Salmon Croquettes

Salmon croquettes are a crispy, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is perfect. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about salmon croquettes, from their origins and key ingredients to step-by-step preparation and expert cooking tips.

What Are Salmon Croquettes?

Salmon croquettes are fried or baked patties made from flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. They are similar to crab cakes but use salmon as the main ingredient, making them a more affordable and equally delicious alternative.

This dish has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where it is often served with grits or a side of creamy sauce. However, variations of salmon croquettes exist around the world, making them a beloved comfort food with multiple preparation styles.

If you enjoy different ways to prepare salmon, you may also love this grilled salmon belly recipe, which offers a smoky and juicy alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Budget-Friendly – Uses canned or fresh salmon.
Crispy & Flavorful – Perfectly seasoned with a crunchy coating.
Great for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and stored for later.

Ingredients for the Best Salmon Croquettes

To make delicious and crispy salmon croquettes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Salmon (Canned or Fresh) – Provides the base for the croquettes.
• Breadcrumbs (or Crushed Crackers) – Helps bind the mixture together and adds texture.
• Eggs – Essential for holding the croquettes together.
• Onion & Garlic – Adds a rich, savory flavor.
• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and enhances taste.
• Mustard (Dijon or Yellow) – Provides a slight tang and depth of flavor.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Old Bay, or Cajun Spice) – Brings out the best flavors.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

• Chopped Bell Peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Green Onions or Fresh Parsley – Provides freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness.

For Frying or Baking:

• Oil (for frying) – Vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil work well.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (for coating) – Gives extra crispiness when frying or baking.

How to Make Salmon Croquettes Step by Step

Making salmon croquettes is quick and easy, whether you choose to fry, bake, or air-fry them. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful croquettes every time.

Prepare the Salmon

If using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any skin and bones. For fresh salmon, cook it first by baking, grilling, or poaching, then flake it into small pieces using a fork.

Pro Tip: Using canned salmon saves time and is more budget-friendly, while fresh salmon offers a richer flavor.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

Flaked salmon (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
1 egg (beaten)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1. garlic clove (minced)
2. tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
3. teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt & black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika or Old Bay seasoning

Mix everything together until the mixture holds its shape. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of milk or another egg.

Shape the Croquettes

If you prefer smaller, bite-sized croquettes, you can shape them into balls instead of patties.

Coat for Extra Crispiness

For maximum crispiness, coat each croquette in panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs. This step is optional but highly recommended for a golden, crunchy texture.

Cook the Salmon Croquettes

There are three ways to cook salmon croquettes: frying, baking, or air-frying.

Pan-Frying (Traditional & Crispy)

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the croquettes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Best for: A crispy, golden texture with a classic taste.

Baking (Healthier & Easy)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the croquettes on a greased baking sheet.

Best for: A lighter version with less oil but still crispy.

Air-Frying (Quick & Low-Oil)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place croquettes in a single layer in the basket.
3. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Best for: A quick, healthy alternative with minimal oil.

Serve & Enjoy!

Salmon croquettes are best served hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular choices include:

Looking for other salmon-based recipes? Try this baked salmon belly recipe for a healthy and satisfying dish.

• Tartar sauce (classic and tangy)
• Remoulade sauce (spicy and creamy)
• Lemon aioli (fresh and zesty)

Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the croquettes right before serving for a burst of flavor!

Best Tips for Perfect Salmon Croquettes

Want to make restaurant-quality salmon croquettes at home? Follow these expert tips to get the best texture, flavor, and crispiness every time!

For another rich and flavorful salmon dish, you might enjoy Marry Me Salmon, a creamy, romantic recipe.

1. Use the Right Salmon

• Canned Salmon: A quick and budget-friendly option. Just be sure to drain it well.
• Fresh Salmon: Offers a richer taste but requires extra prep time (cook and flake it first).
• Leftover Cooked Salmon: A great way to repurpose grilled or baked salmon.

Pro Tip: If using canned salmon, remove the skin and bones for a smoother texture. However, the soft bones are edible and packed with calcium if you don’t mind them!

2. Chill the Mixture Before Cooking

Refrigerating the croquette mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping and cooking helps:
Prevent them from falling apart.
Make shaping easier.
Improve the final texture.

3. Don’t Overmix the Ingredients

Gently mix everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the croquettes dense and dry instead of light and tender.

4. Choose the Best Cooking Method

For a Classic, Crispy Texture, pan-fry in oil.
Want a Healthier Option? Try baking or air-frying.
Looking for Extra Crunch? Coat in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.

Pro Tip: If frying, don’t overcrowd the pan—this lowers the oil temperature and makes them greasy instead of crispy.

5. Season Well for Maximum Flavor

Salmon is mild, so it needs bold seasonings. Don’t skip ingredients like:
Onions & Garlic – Adds depth.
Old Bay, Cajun, or Paprika – Boosts flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish.

6. Serve Immediately for the Best Texture

Salmon croquettes are best right after cooking, while they’re still crispy. If making ahead, reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

What to Serve with Salmon Croquettes

Salmon croquettes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

For Breakfast:

Scrambled eggs & toast
Avocado slices
Fresh fruit

For Lunch or Dinner:

Garden salad or coleslaw
Rice or mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables

For a Southern-Style Meal:

Sweet potato fries
Cornbread
Pickles & tartar sauce

Pro Tip: Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice and a dipping sauce for extra flavor!

Baked vs. Fried Salmon Croquettes: Which is Better?

One of the biggest decisions when making salmon croquettes is choosing how to cook them. Should you fry them for maximum crispiness or bake them for a healthier twist? Let’s compare both methods to help you decide!

Fried Salmon Croquettes: Crispy & Traditional

How It’s Done:
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook croquettes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Pros:
Super crispy and golden brown.
Traditional method with rich flavor.
Quick cooking time.

Cons:
Uses more oil (higher calorie count).
Can get greasy if not drained properly.

Best for those who love a classic, crunchy texture with rich flavor!

Baked Salmon Croquettes: Healthy & Easy

How It’s Done:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place croquettes on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pros:
Uses less oil (healthier option).
Easy, hands-off cooking method.
Less mess—no splattering oil.

Cons:
Less crispy compared to frying.
Takes a bit longer to cook.

Best for those looking for a lighter, healthier alternative!

Which One Should You Choose?

Want the crispiest, most flavorful croquettes? Go for frying.
Looking for a healthier, low-oil option? Baking is the way to go.
Need a balance of crispiness and convenience? Try air-frying at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Regardless of the method, your salmon croquettes will turn out delicious and satisfying!

FAQs About Salmon Croquettes

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about making, storing, and serving salmon croquettes.

1. Can I Use Fresh Salmon Instead of Canned Salmon?

Yes! Fresh salmon adds a richer flavor and firmer texture. Simply bake, grill, or poach the salmon, then flake it into small pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, canned salmon is a great alternative—it’s already cooked and budget-friendly.

2. How Do I Keep Salmon Croquettes from Falling Apart?

Croquettes may crumble if they’re too dry or don’t have enough binders. To prevent this:
Add an extra egg or a bit more mayonnaise to help them hold together.
Chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping and cooking.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make them too loose.

3. Can I Make Salmon Croquettes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply shape the patties and proceed with frying, baking, or air-frying.

If you want to make them even further ahead, freeze the uncooked croquettes (see below).

4. Can I Freeze Salmon Croquettes?

Yes! Salmon croquettes freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep.

To freeze uncooked croquettes:

1. Shape the patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
2. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
3. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.

To freeze cooked croquettes:

1. Let them cool completely.
2. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

5. What’s the Best Sauce for Salmon Croquettes?

Some favorites include:
Tartar Sauce – Classic, creamy, and tangy.
Remoulade Sauce – A spicy, Cajun-style sauce.
Lemon Aioli – Light, fresh, and zesty.
Hot Sauce or Sriracha Mayo – For those who love a kick of spice.

Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of any sauce!

6. Are Salmon Croquettes Healthy?

Yes! If you want a healthier version, try:
Baking instead of frying. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Swapping mayo for Greek yogurt.

Even fried salmon croquettes can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation!

Conclusion

Salmon croquettes are a crispy, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any meal—whether it’s breakfast with eggs, lunch with a fresh salad, or dinner with hearty sides. Their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious taste make them a go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

With multiple ways to cook them—fried for ultimate crispiness, baked for a healthier option, or air-fried for a balance of both—you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Plus, with various seasoning options and dipping sauces, you can create a dish that truly fits your taste.

Ready to Try This Recipe?

Give these delicious salmon croquettes a try and let us know how they turned out! Have a favorite sauce or side dish to pair them with? Share your thoughts in the comments!