recipe for years – ever since my college days when I needed something quick, cheap, and packed with protein. The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now! Just grab that can of salmon hiding in the back of your cupboard (we’ve all got one), an egg, some breadcrumbs, and a few basic spices. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside salmon patties that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this easy salmon patty recipe, it’ll become your secret weapon for those “what’s for dinner?” emergencies too!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salmon Patty Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? These salmon patties are my kitchen superhero, and here’s why:

• Lightning fast – From can to pan in under 15 minutes (yes, I’ve timed it!)
• Pantry-friendly – No fancy ingredients, just simple staples you likely already have
• Crazy flavorful – That golden crust with the tender, flaky inside? *Chef’s kiss*
• Healthy-ish – Packed with protein and omega-3s, but still feels indulgent
• Kid-approved – My picky eater actually asks for these (miracle status!)

Seriously, these patties are the ultimate quick-fix dinner that doesn’t taste like a compromise. You’re gonna freak over how good something this simple can be!

Ingredients for Easy Salmon Patties

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these foolproof salmon patties – and I mean everything, down to how you prep each ingredient because details matter! Trust me, I learned this the hard way after a few too many crumbly patty disasters:

• 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon – drained well (press out excess liquid with a fork!)
• 1 large egg – straight from the fridge is fine
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – packed lightly (I use panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley – finely chopped (none of that dried stuff!)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – not garlic salt!
• 1/2 tsp onion powder – my secret flavor booster
• 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect golden crust

See? Nothing fancy – just good, simple ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s make some patties!

How to Make Easy Salmon Patties

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so simple you could do it half-asleep (not that I’ve ever cooked dinner while exhausted… okay, maybe once or twice). Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect salmon patties every single time.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

First, grab a big bowl – bigger than you think you’ll need. Dump in that drained salmon (bones and all, they’re full of calcium!), crack in the egg, and sprinkle the breadcrumbs and seasonings over top. Now here’s my trick: use a fork to mix everything together. Not a spoon! The fork helps break up the salmon into perfect flaky bits while evenly distributing all the good stuff. Mix just until combined – overmixing makes tough patties. The mixture should hold together when you pinch it, but still be slightly loose. If it’s too wet, add another sprinkle of breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Wet your hands slightly (this prevents sticking) and scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture. Gently form it into a patty about 1/2-inch thick – don’t pack it too tight! I like to make mine about the size of my palm. Pro tip: if the mixture feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. Place the shaped patties on a plate – you should get about 4 good-sized ones from this recipe.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Heat your olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in. Carefully add your patties – don’t crowd the pan! Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden crust forming up the sides. Flip them once (only once!) and cook another 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to press them down – that just squeezes out all the moisture! When they’re beautifully browned on both sides and heated through, they’re done. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Best Easy Salmon Patties

After making these salmon patties more times than I can count (seriously, my family is obsessed), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Dry that salmon! Press the drained salmon between paper towels – extra moisture is the enemy of crispy patties.
• Chill before cooking – 10 minutes in the fridge makes the patties hold their shape better.
• Medium heat is key – Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through; too low and they’ll soak up oil.
• One-flip rule – Resist poking and flipping constantly! Let that golden crust form undisturbed.
• Leftover magic – Crumble cold patties over salad for instant protein boost – so good!

Oh! And if your patties do fall apart? No sweat – just call it “salmon hash” and serve over rice. Kitchen wins come in all forms!

Easy Salmon Patty Variations

Listen, I love my classic recipe, but sometimes you gotta mix it up! Here are my favorite twists when I’m feeling adventurous (or just cleaning out the fridge):

• Breadcrumb swap: Try almond flour for gluten-free, or crushed crackers when you’re out of breadcrumbs (Ritz crackers make them extra buttery!)
• Zesty boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest – it cuts through the richness beautifully
• Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce wakes up the flavors
• Veggie-loaded: Mix in finely diced bell peppers or grated zucchini for extra nutrition

The beauty? These patties forgive experimentation – have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Salmon Patties

Now for the best part – loading up your plate! These salmon patties are crazy versatile. My top ways to serve them:

• Classic style: Squeeze of lemon and dollop of tartar sauce (my husband’s favorite)
• Burger style: On a bun with avocado and spicy mayo (game changer!)
• Salad booster: Over mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette
• Brunch twist: With poached eggs and hollandaise when I’m feeling fancy

Honestly? They’re even amazing straight from the pan – no judgment if you “taste test” one before serving!

Storing and Reheating Easy Salmon Patties

Here’s the good news – these salmon patties actually taste amazing leftover! For the fridge, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for 3 days. Freeze them on a baking sheet first (so they don’t stick together), then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, I swear by the air fryer (375°F for 5 minutes) or oven (350°F for 10 minutes) to bring back that perfect crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but they’ll lose that gorgeous crust – still tasty though!

Nutritional Information for Easy Salmon Patties

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with each savory salmon patty (remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary based on brand choices and any tweaks you make!):

• Calories: About 180 per patty
• Protein: A whopping 20g (hello, muscle fuel!)
• Healthy fats: 8g with those good omega-3s
• Carbs: Just 5g per serving

Not bad for something this delicious, right? Now go enjoy guilt-free!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Salmon Patties

I get asked about these salmon patties ALL the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen (and my DMs!):

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just cook and flake about 1.5 cups of fresh salmon (skin removed). Pro tip: leftover grilled salmon makes killer patties with extra smoky flavor!

Why do my patties keep falling apart?
Three likely culprits: 1) Not enough breadcrumbs (add a bit more), 2) Mixture too wet (pat that salmon drier!), or 3) Flipping too soon (wait for that golden crust to form).

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free panko. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
They’re done when golden brown on both sides and heated through (about 145°F internal temp if you want to be precise).

Now that you’re a salmon patty expert – try this recipe tonight and tag me in your creations! I love seeing your kitchen wins!

Print