Keto Air Fryer Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Mayo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious keto-friendly meal? Look no further than these air fryer salmon cakes with sriracha mayo! They’re packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein, making them a perfect lunch, dinner, or even snack. This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Keto-Friendly:** With minimal carbs, these salmon cakes fit perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
* **Quick & Easy:** The air fryer makes cooking fast and cleanup a breeze.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of salmon, spices, and creamy sriracha mayo is simply irresistible.
* **Healthy & Nutritious:** Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in a lettuce wrap.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Salmon Cakes:

* **1 pound cooked salmon:** You can use canned salmon (drained well), leftover baked salmon, or even quickly poach fresh salmon. Make sure to remove any bones and skin.
* **1/4 cup almond flour:** This acts as a binder and keeps the cakes keto-friendly. Coconut flour can be used as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the amount.
* **2 tablespoons mayonnaise:** Use a good quality mayonnaise; avocado oil mayo is a great keto-friendly option.
* **1 large egg:** This helps bind the ingredients together.
* **1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill:** Dill adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the salmon cakes. You can substitute with other herbs like parsley or chives.
* **1 tablespoon chopped red onion:** Red onion provides a sharp, slightly sweet flavor. You can use white or yellow onion if preferred.
* **1 teaspoon Dijon mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and helps bind the ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** For a savory depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Smoked paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season generously to bring out the flavors.

### For the Sriracha Mayo:

* **1/4 cup mayonnaise:** Again, avocado oil mayo is a great choice.
* **1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce:** Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
* **1/2 teaspoon lemon juice:** Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the mayo and the spiciness of the sriracha.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Air Fryer:** This is essential for cooking the salmon cakes quickly and evenly. Different air fryers may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on them.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients for the salmon cakes.
* **Fork:** For flaking the salmon and mixing the ingredients.
* **Small Bowl:** For making the sriracha mayo.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurement.

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Cake Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, flake the cooked salmon using a fork. Make sure to remove any remaining bones or skin.
2. Add the almond flour, mayonnaise, egg, dill, red onion, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salmon cakes tough.

### Step 2: Form the Salmon Cakes

1. Divide the salmon mixture into 4-6 equal portions.
2. Gently form each portion into a round, flat patty. You can use your hands or a spoon to shape them.
3. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with almond flour.

### Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Cakes

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper (optional, but it helps prevent sticking).
3. Place the salmon cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon cakes are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

### Step 4: Prepare the Sriracha Mayo

1. While the salmon cakes are cooking, prepare the sriracha mayo.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice.
3. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

### Step 5: Serve

1. Once the salmon cakes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
2. Serve the salmon cakes warm with the sriracha mayo on top or on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Canned Salmon:** Using canned salmon is a budget-friendly and convenient option. Make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture.
* **Fresh Salmon:** If using fresh salmon, you can bake, poach, or pan-fry it before flaking it for the cakes. Baking is a healthy and easy option.
* **Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Parsley, chives, or even cilantro would be delicious in these salmon cakes.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayo to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon cake mixture for extra heat.
* **Cheese:** Add a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to the salmon cake mixture for a cheesy flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Finely chopped celery, bell pepper, or zucchini can be added to the salmon cake mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Coconut Flour:** If you don’t have almond flour, you can use coconut flour as a substitute. However, coconut flour is more absorbent, so you may need to use less of it. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these salmon cakes as an appetizer, main course, or snack. They are delicious on their own, in lettuce wraps, or on top of a salad. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the salmon cake mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Form the cakes just before cooking.
* **Reheating:** Leftover salmon cakes can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
* **Freezing:** Cooked salmon cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer.
* **Egg-Free Option:** To make these salmon cakes egg-free, you can use flaxseed meal as a binder. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Then, add it to the salmon cake mixture in place of the egg.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Ensure that your mayonnaise is dairy-free to make this recipe completely dairy-free. There are many vegan mayonnaise options available that are both delicious and keto-friendly.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving – assuming 6 salmon cakes)

* **Calories:** 250-300
* **Net Carbs:** 2-4g
* **Protein:** 20-25g
* **Fat:** 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* It’s always a good idea to calculate the nutritional information based on the exact ingredients you use for the most accurate results.

## Serving Suggestions

These keto air fryer salmon cakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.
* **Main Course:** Pair them with a side of cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** Use large lettuce leaves as wraps and fill them with the salmon cakes and sriracha mayo for a low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches.
* **Salad Topping:** Crumble the salmon cakes over a green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and healthy snack between meals.

## Conclusion

These keto air fryer salmon cakes with sriracha mayo are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy salmon. They are quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, fire up your air fryer and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy keto-friendly meal!