Best Crispy Salmon Fritters. If you have never tried a salmon fritter before, you are missing out. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the side. Let’s also talk about the flavor. Even people who don’t love salmon, love this recipe.
I grew in Alaska and we ate a lot of salmon, but I never appreciated it growing up. It was just always there and we ALWAYS ate it. You see I grew up in a large family- there were 10 of us kids (I know, I know. I have heard all the jokes about my parents and nothing else to do with their time in the long dark winter…) Anyway, in Alaska, each family can subsistence fish in our area. The number of fish you are allotted depends on the number of people in your family. Most years our family was allowed at least 100 salmon.
Why Do You Need To Add These Crispy Salmon Fritters To Your Menu?
There are several reasons you think need to add this to your menu and let me share them with you.
First, the flavor is awesome. As mentioned above, even people who don’t like salmon, love these fritters.
Second, the method I showcase for this recipe produces the best crispy fritters. They are perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside.
Third, this is the perfect fried dish for not just a meal, but also can be used for an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Salmon- I used canned salmon, but I will also show below how to use fresh salmon.
- All-purpose flour- This is used as a binder.
- Eggs- I separate my eggs, and will show this method below.
- Seasonings- salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.
- Oil- for frying. No, you cannot bake these. I don’t fry often, but this is one recipe I ALWAYS fry.
Salmon
There are 2 types of salmon to use. The first is canned salmon, which I prefer. Make sure it is drained well as you don’t want the extra liquid in there. The second is with a fresh filet. Simple sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake at 425 for about 10 minutes. Once it has cooled, flake it and it is ready to use.
Eggs
Aside from the salmon, the most important part of this fritter-making process is the eggs. Many recipes have you add in the whole egg at once. Let me teach you a better way.
The secret to the light fluffy, but crispy on the outside fritters is to add the yolk of the eggs to the flaked salmon. Mix it in with the flour and seasonings. Then beat your egg whites to stiff peaks and FOLD in. This makes the batter light and airy, ready for frying.
Frying The Best Salmon Fritters
When it comes to frying your fritters, heat matters. Make sure that oil is about 365-375 degrees. You want to fry these pretty quickly, so I fry at a higher temp.
Drop salmon fritters into how to grease with a portion scoop. I used this medium-sized OXO cookie scoop for a nice round shape. Plus, this is smaller and the fritters fry up quickly.
Remove fritters once they are golden brown. Drain well, and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
The Finished Salmon Fritters
We served our salmon fritters with coleslaw and included that recipe below. If slaw isn’t your thing, choose something else!
I also love to squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on the fritters. Lemon plus salmon is perfection! But let’s just take a minute and look at how beautiful these salmon fritters are!
FAQ Salmon Fritters
I am from Alaska, so you can imagine, I have some strong preferences on the type of salmon. Silver salmon, or sometimes called Coho are my favorite. They are a little harder to find, but well worth it if you can. To me, they taste the best! Red or sockeye salmon are also a favorite. We ate these the most growing. King is also ok. My least favorite are pink or chum salmon. In Alaska these are referred to as “Dog Salmon”. Yes, that was what got fed to the dogs.
To get the best fritter possible, yes. You need those beaten egg whites to not only help with the crispy outside, but also for the structure.
Tartar sauce is the most preferred dip. Although, I generally prefer them plain.
As with most fried dishes, these fritters really are best served shortly after frying. That is when they are the most crispy and texture is the best.
If you are looking for some side dish recipes to accompany the fritters, let me make a few suggestions:
- Skillet Cornbread is the perfect side for these fritters!
- Couscous Veggie Salad
- Broccoli and Cheese Bites
- Corn and Millet Fritters
- Healthy Ambrosia Salad
- Creamy Wild Rice Casserole
Salmon Fritter
Ingredients
- 2 cups flaked salmon You can either bake a fillet at 400 degrees for about 7 minutes. Let it cool and flake, or you can open a can of canned salmon. Make sure if you use canned salmon to drain really well.
- 4 eggs, separated
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon parsley, fried or fresh chopped
- canola oil, or oil of choice for frying. You will need enough to give you about 1 1/2 inches in whatever pan you are frying in.
Instructions
- Start heating oil in heavy bottom pan. You want it to be hot and ready by the time you are done mixing ingredients. I like my oil to be about 370-375 degrees for frying.Now, here is one thing about frying- as long as your oil is nice and hot, oil absorption into your food is minimal. The cooler the oil, the more it will absorb into your food, yuck!Add salmon, egg yolks, flour and spices to medium sized bowl. Mix well.In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the salmon mixture. Now, it is ready to fry!Drop carefully by spoonfuls into the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally until the salmon fritters are golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, draining. Place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the rest of the oil. Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Fall Slaw
Ingredients
Slaw
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups apples, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt If you prefer, you can use all mayo instead of the Greek yogurt. I use the Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
- 2 tablespoon mayo
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey you can use more if you like the dressing a little sweeter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix cabbages and carrots. If you prefer, mix in apples, walnuts and dried cranberries. I like them without the dressing, simply served on top. If you want them with the dressing as well,mix them before adding the dressing. Next mix all ingredients for the dressing. Make sure the dressing is smooth. Drizzle over the slaw and mix well. If you left out the apples, walnuts and dried cranberries, add them on top. Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it.
I am Amy’s mother, and I have always canned my own salmon, the ones that we caught here in Alaska. When I used the canned salmon it was usually for making salmon patties. This recipe for salmon fritters is delicious! I think I like it even better than the usual salmon patties. Thank you, Amy!
Oh hi mom!! Thank you for the comment and trying the fritters. Love you!