Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes to Brighten Your Dinner

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

The sizzle of these Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes brings an instant wave of comfort to my kitchen. There s a delightful magic in transforming fresh salmon into golden, crispy bites that are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. I first discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I had leftover mashed potatoes begging for a tasty revival. With just a few pantry staples and a pinch of creativity, I created a dish that turned a simple meal into a gourmet feast.

Whether you re looking to impress guests at dinner or just craving a home-cooked meal that s far from the typical fast food routine, this recipe hits the mark. These croquettes are perfect for any occasion: a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a festive holiday spread. Pair them with a zesty remoulade, and watch everyone go back for seconds! Ready to dive into a dish that s bound to become a staple in your repertoire? Let s get cooking!

Why are Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes irresistible?

Golden-brown crunch: The crispy exterior gives way to a moist and flavorful interior, making each bite utterly satisfying.
Time-efficient: With a cook time of just 15-20 minutes, it s a quick dinner solution that doesn t sacrifice flavor.
Versatile excitement: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they pair beautifully with salads or on their own with your favorite dipping sauce!
Crowd-pleaser: These croquettes are sure to impress family and friends; their delightful crunch and savory filling make for instant smiles.
For those who love making dishes from leftovers, check out how to creatively use them in your meals like in our mashed potato recipes.
Healthy indulgence: This recipe transforms salmon into a nutritious dish that still feels indulgent!

Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes Ingredients

For the Croquettes

• 1 lb salmon filet Fresh salmon lends a delightful flavor and moisture to these croquettes.
• 2 Tbsp neutral oil A little oil helps to enhance the flavors of the salmon during cooking.
• 1-2 cups neutral oil for pan frying Use enough oil to achieve that perfect, crispy texture.
• 1 tsp Kosher salt This enhances the natural flavors and brings all the ingredients together.
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper A dash of pepper adds a subtle warmth to the mix.
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter Butter introduces richness and a lovely aroma.
• 1 medium shallot Finely chopped shallots provide a sweet and savory base.
• 2 cloves garlic Adding garlic boosts the overall flavor profile of the croquettes.
• 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes Perfect for binding and adding creaminess, turning leftovers into a star ingredient.
• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs These add extra crunch and flavor to the exterior of the croquettes.
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning A classic seasoning that elevates the dish with its unique blend of spices.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard This contributes a bit of tanginess and depth to the flavor.
• Fresh parsley Chopped parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing finish to the dish.

For the Remoulade Sauce

• 1 ½ cups remoulade sauce This creamy sauce is the perfect complement, adding zest to every bite of your Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes!

How to Make Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes

1. Prepare the Remoulade: If you haven t made the remoulade sauce yet, whip it up first! This tangy condiment pairs perfectly with your croquettes and enhances their flavors.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 °F. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of neutral oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature of 130 °F). Let it cool, then flake it into a mixing bowl, discarding the skin.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté until it s translucent, about 3 minutes. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, releasing a beautiful aroma.

4. Mix the Croquette Batter: Add the flaked salmon to the bowl, along with the mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, sautéed shallots, Old Bay seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into oval-shaped croquettes, using about 3 tablespoons for each.

5. Fry the Croquettes: Heat enough neutral oil in a pan to reach about ½-inch deep over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches around 375 °F, carefully add croquettes to the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy (total cooking time is about 6-8 minutes). Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with Kosher salt while they re still warm. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and remoulade sauce.

Optional: Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can flake the salmon and combine it with the other ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and avoid browning. Additionally, you can form the croquettes and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; this way, they ll be ready to fry on busy weeknights. When it s time to serve, simply heat your oil and fry them directly from the refrigerator for just 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This prep-ahead strategy means you ll enjoy restaurant-quality croquettes with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes?

Transform your dinner spread with delightful accompaniments that will leave your taste buds dancing in excitement.

• Zesty Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the croquettes.
• Garlic Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic and fresh herbs complements the savory flavors beautifully, making for a satisfying plate.
• Roasted Asparagus: The bright, slightly charred flavor of roasted asparagus enhances the dish, providing a vibrant color contrast.
• Creamy Potato Salad: Elevate the humble potato with a creamy dressing that ties in wonderfully with the light texture of the croquettes.
• Cucumber Dill Salad: Cool and refreshing, this salad adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich croquette flavors.
• Lemon Wedge: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon over the croquettes enhances their taste, brightening every bite with zesty goodness.
• Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs well, its crispness cutting through the richness and complementing the salmon s flavors.
• Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse provides a sweet finish without overwhelming the meal.
• Garlic Aioli: This creamy alternative to remoulade adds an exquisite garlic kick, making each bite even more delectable.

Expert Tips for Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes

• Salmon Quality Matters: Use fresh or high-quality canned salmon for the best flavor. Avoid frozen salmon if possible, as it can impact texture.

• Perfectly Crispy: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 375 °F) before adding croquettes; this ensures a golden brown crust without absorbing excess oil.

• Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if needed. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy croquettes instead of the desired crispy pan fried salmon croquettes.

• Consistent Size: Shape the croquettes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps achieve that perfect crispiness on all sides.

• Serve Immediately: These croquettes are best served fresh right out of the pan! If they sit too long, the crispiness will fade.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the seasonings or add herbs to the mixture for a unique twist, but maintain the balance to keep the essence of crispy pan fried salmon croquettes.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes

Room Temperature: Serve immediately for the best texture; however, if you have leftovers, they can sit out for up to 2 hours.

Fridge: Store leftover crispy pan fried salmon croquettes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat previously cooked croquettes, place them in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes Variations

Get creative with your Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes and explore delicious twists to make this recipe uniquely yours!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free but still tasty.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mixture for a fiery flavor you can t resist.

• Cheesy Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, to create gooey, cheesy bites bursting with flavor.

• Herb Infusion: Experiment by mixing in fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro for a garden-fresh taste that brightens each croquette.

• Asian Inspiration: Replace Old Bay seasoning with soy sauce and sesame oil for a delightful Asian spin, adding a unique flavor profile.

• Vegetable Add-Ins: For a nutritional boost, finely chop and fold in spinach or bell peppers right into the mixture for added color and health benefits.

• Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the croquettes in the oven at 375 °F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for a golden finish.

• Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the mixture for a refreshing citrus note that elevates your croquettes beautifully.

These variations open a world of flavor opportunities while ensuring that comforting essence of crispy salmon lives on! Enjoy the culinary adventure!

Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes Recipe FAQs

What type of salmon should I use for my croquettes?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh salmon fillets or high-quality canned salmon. Fresh salmon will give you a delightful, flaky texture, while canned salmon is a convenient option that still packs a ton of flavor. Just ensure that any canned salmon you choose is packed in water or oil and is not overly processed.

How should I store leftovers from the croquettes?
Very good question! After enjoying your meal, store any leftover crispy pan fried salmon croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge. They ll last for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain their crispiness just pop them in at 350 °F for about 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze the croquettes for later?
Yes, you can! To freeze uncooked croquettes, lay them out on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until they are firm, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container. They ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you re ready to cook them, there s no need to thaw just fry them straight from the freezer.

What can I do if my croquettes are falling apart during frying?
Don t worry, this is a common hiccup! Make sure your croquette mixture is well-combined adding an extra tablespoon of mashed potatoes can help bind them better. Also, if the mixture seems too wet, you can add a bit more seasoned breadcrumbs to firm it up. Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 375 °F) before adding your croquettes to maintain their shape!

Any dietary considerations to keep in mind while making these croquettes?
Absolutely! If you re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free, and ensure that the remoulade sauce is prepared without any allergens. It s also good to note that while salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and offers several health benefits, some individuals may have seafood allergies. Always double-check with your guests!

Can I use other vegetables in the croquettes?
Very much! Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture, which can also help to keep your crispy pan fried salmon croquettes perfectly formed!