Looking for easy heart healthy salmon recipes? Try these Heart Healthy Air Fryer Salmon Cakes! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, but cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Made with low-sodium ingredients like canned salmon and cannellini beans, they’re a protein-packed meal. Serve with creamy dill sauce for a delicious and quick dinner. For more healthy meals, check out our heart healthy air fryer recipes.
The key is a strong binder. This recipe uses mashed cannellini beans, which create a firm texture that holds together perfectly. Chilling the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before air frying also helps them stay intact.
Mashed beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), nonfat Greek yogurt, or almond flour are all excellent healthy, gluten-free binders that add nutrients like fiber and protein.
Yes, they are a very healthy choice. Air frying requires minimal oil, which reduces the overall fat and calories compared to pan-frying. Made with nutrient-dense ingredients, they are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fats.
Both are healthy cooking methods. Air frying is typically faster and yields a crispier, more "fried" texture with less oil. Baking works very well but may take a few minutes longer and result in a slightly softer patty.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add dill and parsley, stir, and remove from heat.
In a large bowl, add beans and mash until smooth. Add salmon, eggs, mustard and lemon zest; stir until well combined. Add onion mixture and black pepper to taste. Shape into 8 patties, about 2½ inches wide.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, or until firm and browned.
In a small bowl add all of the ingredients for the dill sauce; mix until well combined.
Top salmon cakes with dill sauce and serve with lemon wedges. Add a small piece of chopped dill on top of the sauce as a garnish.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these salmon cakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.