Description
These Easy Low Carb Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and incredibly simple to make. Made with canned salmon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a few flavorful seasonings, they’re a delicious high-protein, low-carb meal that comes together quickly. Serve them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite low-carb dipping sauce for an easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
2 cans (5 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked
1 large egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons almond flour
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1–2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
Optional
¼ teaspoon dried dill
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Easy Low Carb Salmon Patties
- Prepare the Salmon
Drain the canned salmon thoroughly and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl. Flake it well with a fork, removing any large pieces of skin or bones if desired.
- Mix the Ingredients
Add the egg, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, green onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a compact patty about ½-inch thick.
If the mixture feels too wet, add another tablespoon of almond flour.
- Chill
Place the patties in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cook without falling apart.
- Cook the Salmon Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crisp, and heated through.
Avoid flipping them too frequently because they can break apart.
- Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon patties to a plate lined with paper towels for a minute to absorb excess oil.
Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite low-carb sauce.
Air Fryer Option
For an even lighter version, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the basket and place the patties in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and air fry for 8–10 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through.
Cook until the patties are golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these salmon patties with:
🥗 Fresh green salad
🥑 Sliced avocado
🥦 Roasted broccoli
🥒 Cucumber salad
🥬 Coleslaw
🍋 Lemon-dill yogurt sauce
🧄 Garlic aioli
🌶️ Low-carb spicy mayo
Does This Recipe Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?
Yes. These salmon patties are a convenient high-protein, low-carb recipe because salmon and egg provide protein while almond flour and Parmesan help bind the patties without traditional breadcrumbs. For an even higher-protein meal, serve them alongside Greek yogurt-based sauce or a side of cottage cheese and vegetables.
Can These Salmon Patties Support Weight Loss Goals?
They can fit into a balanced weight-conscious eating pattern because they’re filling and protein-focused while keeping carbohydrates relatively low. Portion size and the amount of oil or sauce used can affect the overall calories, so pair them with plenty of non-starchy vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Is Special
🐟 High in protein from salmon and eggs
🥑 Low carb with no breadcrumbs
⏱️ Quick and easy to prepare
✨ Crispy outside and tender inside
🍋 Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying
🍽️ Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
🔥 Can be cooked in a skillet or air fryer
My Personal Experience
I love how quickly these salmon patties come together on busy days.
Chilling the mixture before cooking makes a noticeable difference in keeping the patties together.
Parmesan adds a delicious savory flavor and helps create crispy edges.
A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving makes the salmon flavor really pop.
The air fryer version is especially convenient when you want less oil and easy cleanup.
Perfect For
These salmon patties are perfect for:
🥗 Easy healthy lunches
🍽️ Quick weeknight dinners
💪 High-protein meal plans
🥑 Low-carb lifestyles
🥡 Meal prepping
👨👩👧 Family dinners
⏰ Busy days when you need a quick meal
Required Equipment
Mixing bowl – for combining the salmon mixture.
Fork – for flaking the salmon and mixing.
Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate ingredients.
Large skillet – for creating crispy, golden patties.
Spatula – for carefully flipping the patties.
Air fryer – optional for a lower-oil cooking method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the salmon properly
Excess liquid can make the mixture too soft and difficult to shape. - Skipping the chilling step
A short chill helps the patties firm up before cooking. - Making the patties too thick
Thinner patties cook more evenly and develop better crispy edges. - Flipping too early
Allow the first side to develop a golden crust before turning. - Using too much oil
A little oil is enough to create crispy edges without making the patties greasy.
Storage
Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet or air fryer until heated through. The air fryer is particularly good for bringing back their crisp texture.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 6 patties
Ingredients
10 oz canned salmon
1 large egg
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp almond flour
2 tbsp green onion
1 tbsp parsley
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Drain and flake the salmon.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Mix until well combined.
Form into 6 patties.
Chill for 15–20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Serve warm with lemon and your favorite low-carb sauce.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest salmon patties, make sure the salmon is well drained and allow the shaped patties to chill before cooking.
