Air Fryer Sesame Dill Salmon Cabbage Cakes

These air fryer sesame dill salmon cabbage cakes are the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. They’re crispy, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies, all without deep frying or spending hours in the kitchen. Made with canned salmon, shredded cabbage, and a classic sesame-dill seasoning, these patties are perfect for busy moms who want to get a healthy meal on the table fast.

Whether you serve them over a salad, on a bun like a burger, or alongside roasted potatoes, these salmon cabbage cakes are versatile enough for any night of the week. The air fryer gives them that golden, crunchy exterior with minimal oil, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 25 minutes: From start to finish, this is a true weeknight winner.
• Made with pantry staples: Canned salmon, cabbage, eggs, and breadcrumbs—things you likely already have.
• Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer creates a crunchy crust using just a spritz of oil.
• Loaded with protein and veggies: Each cake is packed with salmon and shredded cabbage for a balanced bite.
• Kid-friendly: The mild flavor and fun patty shape make these a hit with little ones.
• Meal prep champion: Make a double batch and reheat throughout the week.
• Budget-friendly: Canned salmon is affordable and still rich in omega-3s.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.75 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked
• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage (about ¼ of a small head)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted or raw)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil mister

Optional Substitutions

• Canned salmon: You can use leftover cooked salmon, tuna, or even cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Swap with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option.
• Cabbage: Use shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or coleslaw mix in a pinch.
• Dill: Try fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro for a different herb profile.
• Soy sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari work for gluten-free needs.
• Sesame oil: Omit or use avocado oil if you don’t have sesame oil.
• Egg: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) work as a binder.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, drain and flake the canned salmon. Remove any large bones or skin if desired (they are edible and soft, but you can remove them for texture).
2. Add the shredded cabbage, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, sesame seeds, dill, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
3. Form the mixture into 8 patties, about ½-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the patties in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Lightly spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes.
7. Carefully flip each patty using a spatula. Spray the tops again and air fry for another 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
8. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if you want to be precise.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

• Squeeze out excess moisture from the cabbage: After shredding, sprinkle cabbage with a pinch of salt, let sit 5 minutes, then squeeze dry with a clean towel. This prevents soggy cakes.
• Chill the patties: Refrigerate formed patties for 15–20 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold together better.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between patties for proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
• Use a fish spatula: A thin, slotted spatula makes flipping easier without breaking the cakes.
• Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model: Some models run hotter or cooler. Check at the 6-minute mark.
• Make them uniform: Use a ½-cup measuring cup to portion for even cooking.
• Double the batch: These freeze beautifully, so make extra for quick future meals.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Cheesy version: Fold in ¼ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar for extra flavor.
• Asian-inspired: Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger and 2 chopped green onions.
• Lemon-dill: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest and increase dill to 2 tablespoons.
• Low-carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed).
• Vegan: Use flax eggs and canned chickpeas instead of salmon.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge

Store leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer

Place cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. No need to thaw before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also reheat in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, or in the microwave (though they won’t be as crisp).

FAQ

Can I use raw salmon instead of canned? Yes! Cook and flake about 1 pound of raw salmon (pan-seared, baked, or poached) and let it cool before mixing.

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Form the patties and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Then air fry just before serving.

Do I need to remove the bones from canned salmon? It’s optional. The bones are soft and rich in calcium. If you prefer a smoother texture, pick them out while flaking.

Why are my patties falling apart? The mixture might be too moist. Make sure to squeeze out cabbage water and consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs. Also, chilling the patties before cooking helps.

Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

What should I serve with these? Try them with a side of roasted vegetables, over a bed of greens with a lemon vinaigrette, or on a bun with tartar sauce.

Are they keto-friendly? With almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, yes! Each cake would be very low in carbs.

Can I freeze the uncooked patties? Yes. Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time.