Salmon Balls with Luscious Avocado Cream Sauce
These Crispy Salmon Balls are savory, bite-sized snacks made with flaky salmon, herbs, and breadcrumbs—perfect as a party appetizer, protein-packed snack, or quick dinner side. Baked or pan-fried to golden perfection, they deliver flavor and crunch in every bite.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salmon Balls:
2 cans (5 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor
For Coating (Optional for Extra Crunch):
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil (if pan-frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until evenly incorporated.
Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 18–20 balls). If desired, roll each ball in extra panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Cooking Methods:
To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
To Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry salmon balls in batches, turning occasionally, for 6–8 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
Serve:
Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dip—like lemon aioli, tartar sauce, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
Fresh Salmon Option: Substitute canned salmon with 1 1/2 cups of cooked, flaked fresh salmon.
Make-Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the uncooked balls up to 24 hours in advance.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Kid-Friendly: Skip red onion or use a milder shallot.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Keywords: Salmon Balls