Salmon Croquettes

These golden-brown Salmon Croquettes deliver everything you want in a savory seafood dish crunch, flavor, and a beautiful blend of texture and taste. Lightly fried and seasoned with a medley of bell peppers, herbs, and a touch of mayo, they’re an irresistible treat that comes together in no time.

Perfect as an appetizer or the star of your meal, these croquettes are also incredibly versatile. Pair them with lemon aioli, serve over a crisp salad, or nestle into a sandwich. Whether you’re using fresh or canned salmon, this recipe is your ticket to an easy, flavorful dish that feels like a comfort food upgrade.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 15 oz salmon flakes (or 3 cans of 5 oz canned salmon, drained and flaked)

• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for mixture)

• Avocado oil for frying

Directions:

1. Gather and measure all your ingredients for smooth prep.

2. Flake the salmon gently with a fork drain thoroughly if using canned.

3. In a bowl, whisk together Panko breadcrumbs and flour.

4. In another bowl, mix salmon, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, chopped peppers, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.

5. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together until just combined. Add extra breadcrumbs if too wet.

6. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for easier shaping.

7. Wet your hands, shape mixture into equal-sized patties or balls.

8. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat (~350°F).

9. Fry croquettes for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

10. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Baking Alternative: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Arrange croquettes with space between them. Bake for 10–12 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 242 kcal | Servings: 6–8 patties

The Crispy Comfort of Salmon Croquettes: A Southern Classic with Global Appeal

There’s something irresistibly comforting about crispy, golden brown salmon croquettes. These flavorful little patties, typically pan-fried and bursting with herbs, spices, and flaky fish, are a staple in Southern kitchens and a beloved dish around the world. Whether you grew up enjoying them at Sunday suppers or discovered them as a creative way to use leftover salmon, croquettes offer a perfect balance of savory richness and satisfying crunch.

But behind their simple appearance lies a deeper culinary legacy a tale of culture, resourcefulness, and regional flair that has allowed salmon croquettes to become both a nostalgic comfort food and a modern, adaptable dish for today’s kitchen.

A Brief History of Salmon Croquettes

The origins of croquettes trace back to France, where the word “croquette” comes from the French verb croquer, meaning “to crunch.” Originally, croquettes were created as a way to use leftover meat or fish, blended with potatoes or béchamel sauce, then breaded and fried to a crisp.

As this preparation made its way across the Atlantic and into Southern American kitchens, it adapted to the ingredients and tastes of the region. Instead of the French-style base, Southern cooks often used breadcrumbs and eggs as binders, and they chose canned or fresh salmon for their protein source readily available, affordable, and flavorful.

Salmon croquettes became especially popular in African American households during the early 20th century. Canned salmon was a pantry staple during the Great Depression and WWII due to its long shelf life and cost-effectiveness. Over time, this dish became a Sunday brunch favorite, often paired with grits, biscuits, or collard greens, and it continues to hold a cherished place in soul food culture.

The Flavor Profile: Crispy, Creamy, and Bursting with Freshness

Salmon croquettes are known for their dynamic texture and layered flavor. On the outside, they’re beautifully golden and crunchy  thanks to a light coating of breadcrumbs or flour. The interior is tender and moist, with the rich, buttery taste of salmon complemented by sweet bell peppers, zesty onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Additional seasonings like garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or Old Bay seasoning give the croquettes a deeper umami punch, making each bite bold yet balanced. Mayo often adds a slight creaminess that enriches the mixture and helps bind everything together.

What’s truly remarkable is how customizable the flavor can be. Some cooks opt for a more Cajun-inspired version with spices like paprika or cayenne, while others lean Mediterranean with lemon zest, dill, and capers. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s palate or even experiment with global twists.

Pan-Fried vs. Baked: The Best Way to Cook Salmon Croquettes

Traditionally, salmon croquettes are shallow-fried in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. This method creates the best texture contrast  a crispy exterior and soft, flaky center. Using a neutral oil like avocado or canola helps them brown evenly without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the salmon.

That said, if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, baking is an excellent option. Baked croquettes still get crisp, especially if you brush them with a bit of oil before placing them in the oven. Cooking them at a high temperature (around 400°F) ensures they develop that satisfying outer crunch while staying tender inside.

Another increasingly popular method is air-frying, which produces that same crispiness with minimal oil. Perfect for those who want a healthier version without sacrificing texture.

Canned or Fresh Salmon? Both Work Beautifully

A common question among home cooks is whether fresh salmon is necessary for croquettes. The answer? Not at all. Canned salmon is a perfectly acceptable  and in many cases preferred  option. It’s inexpensive, pre-cooked, and easy to flake. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and remove any visible skin or bones.

If you do choose to use fresh salmon, poaching or baking it beforehand allows you to control the seasoning and texture. The key is not to overcook it, so it remains moist and flaky when mixed with the other ingredients.

Smoked salmon, while not traditionally used, can be added in small amounts for a bolder, smoky flavor. Just be cautious  a little goes a long way and can quickly overpower the dish.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Salmon Croquettes

One of the best things about salmon croquettes is how versatile they are when it comes to pairing. They can play the lead in a main course or shine as a standout appetizer.

Here are some classic and creative pairings:

• Grits or Polenta: A creamy, buttery bowl of grits is a quintessential Southern pairing, balancing the croquettes’ crunch with smooth comfort.

• Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of slaw offers a refreshing contrast.

• Simple Green Salad: Light and citrusy, this keeps things fresh and balanced.

• Roasted Vegetables: Try Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots to complement the savory patties.

• Dipping Sauces: Tartar sauce is classic, but lemon aioli, remoulade, or even spicy sriracha mayo can elevate each bite.

These croquettes are also fantastic on a sandwich bun, layered with lettuce, tomato, and a slather of your favorite sauce. A salmon croquette burger? Absolutely.

Nutrition: Flavor That Doesn’t Sacrifice Health

Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, and B vitamins. When prepared with fresh vegetables and light binders, salmon croquettes can be a nutritious and balanced meal.

Of course, the overall healthiness depends on your preparation method. Baking or air-frying, and using whole-grain breadcrumbs or almond flour, can make these patties both heart-healthy and low-carb. Even when fried, keeping your oil temperature steady prevents excessive absorption, helping you strike a delicious middle ground between indulgence and balance.

Tips for Foolproof Croquettes

To ensure your salmon croquettes come out perfect every time, here are some helpful pointers:

• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to keep the mixture light and fluffy. Overmixing makes the patties dense.

• Adjust Moisture: If the mix feels too wet to hold its shape, add more breadcrumbs gradually until it firms up.

• Chill Before Frying: Refrigerating the shaped croquettes for 15–20 minutes helps them hold together during cooking.

• Uniform Size: Keep your patties the same size so they cook evenly.

• Use the Right Oil Temperature: Frying at around 350°F ensures a crisp crust without overcooking the inside.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Another advantage of salmon croquettes is that they store and reheat beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze shaped uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.

• Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

This makes salmon croquettes an excellent make-ahead option for meal prepping or last-minute entertaining.

Conclusion: 

Salmon croquettes are more than just a way to use up leftover fish  they’re a culinary tradition with roots in resourcefulness, community, and flavor. Whether pan-fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter touch, these patties deliver nostalgia and innovation in every bite.

Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying, salmon croquettes are a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight, entertaining friends with appetizers, or simply craving a taste of home, these crispy patties deserve a spot at your table.