Easy Salmon Croquettes Recipe You’ll Crave Daily

If you’re looking for a comforting Southern-inspired meal that’s quick, delicious, and budget-friendly, Easy Salmon Croquettes are your answer. Made with pantry staples and bursting with flavor, these crispy golden patties are perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the best salmon croquettes right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make
• Uses canned salmon—affordable and convenient
• Packed with protein and flavor
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Crispy outside, tender inside

Easy Salmon Croquettes

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. Here’s what goes into these Easy Salmon Croquettes:

• 2 (14.75 oz) cans Deming’s pink salmon, drained
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (or full-fat milk if preferred)
• 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ sleeve of club or Ritz crackers, crushed
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Golden Steer bowtie spice blend, to taste (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Tip: Fresh parsley adds brightness. Skip the dried version—it just doesn’t hit the same.

Prep Like a Pro

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to get these golden croquettes just right:

1. Drain the salmon.
   Open the cans and pour off the liquid.
2. Pick out the bones.
   Place salmon on a flat surface and carefully remove the bones with clean hands or a fork.
3. Mix the ingredients.
   In a large mixing bowl, add:
   • Flaked salmon
   • Diced onion and pepper
   • Eggs
   • Mayo or milk
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • Crushed crackers
   • Flour
   • Seasonings
   • Fresh parsley
4. Combine thoroughly.
   Use your hands to gently mix everything until it’s well blended. Don’t overwork it—just enough to hold together.
5. Shape the patties.
   Form into your preferred patty size and place them on a tray or cutting board.
6. Refrigerate to firm.
   Chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps keep the patties intact when frying.

Let’s Fry Them Up

1. Heat the oil.
   Pour about ½ to 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Set over medium heat.
2. Add the patties.
   Gently place croquettes in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry until golden.
   Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain the oil.
   Transfer cooked croquettes to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Easy Salmon Croquettes

You can pair these crispy croquettes with just about anything. Here are some ideas:

• With rice and eggs for a satisfying brunch
• Over grits with hot sauce for a Southern twist
• With a fresh green salad for a lighter meal
• As sliders on mini buns with a creamy slaw
• Topped with remoulade or tartar sauce

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the patties hold together while frying.
• Use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh parsley brightens up the whole dish.
• Make them in batches. Avoid crowding the pan so they cook evenly.
• Use your hands. It’s the best way to combine everything without overmixing.

Can You Make These Ahead?

Yes! You can:

• Refrigerate uncooked patties for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Use saltines, breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Sure—just cook it first, flake it, and make sure it’s boneless.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What makes croquettes fall apart?
Too much moisture or skipping the chilling step. Make sure you drain the salmon and chill the patties.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The flavor is mild and familiar, especially when served with ketchup or a creamy dipping sauce.

Nutrition (Approximate per patty)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Note: Values may vary based on portion size and ingredients.

These Easy Salmon Croquettes bring classic comfort to your plate without much fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and crispy, this recipe delivers every time.

So—are you ready to fry up a batch tonight?