Cook frozen salmon patties in the air fryer at 390°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until the center reaches 145°F and the crust turns golden.
Frozen salmon patties are a handy way to put a protein-rich meal on the table fast, and the air fryer makes them even easier. You skip thawing, skip grease splatter, and still get a crisp outside with a moist center.
If you have a box in the freezer and you are wondering how to cook frozen salmon patties in air fryer without guessing, this guide walks you through exact times, temperatures, and tweaks so your patties are cooked safely and taste great every single time.
Why Air Fryer Works So Well For Frozen Salmon Patties
An air fryer moves hot air around the patty, so the outside browns quickly while the inside gently cooks through. That high, dry heat is perfect for frozen salmon patties, which can turn mushy in a microwave or greasy in a deep fryer.
You use only a light spray of oil, the basket keeps extra fat away from the patty, and cleanup is minimal. There is no need to babysit a pan, and most frozen salmon patties go from rock solid to ready in about 15 minutes including preheat time.
Another big advantage is consistency. Once you dial in the right time and temperature for your brand and air fryer model, you can repeat it any night and expect the same result. The table below gives a starting point for different patty sizes and styles.
Frozen Salmon Patties In Air Fryer Time And Temperature Guide
Use this table as a quick reference, then adjust a minute or two either way based on your air fryer wattage and patty thickness.
| Patty Type (From Frozen) | Air Fryer Temperature | Approximate Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard salmon patty (3–4 oz) | 390°F / 200°C | 10–12 minutes |
| Thick salmon patty (5–6 oz) | 390°F / 200°C | 13–15 minutes |
| Mini salmon slider (1.5–2 oz) | 380°F / 193°C | 7–9 minutes |
| Breaded salmon patty | 390°F / 200°C | 10–12 minutes |
| Unbreaded salmon patty | 380°F / 193°C | 9–11 minutes |
| Stuffed salmon patty (cheese or veg) | 380°F / 193°C | 12–14 minutes |
| Partially thawed salmon patty | 380°F / 193°C | 8–10 minutes |
| Cooked patty reheated from chilled | 350°F / 177°C | 5–7 minutes |
Always treat these times as a starting point. The real test is the internal temperature at the center of the patty and how the texture looks and feels when you break it open.
What You Need For Air Fryer Salmon Patties
You do not need much gear for this method, but a couple of small tools make everything more reliable and easier to repeat.
Basic Tools
- Air fryer: Any basket-style or drawer-style model works. Larger baskets make it easier to keep patties in a single layer.
- Instant-read thermometer: This is the best way to confirm that the center has reached 145°F.
- Silicone tongs or spatula: Helps flip patties without tearing the crust.
- Oil mister or spray bottle: A neutral oil like avocado or canola keeps the surface from drying out.
- Perforated parchment liners (optional): These reduce sticking while still allowing air flow.
Seasoning And Add-Ons
Most boxed frozen salmon patties come pre-seasoned, so you often only need a light spray of oil and perhaps a dusting of extra spice on the outside. Lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dill, or a pinch of cayenne all work nicely.
Keep sauces simple: tartar sauce, garlic yogurt, sriracha mayo, or plain Greek yogurt with lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the patty right after cooking brightens the flavor without extra work.
How To Cook Frozen Salmon Patties In Air Fryer Step By Step
This section gives you a repeatable, no-guess method you can use every time you want to know how to cook frozen salmon patties in air fryer at home.
1. Preheat The Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the exterior of the patty start crisping right away instead of steaming.
2. Prepare The Basket And Patties
Lightly spray the basket or tray with oil. Take the frozen salmon patties straight from the freezer; do not thaw. If there are large ice crystals on the surface, knock them off so they do not melt into steam on the crust.
Spray the top of each patty with a thin layer of oil. If the brand is lightly seasoned, you can sprinkle a bit of extra salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend over the surface.
3. Arrange Patties In A Single Layer
Place the patties in the basket with a little space between each one. Avoid stacking or overlapping, or the sides that touch may stay soft. If you have more patties than space, cook in batches instead of crowding the basket.
4. Cook And Flip
Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 5–6 minutes. Open the basket, flip each patty with tongs, then cook for another 5–6 minutes.
At the 10–12 minute mark, check one patty at the center with your thermometer. If it is below 145°F, return the basket and cook in 2-minute bursts, checking after each round.
5. Check Doneness And Rest Briefly
When the center of the patty reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily, you are set. The crust should look lightly browned and feel crisp when you tap it with tongs.
Let the patties rest on a plate for 2–3 minutes. This short rest helps juices redistribute, so the texture stays moist when you bite in.
6. Build Your Meal
Serve the patties on toasted buns, over rice, or on top of a salad. Add crunchy lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, or avocado. A spoonful of sauce or a drizzle of plain olive oil and lemon is often all you need.
Once you get used to this method, you will know exactly how to cook frozen salmon patties in air fryer without checking the manual on the box every time.
Food Safety And Doneness For Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Salmon is fish, and fish needs the right internal temperature for safe eating. The center should reach 145°F (63°C), measured with a food thermometer at the thickest point of the patty.
The safe seafood guidance from the FDA states that most seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. That matches what you want to see when you break a salmon patty open.
You can also refer to the official safe minimum internal temperature chart for a quick reminder of safe temperatures for meat, poultry, and fish in general.
Visual Cues For Doneness
- The patty looks evenly browned on both sides, without pale spots in the center.
- The inside is opaque pink or light orange, not raw or glassy.
- The patty flakes when you press it with a fork, but still holds its shape.
If the outside is already crisp but the center still feels soft and undercooked, drop the temperature to 360–370°F and give it a few more minutes. This lets the heat reach the center without burning the crust.
Avoiding Dry, Tough Patties
Dry patties usually come from too much time in the fryer or from setting the temperature higher than needed. Stick close to the time window in the first table, use a light spray of oil, and pull the patties as soon as they reach 145°F instead of letting them run long in the basket.
Gear, Seasoning, And Prep Tips That Make A Difference
Small adjustments in prep can change the texture more than an extra minute or two of cook time. This section rounds up little details that help frozen salmon patties shine in an air fryer.
Do You Need To Preheat?
Many manuals say preheating is optional, but for frozen salmon patties, preheating is helpful. Starting with a hot chamber reduces the time the patty spends in a cool basket, which keeps the crust from turning soggy as surface ice melts.
Oil Or No Oil?
Frozen salmon patties already contain some fat, so you can cook them with no added oil. That said, a quick spray over the surface supports even browning and a nicer crust. Aim for a thin, even mist instead of heavy patches.
Spacing And Air Flow
Leave gaps between patties so air can reach the sides. If your basket is small, cook two patties at a time instead of four. Better air flow gives you crisp edges and a more even interior.
Seasoning Ideas
- Lemon herb: Dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
- Smoky: Smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Spicy: Cayenne, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce after cooking.
Sprinkle seasoning on the oiled surface before the patties go into the air fryer so it sticks and toasts lightly during cooking.
Variations, Sides, And Serving Ideas
Once you are comfortable with the base method, you can swap seasonings, sauces, and sides to keep frozen salmon patties from feeling repetitive. The next table gives a few simple combinations and how to tweak the cook time for each one.
| Variation | Seasoning Or Sauce | Cook Time Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burger-style salmon patty | Lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, brioche bun | Standard 10–12 minutes; toast bun in fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F. |
| Low-carb salmon plate | Mixed greens, cucumber, lemon wedge, olive oil | Standard time; let patties cool 3–4 minutes before slicing over salad. |
| Mini salmon sliders | Pickles, red onion, mustard on small rolls | Use mini slider times from first table; check at 7 minutes. |
| Salmon patty rice bowl | Steamed rice, edamame, shredded carrot, soy or teriyaki drizzle | Cook patties to 145°F; cut into chunks and serve over hot rice. |
| Breakfast salmon patty | Fried egg, avocado, hot sauce | Cook patty first; keep warm while you cook the egg in a pan. |
| Kid-friendly salmon strips | Ketchup or mild yogurt dip | Slice cooked patties into strips after resting; no extra time needed. |
These ideas use the same base method, so you do not need a new recipe every time. Swap sauces and sides based on what you already have in your fridge or pantry.
Storing And Reheating Cooked Salmon Patties
If you cook extra salmon patties, they store and reheat well, especially when you use the air fryer again instead of a microwave.
How Long Do Leftovers Keep?
Store cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let them cool to room temperature before closing the lid so condensation does not collect on the surface.
For longer storage, freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag once solid. Label the bag and try to use them within 2–3 months for best texture.
Best Way To Reheat In The Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Place chilled patties in a single layer and heat for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until hot in the center. For frozen cooked patties, add a few extra minutes and check often so they do not dry out.
Microwave reheating is quick but can make the crust soft. If you use a microwave, you can still finish the patty with 2–3 minutes in the air fryer to bring some of the crisp texture back.
When To Throw Patties Away
If leftover patties smell off, feel sticky, or have been left at room temperature for more than two hours, it is safer to discard them. Food safety matters as much as flavor, so when in doubt, do not keep it.
With these steps, tables, and safety checks, you have a simple method you can rely on every time you want crispy frozen salmon patties from the air fryer, whether it is a quick solo lunch or an easy dinner for the whole family.