How to Cook Costco Salmon Burgers Perfectly

Trident Seafoods Wild Caught Alaska Salmon Burgers are frozen fish patties sold at Costco in 3-pound bags.

Each 4-ounce patty is made from wild-caught pink, keta, or sockeye salmon.

No fillers. No breadcrumbs. Just salmon and light seasoning with a smoky flavor.

These frozen salmon patties work great for quick weeknight dinners. Pull them straight from the freezer. No thawing required.

You get 12 servings per bag. That’s enough for a family of four to eat salmon burgers three times.

This guide covers four cooking methods: air fryer, stovetop, oven, and grill. Times range from 7 minutes (grill) to 18 minutes (oven). Equipment needed depends on your chosen method.

Product Details

Product: Trident Seafoods Wild Caught Alaska Salmon Burgers

Type: Frozen, uncooked

Package Size: 3 lbs / 48 oz (12 servings)

Price: $21.99 at Costco (Updated January 2025)

Storage: Keep frozen at 0F or below

Calories per Serving: 170

Main Ingredients: Wild-caught salmon (pink/keta/sockeye), vegetable oil, onion, sea salt, garlic powder, mesquite smoke flavor, lemon juice concentrate

Item Number: 818257

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for the crispiest exterior and most consistent results without added oil.

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

The air fryer produces a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

Total time is 12-13 minutes at 400F. No oil needed. Works for 1-4 patties at once.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Salmon Burgers?

Remove frozen patties directly from the bag. No thawing.

Instructions:

1. Take patties from freezer
2. Preheat air fryer to 400F for 3-4 minutes

Equipment: Air fryer (Ninja Foodi, Philips, or any basket-style model)

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Cook at 400F for 12-13 minutes total.

Instructions:

1. Set temperature to 400F
2. Place frozen salmon burgers in single layer (do not stack or overcrowd)
3. Set timer for 12-13 minutes

Temperature: 400F

Time: 12-13 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Patties?

Flip once at the halfway point for even browning on both sides.

Instructions:

1. At 6-minute mark, open air fryer basket
2. Use spatula to gently flip each patty
3. Continue cooking remaining 6-7 minutes

Checkpoint: At 6-minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The salmon burger should be golden brown with visible steam rising.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with food thermometer
2. Look for golden brown color on both sides
3. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165F minimum

Visual Indicator: Golden brown exterior, steam rising when cut

Method 2: Stovetop (Pan-Fry)

Pan-frying in a skillet gives you a nice seared crust with good control over browning.

Total time is 7-9 minutes over medium heat. Works great for 1-3 patties.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Skillet?

Use a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan with a small amount of oil.

Instructions:

1. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil to pan
2. Heat over medium flame until oil shimmers

Equipment: Nonstick skillet or cast iron, spatula, cooking oil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Cook over medium heat for 3.5-4.5 minutes per side.

Instructions:

1. Place frozen salmon patties in heated pan
2. Cook first side 3.5-4.5 minutes
3. Total cooking time 7-9 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat (setting 5 out of 10)

Time: 7-9 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Patties?

Flip when the bottom develops a golden brown crust.

Instructions:

1. Check underside at 3.5-minute mark
2. Flip when golden brown crust forms
3. Cook second side 3.5-4.5 minutes

Checkpoint: At 3.5-4 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Both sides should be golden with a crispy exterior.

Instructions:

1. Insert food thermometer into center
2. Confirm both sides are evenly browned
3. Remove from heat and rest 1 minute

Target Temperature: 165F minimum

Visual Indicator: Golden brown on both sides, firm to touch

Method 3: Oven Baking

Baking works well when cooking multiple salmon patties at once.

Total time is 16-18 minutes at 400F. Hands-off cooking with one flip required.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Baking Sheet?

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add light oil.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Lightly grease with cooking spray or oil

Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper, cooking spray

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Bake at 400F for 8-9 minutes per side.

Instructions:

1. Place frozen patties on prepared baking sheet
2. Leave 1 inch between patties
3. Bake 8-9 minutes first side

Temperature: 400F

Time: 16-18 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Patties?

Flip at the halfway point for even cooking.

Instructions:

1. At 8-9 minute mark, remove pan from oven
2. Flip each patty with spatula
3. Return to oven for remaining 8-9 minutes

Checkpoint: At 8-9 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Patties should be golden brown and reach safe internal temperature.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature reaches 165F
2. Look for golden edges
3. Rest 2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165F minimum

Visual Indicator: Golden brown color, edges slightly crispy

Method 4: Grill

Grilling adds smoky char marks and keeps the fish smell outside your kitchen.

Total time is 6-8 minutes over medium heat. Great for outdoor cooking.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Grill?

Preheat grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (350F)
2. Clean grates and oil lightly

Equipment: Gas or charcoal grill, grill brush, tongs, oil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Grill at 350F for 3-4 minutes per side.

Instructions:

1. Place frozen patties directly on oiled grates
2. Close lid to maintain heat
3. Total cooking time 6-8 minutes

Temperature: 350F (medium heat)

Time: 6-8 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Patties?

Flip once after grill marks appear on the first side.

Instructions:

1. Check for grill marks at 3-4 minute mark
2. Use spatula or tongs to flip
3. Cook second side 3-4 minutes

Checkpoint: At 3-4 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Look for char marks and check internal temperature.

Instructions:

1. Verify internal temp reaches 165F
2. Patties should have visible grill marks
3. Rest 1-2 minutes off heat

Target Temperature: 165F minimum

Visual Indicator: Defined grill marks, firm texture, steam rising

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 165F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Never thaw before cooking. Cook from frozen.
• Microwave: Not recommended by manufacturer

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Golden brown exterior
• Texture: Crispy outside, flaky and tender inside
• Temperature: Hot throughout, minimum 165F
• Appearance: Steam rising when cut, no raw pink center

Signs of Overcooking:

• Dry, tough texture
• Dark brown or blackened edges
• Crumbly patty that falls apart

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1 patty (4 oz) per serving, 12 servings per package

Serving Ideas:

• On a brioche bun with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato
• Lettuce wrap with avocado slices and sriracha mayo
• Over mixed greens with lemon dill dressing
• In fish tacos with coleslaw and lime crema
• Crumbled into an omelet with fresh herbs

Pairing Recommendations:

• Sweet potato fries from Costco
• Steamed edamame
• Roasted frozen vegetables
• Jasmine rice or cauliflower rice

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate cooked patties within 2 hours
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 2 days
• Can freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months

Reheating Instructions:

• Air Fryer: 325F for 5-8 minutes until warmed through
• Oven: 350F for 8 minutes on baking sheet
• Microwave: 2 minutes at medium power (texture will be softer)

Target Temperature: 165F when reheating

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Salmon burger is dry

Cause: Overcooked or cooked at too high temperature

Solution: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Check internal temp at minimum time listed. Remove at 165F, not higher.

Issue: Patty falls apart on grill

Cause: Grates not properly oiled or flipping too early

Solution: Oil grates well before cooking. Wait until grill marks form before attempting to flip. Use a wide spatula.

Issue: Not crispy enough

Cause: Overcrowding in air fryer or skillet

Solution: Cook in single layer with space between patties. Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.

Issue: Unevenly cooked

Cause: Did not flip at halfway point

Solution: Always flip at the midpoint of cooking time. Set a timer reminder.

Issue: Raw in center

Cause: Temperature too high, cooking too fast on outside

Solution: Use a food thermometer. If outside is done but inside is raw, lower heat and cover to finish cooking through.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products:

• Kirkland Signature salmon fillets – fresh or frozen fillet options
• Costco pesto salmon – pre-seasoned salmon portions
• Costco stuffed salmon – salmon with filling
• Costco turkey burgers – alternative lean protein patty
• Costco black bean burger – vegetarian option

Other Costco Seafood:

• Costco cod fillets
• Costco mahi mahi
• Costco tilapia
• Costco shrimp
• Costco scallops

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Air Fryer when:

• You want the crispiest texture
• Cooking 1-4 servings
• You have 15 minutes
• No added oil preferred

Choose Stovetop when:

• Speed is your priority (7-9 minutes)
• Cooking 1-3 patties
• You want good browning control
• No air fryer available

Choose Oven when:

• Cooking 6-12 patties at once
• You want hands-off cooking
• Feeding a crowd

Choose Grill when:

• You want smoky flavor and char marks
• Cooking outdoors
• You want to avoid fish smell inside

Time Comparison: Grill (6-8 min) < Stovetop (7-9 min) < Air Fryer (12-13 min) < Oven (16-18 min)

Texture Ranking: Air Fryer (crispiest) > Grill (char marks) > Stovetop (pan-seared) > Oven (even but softer)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 patty (113g):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 20g
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Omega-3: 1190mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

These wild-caught salmon patties contain no fillers. High protein content at 20 grams per serving makes them a solid choice for healthy eating. The omega-3 fatty acids support heart health.

Gluten-free. Keto-friendly with only 2 grams of carbs.

The 330mg sodium per patty is 14% of daily value. Something to watch if you’re on a low-sodium diet.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Salmon Burgers

Can You Cook Costco Salmon Burgers From Frozen?

Yes. Trident Seafoods recommends cooking these frozen salmon patties directly from the freezer.

No thawing needed. Actually, thawing is not recommended.

The patties hold together better and cook more evenly when frozen. Just pull from the bag and cook.

What Temperature Do You Cook Costco Salmon Burgers?

Use 400F for air fryer and oven methods.

For stovetop, medium heat works best. That’s about setting 5 out of 10 on most stoves.

Grill at 350F (medium heat). Internal temperature must reach 165F for food safety.

How Long Do You Cook Costco Salmon Burgers in the Air Fryer?

Cook at 400F for 12-13 minutes total. Flip once at the 6-minute mark.

The air fryer produces the crispiest results. No oil needed.

Check doneness with a food thermometer. Target 165F internal temp.

Are Costco Salmon Burgers Pre-Cooked?

No. These Trident wild-caught Alaska salmon burgers are raw and frozen.

You must cook them thoroughly before eating. Raw or undercooked fish poses health risks.

Always verify internal temperature reaches 165F minimum.

How Do You Know When Salmon Burgers Are Done?

Use a food thermometer. Internal temperature should hit 165F.

Visual cues help too. Look for golden brown color on both sides.

Steam should rise when you cut into the patty. No raw pink center.

Can You Microwave Costco Salmon Burgers?

No. Trident Seafoods specifically states microwave cooking is not recommended.

The patties won’t cook evenly. You’ll get rubbery texture with potential cold spots.

Stick to air fryer, skillet, oven, or grill for proper results.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Costco Salmon Burgers?

The air fryer method delivers the best texture. Crispy outside, flaky inside.

Takes 12-13 minutes at 400F. No added oil required.

Stovetop pan-frying is faster at 7-9 minutes if you’re short on time.

How Many Calories Are in a Costco Salmon Burger?

Each 4-ounce patty contains 170 calories.

You also get 20 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs. Fat content is 9 grams.

Much leaner than traditional beef patties like Costco Angus burgers.

Are Costco Salmon Burgers Healthy?

Yes. These wild-caught salmon patties are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

No fillers. Gluten-free. Keto-friendly.

The 330mg sodium per serving is moderate. Watch your condiments if limiting salt intake.

What Do You Serve With Salmon Burgers?

Classic options include brioche buns with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

For sides, try Costco mashed potatoes or fried rice.

Works great in lettuce wraps, fish tacos, or crumbled over salads with lemon dill dressing.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco salmon burgers using four different methods.

The air fryer delivers that crispy golden crust in under 15 minutes. Stovetop pan-frying works when speed matters most.

These Trident wild-caught salmon patties pack 20 grams of protein per serving. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Gluten-free and keto-friendly too.

Keep a bag in your freezer for quick weeknight dinners. No thawing required.

Just remember: cook from frozen, flip halfway through, and hit that 165F internal temperature. Simple as that.