How Long to Cook Salmon Patties

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By: Tom Valenti

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Salmon patties are a delicious and nutritious meal that takes only minutes to make. But it can be such a challenge to find exactly how long to cook salmon patties. 

Whether you’re an experienced cook or an occasional hobbyist in the kitchen, we have tips and techniques that will help you discover the art of cooking salmon patties to perfection. So grab your ingredients, pull up a chair, and get ready to learn how long it takes to cook them!

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What Are Salmon Patties?

What Are Salmon Patties

Before delving into the details of how long to cook salmon patties, let’s review what are salmon patties.

Salmon patties are a simple dish made with fresh or canned salmon, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Other ingredients like vegetables (onions, potatoes), seasonings, and herbs can be used to enhance the flavor. It’s a great way to use up any leftover fish for a quick meal.

How Long To Cook Salmon Patties?

When it comes to how long to cook salmon patties, the key is to cook them just long enough so that they are cooked through without becoming rubbery or dried out. On average, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes to cook salmon patties that have a crispy outer shell and keep the inside tender.

However, the duration and temperature will also differ due to the way you cook, the patties’ thickness, and how you want your finished patties to look. 

What Cooking Temperature Is Optimal For Salmon Patties?

What Cooking Temperature Is Optimal For Salmon Patties

Everyone is aware that temperature control is crucial for cooking food to perfection. If the temperature is just perfect, food can be cooked while still ensuring the flavor of the dish. What about the salmon patties? 

The answer is that 350 degrees F can be the optimal oven setting for baking salmon patties. The whole cooking time is around 20 minutes or a little longer. You can try baking them at a higher temperature, around 400 or 425 degrees F if you want to cook them quicker.

But be careful because it is very easy to overcook or even burn the patties. If you want your salmon patties will be properly cooked and won’t be scorched on the exterior, 350 degrees F is a safe bet.

How Long To Cook Salmon Patties In The Oven?

If you’d like to make a batch of salmon patties, baking them in the oven is probably the simplest way.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread about 2 tablespoons of oil over it for greasing. Place the salmon patties on the sheet, leaving enough space between them to avoid sticking.

Bake them for about 20-35 minutes until they are golden brown. You can also flip the patties to cook both sides evenly. Check with a fork if cooked through, and when finished, give them 5 minutes to rest before serving.

How Long To Cook Salmon Patties In An Air Fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon patties in a fraction of the time compared with baking them in the oven. Generally, it takes about 12 minutes to fry two-inch-thick patties at 350 degrees F in an air fryer.

In addition, to prevent the patties from sticking to the pot, first, sprinkle some oil on the air fryer baskets and the patties. The salmon patties will first be cooked at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Then, reopen the air fryer and turn the patties over and bake for an additional 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, the patties are cooked. For crispier salmon, bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

However, the time may change depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the patties. Therefore, keep an eye on them to prevent over-cooking or burning.

How Long To Cook Salmon Patties On The Stove?

Salmon patties can also be cooked on the stove as an alternative. To do this, first, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Place your salmon patties in the hot pan and cook them for 4 minutes per side to golden brown and crispy on the exterior while still being tender inside.

Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a plate, garnish, and serve. It will take around 6-8 minutes to cook the patty from both sides on the stove.

Tip: Before flipping, wait until a crust has formed. Because salmon patties may be delicate, it’s crucial to build a crust in the pan before turning to keep everything together.

How Long To Cook Salmon Patties On The Grill?

Grilling salmon patties is also a great option. To do this, preheat your grill to medium heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Then, place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they become browned and slightly crispy.

The finished product will make the salmon patties brown and crispy on the outside. You should give them 3 minutes to rest before serving. The dish will taste better with some mayonnaise and mustard. 

For extra flavor, you can also brush melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs over them a few times while cooking. This will ensure that the patties are cooked evenly throughout and have a nice flavor. It will take no more than 10 minutes to grill salmon patties until they are fully cooked.

How Long To Cook Frozen Salmon Petties?

People often have the habit of freezing food for a period of time. So, how to cook frozen salmon patties?

Frozen salmon patties require more time to cook than fresh ones. As a rule, it takes about 20 minutes to cook frozen salmon in the oven. Nonetheless, it is recommended to thaw them in the refrigerator first.

How Do You Know When Salmon Patties Are Cooked?

The best way to check if your salmon patties are cooked is by inserting a thermometer into the center of the patty, and cooking until it registers 165° F.

Another easy way to tell if they’re cooked through is by pressing down on them gently with a spatula, then seeing if they flake apart easily when pressed. If so, the patties are cooked.

Finally, you can check by cutting into the center of a patty to see if the interior is cooked through.

Storing And Freezing Salmon Patties

Interestingly, cooked salmon patties can be stored in the fridge for about three days. That way you can make them for later use. Have them cold or quickly reheat them in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. It sounds easy, right? 

How about uncooked salmon patties? Can we store it in some way? Of course, yes. You can freeze them. Uncooked salmon can be stored in the freezer for up to 6-7 months. If you need, cook as directed in the recipe after thawing in the refrigerator.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Cook Premade Salmon Patties?

It takes about 10-15 minutes to cook premade salmon patties. But, it varies depending on the air fryer model, the thickness of the patty, and how crispy you want them.

How To Prevent Salmon Patties From Falling Apart When Cooking?

Adding an egg and some breadcrumbs to the mixture helps keep them together. Also, be sure to not overcrowd your pan when cooking, as this can make it harder for the patties to cook evenly. Additionally, flipping them gently with a spatula will help keep them together when cooking.

Why Are My Salmon Patties Dry?

If your salmon patties are dry, it can be because of one of two things. Either you have used too many breadcrumbs or the heat is not high enough when cooking. Make sure to add just enough breadcrumbs and cook on medium-high heat to get the desired texture.

Can You Undercook Salmon Patties?

No, because the salmon needs to be cooked through for food safety reasons.

What Goes Best With Salmon Patties?

Salmon patties are very versatile and go well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato wedges, or a simple green salad.

For added flavor, you can also serve your salmon patties with tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or a dipping sauce of your choice. 

Conclusion

It’s clear that how long to cook salmon patties will depend on how you like your patties cooked and the thickness of the patties themselves. Remember, if at any point you are in doubt about the doneness of your salmon patty, just use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that it’s fully cooked through.

With this outlined a few tips here, you may find the right balance for your own tastes and preferences.

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Tom Valenti

Chef/Owner of both Ouest and ‘Cesca, and the Executive Chef of Le Cirque, Alison on Dominick, and Butterfield 81.

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