Salmon Croquettes are Southern soul food made quick and easy. Crispy on the outside with a soft and tender center, they’re an amazing appetizer, breakfast, or dinner fix. Even better, budget-friendly has never been tastier.
Whether you call them croquettes, salmon cakes, or salmon patties, this tasty, easy recipe saves both time and money.
You can shape them into patties or balls for presentation, but I prefer them oval-shaped as they’re more convenient to eat with dips and sauces during parties and game days. I coat them with breadcrumbs, too, for an added crunch.
Recipe Ingredients
- Salmon – These Southern salmon croquettes are cheap and easy, thanks to canned salmon. You can definitely use leftover fresh salmon if you have it on hand.
- Egg is the perfect binder, making it easier to shape these salmon balls.
- Seasonings – Onion, garlic, Creole Seasoning, and hot sauce deliver exquisite flavor. Red pepper flakes are great if you like more spice. So much yum!
- Breadcrumbs – I used panko for this salmon croquette recipe because they’re lighter and crispier. They also absorb less oil. But, of course, regular breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers, and gluten-free breadcrumbs do just fine.
- Oil for frying is best if it can handle high heat and has a neutral flavor. Canola is a good choice.
How to Make Salmon Croquettes
Make the Salmon Mixture
- Drain the liquid from the canned salmon into a measuring cup. Flake the salmon into a large bowl and set aside. (Photo 1)
- Combine – In a large bowl, gently mix the salmon, eggs, onion, garlic, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, white pepper, green onions, hot sauce, cajun seasoning, and salt. (Photos 2-3)
- Shape – Take 2-3 tablespoons of the salmon mixture and shape it into an oval croquette —like an egg— with your hands. Repeat the process until the salmon mixture is all used up. (Photo 4)
Bread and Fry
- Bread – Lightly dip the croquettes into the extra egg mixture until completely coated. Then, roll them in breadcrumbs. Set aside. (Photo 5)
- Heat a small non-stick frying pan with medium-high heat, then add about ½ cup of oil. Let the oil heat until it reaches about 350℉/177℃. (Pat the croquettes a little thinner and use less oil if you prefer pan-frying them.)
- Fry – Gently place croquette in oil using a frying spoon, if needed, then fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You may have to do it in batches to prevent the croquettes from getting soggy. (Photo 6)
- Serve – Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and serve warm with remoulade sauce.
Different Ways to Make Salmon Croquettes
- Can’t eat eggs? Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or ground chia with three tablespoons of hot water, occasionally stirring for about ten minutes or until it gets an eggy texture.
- More veggies. Add diced carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers to make salmon croquettes more nutritious. Your kids won’t even notice the veggies. Booyah!
- Cheesy goodness. These croquettes are even better with cheese! Freshly grated parmesan is an excellent choice.😉
- Pan fried. Reduce fat by flattening your croquettes into patties and heating a tablespoon or two of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry your salmon croquettes on each side for 2-3 minutes and serve.
- Baked salmon croquettes. Of course, you can also bake these salmon cakes at 400℉ (205℃) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks
- You can dip them in lightly beaten eggs before coating them in bread crumbs for extra crispness.
- After mixing all the ingredients, let it sit for 15 minutes in the fridge to firm up before you start rolling them.
Make Ahead Instructions
Yes, I love making a double batch and saving half for later. Woohoo!
- Uncooked Salmon Patties – Shape them individually and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with a cling wrap and freeze. Store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag after frozen. You can store them in the freezer for up to two months.
- Cooked Salmon Patties – Keep them in the fridge for up to four days or up to two months in the freezer. Do the same when storing leftover salmon patties.
Reheating Salmon Croquettes
- Fry – You can fry frozen croquettes; no need to thaw. The uncooked ones will take a little extra time to cook from frozen.
- Bake – Place salmon croquettes on a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until heated through at 350℉ (180℃).
- Air Fry – Set the temperature to 350℉ (180℃) and reheat the croquettes for 4-5 minutes.
Serving and Storage Instructions
These guys are best hot off the stove with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, African pepper sauce, and homemade BBQ sauce.
FAQs
The egg and breadcrumbs are enough to bind the ingredients. The salmon mixture should be a tad moist to make them easier to work with. However, the croquettes won’t hold their shape well if the mix is too wet or dry. To fix this, add more breadcrumbs or flour if it’s too wet and a splash of water if it’s too dry.
They have salmon (fresh or canned), eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The recipe is pretty customizable according to your taste. You can add more herbs, spices, diced veggies, and finely grated cheese to add flavor.
They are technically the same and made with the same procedure. However, croquettes are usually coated in breadcrumbs and are a little thicker and rounder, while patties just have breadcrumbs in the mixture.
What to Serve With Salmon Croquettes
Aside from enjoying these croquettes on their own, you can turn them into a more nourishing meal by serving with cream cheese mashed potatoes, roast carrots and potatoes, and a tossed salad.
More Fantastic Appetizer Recipes to Try
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Shrimp
- Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Mac and Cheese Bites
- Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
Watch How to Make It
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This blog post was first published in January 2018 and has been updated with additional notes, photos, and a video
Cynthia says
This recipe is wonderful! Quick! Easy! Delicious!
Imma says
Wonderful! Thank you for the feedback, Cynthia!
JULIA F BRAUNECK says
Sounds great but where’s the recipe for the sauce? I’ve never heard of it but it looks so so good!
Imma says
Hi Julia! Here you are, Remoulade Sauce https://www.africanbites.com/remoulade-sauce/. Enjoy!
David says
My wife and I enjoyed making these croquettes for ourselves and friends . Very flavorful with just the right crunch .
ImmaculateBites says
Oh, that’s music to my ears! Croquettes are such a delightful treatโcrispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside. They’re like little parcels of joy, aren’t they?
Thanks for taking the time to share this with us, David.
Lots of love.
Al says
Good job!!!
Imma says
Thank you! Stay Tuned for more amazing recipe:)
JAN says
Lovely recipe. The first success I have ever had making Salmon Croquettes. THAN YOU!
imma africanbites says
Woohoo! Congrats, Jan! I’m happy that it turned out great for you.
Marlene says
Excellent flavor! 5 star well deserved! I have made lots of salmon croquettes but this is by far the best! Donโt leave out the last step to drag through egg and then coat in more panko.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Marlene. I’m glad this turned out well for you.
nazira sinkovits says
I am going to make it this season.
imma africanbites says
Yes, please. And let me know how it goes. Enjoy!
Diane DiPrete says
Can’t wait to try it. Could these patties be air fried. If so what temp and for how long. Thank you
imma africanbites says
Hi, Diane. Yes, you can air fry them. Depending on your type of air fryer, I’d say heat your air fryer at 390F and cook the patties at 8-10 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket first with oil before you add the patties. No need to flip them (for basket air fryer).
Jane says
Such a great recommendation!
Diane DiPrete says
Can you make these in the air fryer? If so directions please. Thank you. They sound fantastic
Imma says
Yes, you can. Spray your croquettes lightly with cooking oil and air fry them at the same temperature, 350โ (180โ), until cooked through and delightfully crispy:) Please let me know how it goes.
Stewart brashear says
Love me some salmon cakes! As for the liquid,I put it in a container and freeze for later use in any kind of seafood chowder or soup. Works great. Ciao!
Imma says
Thanks so much for the idea:)
Larry says
This recipe turned out great; however I was confused about a direction. You said to drain the salmon into a measuring cup. So I did, but there is no further direction about what to do with the drained liquid, so I poured it over the cat’s dry food (she loved it). If it’s supposed to be discarded, why save it in measuring cup? What is supposed to be done with it? Please clarify. Thanks…and the croquettes turned out just wonderful!
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Larry! Thank you for making this and glad that it turned out great. I’m sure your cat loved the salmon liquid, too ๐
As for the drained liquid, you can add a bit of that to the mixture if is too dry to form into patties.
Lakeiyajennings says
What is the dipping sauce
Imma says
There are multiple dipping sauces you can try with Salmon Croquettes. I am adding some of the links for your ease.Let me know it goes once you try:)
https://www.africanbites.com/smoked-salmon-dip/
https://www.africanbites.com/homemade-tartar-sauce/
https://www.africanbites.com/beer-cheese-dip/
https://www.africanbites.com/remoulade-sauce/