Southern Salmon Patties are a timeless Southern classic—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. Whether you call them salmon cakes or croquettes, these budget-friendly beauties bring flavor, comfort, and nostalgia to any dinner table. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect way to transform a humble can of salmon into a family-favorite meal. With simple pantry ingredients and just one pan, Southern Salmon Patties are easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for Sunday supper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern comfort food with crispy edges and tender centers
- Ready in 30 minutes with easy pantry staples
- Budget-friendly—uses canned salmon
- Packed with protein and omega-3s
- Kid-approved and great for meal prep
- Delicious with salads, grits, greens, or biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can of salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs
- ½ to ¾ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or Old Bay (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dusting)
- 2–3 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon
Drain the canned salmon well. Remove large bones if desired (they are edible) and flake the fish into a medium mixing bowl. - Add Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs separately and add them to the bowl with salmon. - Mix in Aromatics and Seasoning
Stir in breadcrumbs, chopped onion, herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning. Mix gently until combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk or mayo. - Form Patties
Shape the mixture into 6–8 patties, about ½-inch thick. Optionally, dust both sides lightly with flour for extra crispness. - Heat the Skillet
Warm oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Fry the Patties
Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t flip too early—wait until the bottom forms a crust. - Drain and Serve
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 patties
- Skill Level: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Per patty, approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Omega-3s: ~900 mg
Tips & Variations
- Chill mixture before forming patties for firmer shape
- Add diced bell pepper or celery for more texture
- Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or almond flour
- Use leftover cooked salmon instead of canned
- Add 1 tbsp mayo for extra moisture if mixture feels dry
- Dust with cornmeal for a rustic crunch
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Leftover cooked salmon works great—just flake it before mixing.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough egg and breadcrumbs. If too loose, chill before frying.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze raw or cooked patties with parchment between layers. Thaw and pan-fry or bake.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Try crushed crackers, cornflakes, panko, or gluten-free alternatives.
Can I make these in the oven or air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Southern Salmon Patties
Equipment
- – Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- – 1 15 oz can of salmon, drained and flaked
- – 2 eggs
- – ½ to ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- – ½ cup finely chopped onion
- – 2 tbsp green onions or parsley optional
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ¼ tsp black pepper
- – 1 tsp Cajun or Old Bay optional
- – ¼ cup flour optional, for dusting
- – 2–3 tbsp oil or butter for frying
Instructions
- Drain salmon and flake into a bowl.
- Beat eggs and add to salmon.
- Add breadcrumbs, onion, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape into 6–8 patties. Dust with flour if desired.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Fry patties 3–4 mins per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
– Add diced bell pepper for extra color
– Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
Conclusion
Southern Salmon Patties are one of those tried-and-true dishes that never go out of style. Crispy, savory, and satisfying, they’re a go-to comfort food with real Southern charm. Whether you’re making a nostalgic weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for busy days, these patties deliver big flavor on a budget. Pair with greens, mac and cheese, grits, or cornbread—and don’t forget the hot sauce or tartar!