These air fryer salmon burgers are a healthy alternative to beef burgers. If you want to eat more omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats, or if you’re just trying to eat less meat on Mondays, this is a great recipe to add to your collection.
When it’s warm out, you don’t always feel like a hefty, stodgy beef burger. Salmon, with its lighter flavor and texture, is the perfect alternative. It also has omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D to boost your immune system, and a lot of protein to help you build muscle.
Salmon burgers are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. For burgers that are crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, use an air fryer during cooking. But how long should you cook fresh salmon burgers in an air fryer? Here’s a full guide on the best times and temperatures to make sure you always get the best salmon burgers.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer
Air frying salmon burgers has many advantages over other cooking methods:
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It cooks the burgers quickly, usually in 10-15 minutes. This makes it perfect for weeknight meals.
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The hot air that moves around makes the outside of the burgers crispy, so you don’t have to fry them in oil.
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Since no oil is required, air frying results in a healthier cooking method than pan frying.
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The salmon cooks evenly throughout without drying out.
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You can cook multiple burgers at once in the air fryer basket, perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Easy cleanup as there’s minimal mess or splattering compared to stovetop cooking
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Salmon Burger Cook Times
Several factors impact how long you should air fry salmon burgers:
1. Thickness
The thickness of your salmon patties is key. Thinner patties will cook faster than thick burgers For reference
- 1/2 inch thick burgers: 8-10 minutes
- 1 inch thick burgers: 10-12 minutes
- 1 1/2 inch thick burgers: 12-15 minutes
For evenly cooked burgers, form patties to a uniform thickness.
2. Amount of Burgers
Cooking multiple salmon burgers layered on top of each other will increase cook time slightly. For example, 4 burgers may take 1-2 minutes longer than just 1 or 2 burgers.
3. Composition
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Burgers made entirely of salmon will cook quicker than those mixed with breadcrumbs or other binders.
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Added moist ingredients like eggs, mayo, or Greek yogurt will lengthen cook time.
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Lean salmon burgers cook faster than fattier varieties like salmon belly.
4. Doneness Preference
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Rare or medium rare burgers will have a shorter cook time than well done.
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If breading or topping the burgers, account for extra time to cook the coating.
5. Size of Air Fryer
Larger air fryers heat more efficiently and may cook quicker than smaller models. Get to know your specific air fryer.
6. Temperature Setting
Higher heat speeds up cooking. The average temperature for air frying salmon burgers is 380-400°F.
How Long to Cook Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer
Taking all the factors into account, the ideal air fryer cook time for salmon burgers is generally 8-15 minutes at 400°F. To ensure proper food safety, air fry until the minimum internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Here are general air fryer cooking guidelines depending on thickness:
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1/2 inch thick burgers: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
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1 inch thick burgers: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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1 1/2 inch burgers: Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
These times are for fresh, raw salmon patties. If using precooked salmon, deduct 2-3 minutes. If breading the patties, add 2-3 minutes.
Always check the internal temp with a meat thermometer for doneness, especially if adjusting cook times.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Salmon Burgers
Follow this simple process for perfect air fryer salmon burgers:
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Form salmon patties into uniform thickness, about 1 inch thick. Season the salmon.
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. This prevents sticking.
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Place patties in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping burgers halfway through.
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest burger, ensuring it reaches 145°F for food safety.
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If needed, cook 2-3 minutes longer, checking temperature again until desired doneness is reached.
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Remove salmon burgers from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
The burgers will have a crispy browned outside while still being moist inside when properly air fried.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
Here are some helpful tips:
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between patties for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
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Brush both sides of the patties with oil or spray before cooking for optimal browning.
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Use a meat thermometer to test doneness rather than relying on cook times.
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Let burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they rest.
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Add toppings after air frying so they don’t burn, or wait until the last 1-2 minutes to add.
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For safety, cook raw salmon burgers to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
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If burgers brown too quickly but the inside isn’t cooked through yet, reduce temperature to 375°F.
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For breaded burgers, coat first in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Air fry until coating is browned.
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook frozen salmon burgers in an air fryer?
Cook frozen salmon patties at 400°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check internal temperature to reach 145°F. Add 1-2 minutes if needed.
Can you cook salmon burgers from raw in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers cook raw salmon burgers perfectly as long as they are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Follow the times listed above.
Do you flip salmon burgers when air frying?
It’s important to flip the salmon patties halfway during air frying to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.
Should you air fry salmon burgers on foil?
We don’t recommend using foil in the air fryer as it can prevent air circulation. Instead, spray or brush the basket with oil.
Can you put raw salmon straight into the air fryer?
It’s best to form the raw salmon into patties first for even cooking. Air fry prepared burgers 8-15 minutes until cooked through.
The Takeaway
Air frying is a quick and healthy way to cook up delicious salmon burgers in just 10-15 minutes. Follow the guideline cook times based on thickness, but always verify doneness by taking internal temperatures. Flip the patties halfway through and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for the best results. In no time, you’ll be making irresistible salmon burgers that are crispy outside and juicy inside using this air frying method.
Other Burger Recipes
Make sure to rate or leave a comment on this recipe if you make it. I look forward to hearing from you!
Salmon Burgers FAQs
This comes down to both your preference and the size/thickness of the burger patties themselves. Generally speaking, you want a crisp outside and tender inside to the burger. 10-12 minutes of cooking in air fryer ought to be enough for this.
You can freeze your salmon burgers either before or after cooking. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When freezing your burgers, stack them between wax or parchment paper in a freezer safe container. This prevents the patties from sticking together while freezing. You could also freeze them on a baking sheet and place them all together in a ziplock bag. If you want to reheat your burgers, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. The next day, cook them as you would a fresh burger in the microwave, air fryer, or on the stove.
Yes! In fact, canned salmon, which is already a little flaked, could work better for forming the patties. To keep the burgers from drying out, you should cut the cooking time to about 4 to 5 minutes if you use canned salmon. Fresh salmon is best for this recipe because it has more flavor and texture, but canned salmon will work just fine.