Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer or light dinner! These incredible salmon balls are irresistibly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re using fresh or canned salmon, this recipe is remarkably easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Forget boring salmon patties; these salmon balls are perfect for parties, quick lunches, or a healthy protein-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Salmon Balls Recipe
If you’re looking for a versatile and delicious way to enjoy salmon, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons!
- Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect blend of salmon, fresh herbs like dill and chives, zesty lemon, and a hint of Dijon creates a complex, mouthwatering flavor.
- Super Versatile: Serve them as a chic appetizer with a dipping sauce, pile them into a sandwich, or make them the star of your dinner plate next to a fresh salad.
- Perfectly Textured: We use panko breadcrumbs to ensure a delightfully crispy, golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky interior.
- Adaptable & Easy: This recipe works wonderfully with either leftover cooked salmon or convenient canned salmon. Plus, you can pan-fry, bake, or air fry them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simple, yet powerful, combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- Salmon: You can use 1 pound of cooked fresh salmon, flaked, or two (6-ounce) cans of high-quality canned salmon, drained well. Both options are delicious!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are the secret to an ultra-crispy coating.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, holding these delicate balls together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a rich, creamy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of finely chopped dill and chives adds a bright, fresh taste that perfectly complements the salmon.
- Lemon: We use both the zest and juice for a vibrant, citrusy kick.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle, tangy depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a foundational savory, aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil is best.
How to Make Salmon Balls (Step-by-Step)
Making these crispy salmon balls is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, one cup of panko breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, mayonnaise, chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix with a fork until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salmon balls tough.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chilling the salmon balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is a crucial step. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Balls (Choose Your Method)
You have three great options for cooking your salmon balls. Choose the one that works best for you!
Pan-Frying (For the Crispiest Results)
Heat about an inch of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the salmon balls in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This method delivers the ultimate crunch, similar to these delicious fried goat cheese bites.
Baking (For a Healthier Option)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chilled salmon balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Air Frying (For Quick & Easy Cooking)
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon Balls
While these salmon balls are fantastic on their own, a creamy dipping sauce takes them to the next level. This simple dill sauce is the perfect accompaniment.
To make it, simply mix together: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s cool, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. For a different twist, a dollop of our easy cranberry sauce can add a surprising festive flavor.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Balls Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough salmon balls.
- Chill Them Well: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s the key to ensuring your salmon balls hold their shape perfectly during cooking.
- Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop to make uniformly sized balls. This ensures they all cook evenly in the same amount of time.
- Check Your Oil Temperature: If pan-frying, make sure the oil is hot enough. If it’s too cool, the balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If you enjoy simple, savory bites, you’ll love these BBQ sausage bites as well.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile salmon balls can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few of our favorites:
- As an appetizer with the creamy dill sauce.
- On top of a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
- Tucked into a pita or wrap with lettuce and tomato.
- As a main course with roasted vegetables and quinoa.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with canned salmon. Just make sure to drain it very well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety or with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option.
The two most important steps are to include a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, and to chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
For the best results and to maintain crispiness, reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. We do not recommend using a microwave, as it can make them soggy.
A creamy, herb-based sauce is a classic pairing. We highly recommend a simple dill sauce made with Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Tartar sauce or a garlic aioli also works wonderfully.
The Best Salmon Balls Recipe
Salmon Balls: The Ultimate Crispy & Flavorful Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mix the flaked salmon, one cup of panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crispy.
- While the salmon balls cook, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve the warm salmon balls immediately with the creamy dill sauce.
Notes
Chill is Key: Chilling the balls before cooking is essential to prevent them from falling apart.
Cooking Method: Pan-frying yields the crispiest result, but baking and air frying are great, healthier alternatives.
Share Your Creations!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing salmon balls recipe! We know you’ll love how easy and delicious they are. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
