Salmon Balls Recipe (Crispy, Easy & Delicious!)

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Welcome to the ultimate Salmon Balls Recipe that will change your appetizer and dinner game forever. These bites are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and packed with incredible flavor. They are unbelievably easy to make and incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers. We’re covering all the bases: frying, baking, and air frying, so you can cook them your favorite way.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Balls Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these tasty little morsels. Here’s why this will become a staple in your kitchen:

Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as an elegant appetizer with a dipping sauce or make them the star of a main course alongside a fresh salad or pasta.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring these salmon balls to life.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is straightforward and fast, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Customizable Cooking: We provide instructions for deep frying, baking, and air frying, so you can choose the method that works best for you.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Salmon Balls

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salmon: The star of the show. You can use either fresh or canned salmon, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are the secret to an ultra-crispy coating.
Egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a rich, creamy flavor to the mixture.
Aromatics: A simple combination of finely chopped shallots and garlic provides a delicious flavor base.
Fresh Herbs & Lemon: Fresh dill and parsley, combined with a bright squeeze of lemon juice, cut through the richness of the salmon.
Seasoning: A touch of Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper rounds out the flavors.

Fresh vs. Canned Salmon: Which is Best?

Both fresh and canned salmon work beautifully in this recipe. If using fresh salmon, simply bake or pan-sear it first, then flake it with a fork. If using canned salmon, which is a fantastic time-saver, be sure to drain it thoroughly and remove any skin or bones.

How to Make Salmon Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this salmon balls recipe is as simple as mix, roll, and cook. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your flaked salmon, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, shallot, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and seasonings. Gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the balls tough.

Step 2: Form the Balls

For the best results, cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the ingredients bind together and makes the balls easier to roll. Once chilled, portion the mixture and roll it into uniform 1.5-inch balls.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Now it’s time to cook your salmon balls using your preferred method. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry, the goal is a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Choose Your Cooking Method: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry

This fantastic Salmon Balls Recipe can be adapted to your favorite cooking style.

Crispy Fried Salmon Balls (Stovetop Method)

For the ultimate crunch, frying is the way to go. Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the salmon balls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.

Healthy Baked Salmon Balls (Oven Method)

For a lighter, hands-off approach, baking is an excellent choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Quick Air Fryer Salmon Balls

The air fryer offers the perfect compromise between the crispiness of frying and the ease of baking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon balls in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp and golden brown.

A plate of freshly made salmon balls garnished with fresh dill and a lemon wedge on the side. — Ready to serve! These salmon balls make the perfect party appetizer.

The Ultimate Dipping Sauce: Creamy Lemon-Dill Aioli

While these salmon balls are delicious on their own, a great sauce takes them to the next level. This lemon-dill aioli is the perfect pairing.

Simply mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s creamy, zesty, and absolutely addictive!

Tips for the Best Salmon Balls Recipe

Chill the Mixture: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for ensuring the balls hold their shape during cooking.
Uniform Size: Make sure your salmon balls are all roughly the same size to promote even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether you’re frying or air frying, cook in batches to ensure each ball has enough space to get crispy.
Use Panko: For the best texture, use Panko breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch but won’t be as light and crispy.

What to Serve with Salmon Balls

These salmon balls are incredibly versatile. As an appetizer, they need nothing more than the lemon-dill aioli. For a light lunch, serve them over one of these beautiful easy mason jar salads (coming soon). For a satisfying dinner, pair them with roasted asparagus, a creamy pasta, or a vibrant beet and feta salad (coming soon).

An extreme close-up of a crispy salmon ball, showing the flaky interior texture and golden-brown exterior. — Golden-brown perfection with a flaky, tender inside.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and revive their crispiness, place them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze uncooked salmon balls for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make salmon balls ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the mixture, form the balls, and store them on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked salmon balls for up to 3 months for an easy future meal.

Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned salmon works wonderfully. Just make sure to drain it very well and remove any skin or bones before mixing it with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to save time and money.

How do I store and reheat leftover salmon balls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or in a preheated oven until warmed through.

What do you serve with salmon balls?

As an appetizer, they are perfect with a creamy dipping sauce like our lemon-dill aioli. As a main course, serve them over a fresh salad, with roasted vegetables, or alongside a bed of orzo or rice.

What’s the best way to cook salmon balls?

It depends on your preference! Frying gives them the crispiest exterior. Baking is a great, healthier option that uses less oil. The air fryer method is the quickest and yields a fantastic crispy texture with minimal oil.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our famous crispy coconut shrimp or this decadent Cajun seafood alfredo pasta (coming soon).

Share Your Creation!

We hope you love this easy and delicious Salmon Balls Recipe as much as we do! If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your masterpiece on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your creations!