Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Low-Carb Lemon Herb Salmon Cakes with Avocado Aioli
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 16, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American
25 mins
air-fryer-friendlylow-carbhealthyeasygluten-freehigh-proteincrispfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinner30-minutes-or-less
Discover crispy, flavorful salmon cakes infused with fresh lemon and herbs, air fried to golden perfection for a healthy, gluten-free, low-carb seafood main course. Served with a smooth avocado aioli, this quick and easy recipe is a family-friendly weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes or less.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 14 oz (400g) canned wild-caught salmon, drained and skin removed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for ultra low-carb)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing cakes)
- Avocado Aioli ---
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (use keto or homemade for low-carb)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin aioli if needed)
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, flake the drained salmon with a fork, breaking up any large chunks.
-
Add the egg, almond flour, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add a little more almond flour.
-
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a compact patty about 3 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick.
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
-
Lightly brush each salmon cake with olive oil on both sides to promote crisping.
-
Arrange the salmon cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook in two batches if necessary.
-
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, then carefully flip and cook an additional 7-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Meanwhile, prepare the avocado aioli. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
-
Serve salmon cakes warm, topped or dipped with the avocado aioli. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Customize your Air Fryer Low-Carb Lemon Herb Salmon Cakes with Avocado Aioli to meet dietary preferences or pantry options with these swaps:
- Salmon: Substitute canned tuna or cooked shrimp for alternative seafood options, or use finely grated cooked chicken breast for a non-seafood version.
- Almond Flour: Replace with crushed pork rinds for stricter low-carb/keto, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a lighter texture when not avoiding carbs.
- Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan bind, noting it may affect firmness.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with dairy-free vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt to lower fat in the aioli.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil for brushing to retain healthy fats and promote crispiness.
- Fresh Herbs: Switch parsley or dill for cilantro or basil for a fresh flavor twist, or dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
These substitutions maintain a healthy, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein, and family-friendly profile while offering flexibility for varied tastes and ingredients. Feel free to personalize your quick and easy salmon cakes meal!
Air Fryer Model Notes
This low-carb lemon herb salmon cakes recipe is crafted for optimal results in most standard air fryer models, but air fryer variations can affect cooking times and texture.
Basket Size & Capacity: Smaller baskets or compact air fryers may require cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even airflow for crispy results. Larger or multi-tier air fryers speed up cooking by fitting more cakes at once.
Temperature Accuracy & Heat Distribution: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and monitor browning closely on your first batch. Flip and rotate the cakes if you observe uneven cooking due to hot spots.
Airflow & Fan Strength: More powerful airflow promotes a crispier crust faster while retaining moisture inside. For less powerful air fryers, slightly increase cooking time or finish under a broiler for extra crispness.
Nonstick Coatings & Materials: Lightly brushing salmon cakes with olive oil helps prevent sticking and supports browning regardless of basket material. Nonstick baskets may require less oil but oil also boosts flavor and texture.
Adjust your cook times and batch sizes based on your air fryer’s characteristics to enjoy perfectly crisp, tender salmon cakes with creamy avocado aioli every time.
Crispiness Control
Achieving perfect crispiness with these low-carb lemon herb salmon cakes in your air fryer depends on a few expert tips tailored for this gluten-free seafood main course:
- Preheat Well: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to start crisping immediately.
- Olive Oil Brushing: Lightly brush each cake with olive oil to encourage even browning and a golden crust without greasiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Space cakes apart to allow hot air circulation and crisp edges; cook in batches if necessary.
- Flip Halfway: Turn cakes at the midpoint to crisp both sides uniformly.
- Adjust Cook Time: For extra crispness, add 2-3 minutes per side; for a softer crust, reduce by a few minutes but ensure internal doneness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let cakes rest briefly after cooking to set the crust and keep interiors juicy.
Applying these strategies ensures your salmon cakes turn out crispy, golden, and moist—perfect for a family-friendly, low-carb weeknight dinner in 30 minutes or less.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat your Air Fryer Low-Carb Lemon Herb Salmon Cakes in the air fryer to restore crispness and warmth while maintaining moisture. Follow these steps:
- Preheat: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange Cakes: Place salmon cakes in a single layer without overcrowding; reheat in batches if needed.
- Reheat Time: Heat for 4-5 minutes, flip carefully, then heat another 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy on both sides.
- Temperature Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy reheated cakes with fresh avocado aioli or preferred dip for best flavor.
Tip: Lightly brush cakes with olive oil before reheating to regain a golden, crispy exterior without extra calories.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Pair these crispy, low-carb lemon herb salmon cakes with complementary air fryer-friendly sides that highlight their fresh flavors and keep your meal balanced:
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus with garlic and parmesan, air fried until crisp and lightly golden — a savory, vibrant side.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: Lightly breaded, golden zucchini sticks make a kid-friendly, low-carb alternative to fries, adding crunch and freshness.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice: Seasoned and air fried briefly for a warm, lightly toasted low-carb side that complements the citrus and herbal notes.
- Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and olive oil roasted to caramelized edges for a nutty, savory balance.
- Fresh Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A no-cook option that echoes the lemon in the salmon cakes for a bright, light accompaniment.
These easy, healthy sides streamline meal prep and pair perfectly with the creamy avocado aioli-topped salmon cakes for a satisfying dinner.
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