Southern Salmon Croquettes are a classic Southern comfort food made with canned or fresh salmon, seasonings, and a crispy golden crust. These easy, budget-friendly croquettes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, brunch, or a hearty appetizer. Serve them with a side of grits, coleslaw, or remoulade sauce for a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside.
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Budget-friendly, made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers reheat well!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Canned salmon (or fresh, cooked salmon)
- Egg
- Onion, finely diced
- Green onions, chopped
- Garlic powder
- Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- Salt & black pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
- Flour (for binding)
- Milk (for moisture)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Hot sauce (for spice)
- Chopped bell peppers (for color and crunch)
- Fresh parsley or dill
Directions
1. Prep the Salmon:
Drain canned salmon, removing bones and skin if desired. Flake with a fork.
2. Make the Mixture:
In a bowl, mix salmon, egg, onions, seasonings, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, flour, and milk. Stir until well combined.
3. Form the Croquettes:
Shape into patties or oval-shaped croquettes about 2-3 inches wide.
4. Fry Until Golden:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry croquettes for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm with tartar sauce, hot sauce, or remoulade sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (8 croquettes)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
- Spicy Croquettes: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Croquettes: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked croquettes for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Pan-fry for 2 minutes per side, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Cook and flake fresh salmon before mixing.
2. How do I keep croquettes from falling apart?
Make sure to drain the salmon well and use enough binding ingredients (egg, flour, and breadcrumbs).
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What sauce goes best with salmon croquettes?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or a lemon-dill aioli.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
7. Can I use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes! Cornmeal adds a crunchier texture.
8. How do I make gluten-free croquettes?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
9. What sides go well with salmon croquettes?
Serve with grits, coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
10. Can I make mini croquettes for appetizers?
Yes! Make bite-sized patties and fry for 2-3 minutes per side.
Conclusion
Southern Salmon Croquettes are a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal! Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these golden, savory patties are a delicious way to enjoy salmon. Try them today and enjoy a Southern classic with a crispy twist!
PrintSouthern Salmon Croquettes
These Southern Salmon Croquettes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with classic Southern flavors! Made with canned salmon, seasonings, and a crispy golden crust, this budget-friendly dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, brunch, or as an appetizer. Serve them with tartar sauce, remoulade, or over grits for a true Southern experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 croquettes 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 oz) can pink salmon, drained and flaked (bones removed, if desired)
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- ½ small bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, diced onion, bell pepper (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Shape the Croquettes
- Form the mixture into 6–8 small patties (about ½ inch thick).
Step 3: Fry the Croquettes
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add croquettes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with tartar sauce, remoulade, or over grits for a true Southern meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray croquettes with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.