Start by prepping your salmon. If you’re using a food processor, chop the salmon roughly by pulsing it about 8 to 10 times. The goal is to have pieces that are still visible, but the salmon should be minced. If you prefer, you can also chop the salmon with a knife until it’s in small pieces.
Once the salmon is minced, remove the blade from the food processor. In the same bowl, combine all the other burger ingredients: almond flour, Dijon mustard, egg, minced garlic, capers, lemon juice, finely chopped scallions, sea salt, black pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together until well combined.
Now it’s time to form the patties. With your hands, shape the mixture into 4 burger shapes that are about 1 inch thick. Be careful not to make them too thin, as salmon patties can be soft and mushy if they’re overly flattened.
Transfer the formed patties to a parchment-lined plate or tray. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the patties firm up, making them easier to cook.
Once chilled, you can cook the patties using your preferred method. Whether you choose the stovetop, grill, oven, or air fryer, they’ll hold together beautifully when cooked. Let’s explore these methods:
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once hot, pan-fry the salmon burgers for about 5 minutes per side. Try to flip them only once to maintain their shape.
Grilling: Spray the grill well and preheat it to 400ºF. Place the patties on the grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, flipping only once. This will give them that lovely charred flavor.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400ºF and place the patties on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Lightly spray the basket and carefully place the patties in it. Cook for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through. There’s no need to flip them during cooking.
These salmon patties are best enjoyed immediately when they’re hot and crispy. Serve them plain on a burger roll with your favorite sauce, atop a fresh salad, or with a side of Tzatziki Sauce for a refreshing touch.
As for leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, wrap them in freezer-safe packaging and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.