These golden-brown gluten free salmon cakes combine the goodness of flaky salmon with a crispy exterior, are a treat for the taste buds. I will walk you through the simple process of making these salmon croquettes using an air fryer – a game-changer for those seeking a quick and easy way to make this classic dish.
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This is the one to make if you want a quick and easy gluten-free salmon cake recipe. I love making salmon patties in the air fryer. The air fryer helps keep these salmon cakes lower in fat, and clean-up is easier because hot oil isn’t splattered all over the kitchen. If you prefer to fry them in oil, I will also share those directions below!
These patties work as an appetizer, breakfast with a fried egg on top, or a meal by making them larger to be gluten free salmon burgers. Use canned salmon, which is much easier and cheaper than fresh salmon! If you love seafood, I have a lot of simple gluten free seafood recipes for you to try!
Check out my gluten-free appetizer recipes; you will find some new favorites!
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Canned Salmon – I use canned salmon because it is already cooked and deboned.
- Gluten Free Bread Crumbs – Use gluten free bread crumbs or panko. It is very easy to make homemade gluten-free bread crumbs as well.
- Egg – One large egg.
- Yogurt – Be sure to use plain, not flavored
- Scallions or Onions and Celery
- Seasonings, including salt, pepper, and Old Bay or cajun seasoning.
- Spray Oil – Using a high-heat oil is important if you are air frying. Read this article to determine what the best oil types are for the air fryer.
Salmon Patty Tips
1. For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality canned salmon, either salted or salt-free.
2. Experiment with additional herbs and spices to suit your taste. Getting creative with the flavors is a fun way to vary the recipe. Lemon zest or a dash of cayenne pepper can add an extra layer of excitement.
3. Keep the salmon cakes a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
4. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your patties. Keep an eye on the salmon cakes to prevent overcooking.
Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:
Step 1: Use a sharp knife to slice the scallions and celery into very thin slices on a cutting board. Add the gluten free bread crumbs, celery, scallions, yogurt, large egg, and seasonings to a large
Step 2: Open a can of salmon and drain the liquid in the sink. Add the salmon to the bowl and use a fork to break the salmon into small pieces.
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Step 3: Mix all of the ingredients. The mixture should hold its shape well, and you can test this by pressing it down with a spoon.
Step 4: Spray the bottom of the air fryer with a high heat oil. I prefer canola or avocado oil because both won’t add any flavor to the cooking patties.
Step 5: Shape the patties with your hands into gluten free salmon patties and place them in the air fryer. The size will depend on whether you are making this an appetizer or a salmon burger. Spray more oil on top of the patties.
Step 6: Cook the patties in your air fryer at 375º F for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your patties.
Serve them hot with a sour cream garnish or on a Gluten Free Hamburger Bun with all the burger fixings.
Oil Frying Directions:
- To fry these gluten free salmon patties in oil, add a high heat tolerant oil like avocado or canola to a large 12″ cast iron skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the oil is 365º F.
- Make the salmon patties and shape them as directed above.
- When the oil is at the right temperature, carefully add the salmon patties. Do not crowd them in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. The full cooking time will vary depending on your patties’ size and thickness.
- Remove the cooked patties and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Canned salmon should be gluten free if it is unseasoned and packed in water or oil. It is critical to always read the ingredients label to be fully sure if the salmon is gluten free. If the salmon has any seasoning or flavoring, you will need to check the company’s website for more information.
You can easily make these salmon patties into burgers by making large patties in the shape of burgers.
I haven’t tested baking these salmon patties in the oven yet. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the salmon cakes in a freezer-safe zipper bag. To reheat the salmon cakes, place them in the oven or air fryer so they re-crisp.
More Gluten Free Seafood Recipes:
- Easy Gluten Free Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- Gluten Free Smoked Oyster Chowder
- Baked Miso Glazed Cod
- Grilled Halibut with Pesto
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If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Easy Gluten Free Salmon Cakes
Ingredients
- 6 ounces canned salmon drained
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup gluten free bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay or Zaitrain's Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons celery diced
- 2 tablespoons onion diced
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt Greek or regular
- 2 tablespoons oil
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Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to slice the scallions and celery into very thin slices on a cutting board. Add the gluten free bread crumbs, celery, scallions, yogurt, large egg, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl.
- Open a can of salmon and drain the liquid in the sink. Add the salmon to the bowl and use a fork to break the salmon into small pieces.
- Mix all of the ingredients. The mixture should hold its shape well, and you can test this by pressing it down with a spoon.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer with a high heat oil. I prefer canola or avocado oil because both won't add any flavor to the cooking patties.
- Shape the patties with your hands into gluten free salmon patties and place them in the air fryer. The size will depend on whether you are making this as an appetizer or as a salmon burger. Spray more oil on top of the patties.
- Cook the patties in your air fryer at 375º F for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your patties.
Notes
Oil Frying Directions:
- To fry these gluten free salmon patties in oil, add a high heat tolerant oil like avocado or canola to a large 12″ cast iron skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the oil is 365º F.
- Make the salmon patties and shape them as directed above.
- When the oil is at the right temperature, carefully add the salmon patties. Do not crowd them in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. The full cooking time will vary depending on how large and thick your patties are.
- Remove cooked patties and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
These look so good. Or does it really need that added. My mom use to make salmon patties with just onions, eggs, seasonings and bread crumbs and fry in lard. Really want to try them, but what can I use instead of yogurt? How about avocado oil mayonnaise? Thanks
Hi Carol, thank you so much. I think avocado oil would be a great sub for the yogurt. I have also tried plain dairy-free yogurt.
I would give this recipe 10 stars if I could! I was going to do a search for salmon patties this morning and this recipe popped up in my feed.
I had a 14.75 oz can of salmon, so I doubled the rest of the ingredients. I cooked the patties in a cast iron skillet on med. high heat. These were so easy to make, and the recipe went together very quickly.
We had a pkg coleslaw mix as a side. Perfect together.
Thank you so much for this recipe!
You made my day, Sheila. Thank you so much for coming back to let me know how much you enjoyed the recipe!
I’m happy to give a 5 star review. I’ve been gf since 2001. It’s so nice to find recipes that I want to put into our meal rotation. You take the guesswork out of a menu.
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad I am able to bring some fun new recipes into your rotation!