Air Fryer Chicken Patties: Cooking Tyson Style

Cooking Tyson chicken patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy chicken sandwich on the table. It's a convenient and tasty meal that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Air frying is also a healthier alternative to deep frying and can produce crispier results than oven baking. To cook Tyson chicken patties in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer, place the frozen patties inside in a single layer, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Cooking temperature and time

When cooking Tyson chicken patties in an air fryer, the cooking temperature and time can vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. However, the general cooking temperature ranges from 360°F to 390°F (or 180°C to 198°C).

For a cooking temperature of 360°F (180°C), it is recommended to cook the patties for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can add an additional minute or two if you prefer extra crispy patties.

If you prefer a higher cooking temperature of 390°F, cooking the patties for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, should yield crispy results.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the patties while they cook.

When cooking frozen patties, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the patties. This helps ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

For a quick and easy meal, you can cook Tyson chicken patties in the air fryer straight from frozen, without needing to defrost them first. This is especially convenient when you need a time-saving option for a busy weeknight dinner.

Additionally, if you're looking to add some cheese to your patties, it's best to add it after they have finished cooking. Simply place the cheese on top of the patties, close the air fryer, and let the residual heat melt the cheese. This should take around 30-60 seconds.

Lastly, when reheating leftover patties, set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken patties cook evenly and thoroughly, achieving that sought-after crispy exterior. Most air fryers preheat rapidly, taking about 3 to 5 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

For optimal cooking, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). This temperature setting is ideal for cooking chicken patties, as it allows them to cook evenly while achieving a crispy exterior. However, if your chicken patties are on the thicker side or made from raw ingredients, you may want to increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature will help seal the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through completely.

When cooking frozen chicken patties, preheating becomes even more important. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), you can ensure that the patties cook evenly and efficiently. This higher temperature is particularly effective for frozen patties as it helps to quickly defrost and cook the patties, resulting in a crispy texture.

For reheating chicken patties, a slightly lower temperature of 350°F is recommended. This temperature allows the patties to warm through without overcooking, and it only takes 3 to 5 minutes.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is not just about setting the right temperature; it's also about ensuring proper air circulation. When placing your chicken patties in the air fryer, make sure to leave enough space between each patty. This spacing allows the hot air to circulate effectively, promoting even cooking and the desired crispy texture.

Flipping the patties

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. For example, some sources suggest cooking the patties for 13 minutes at 360°F, while others recommend 10 minutes at 390°F. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an eye on the chicken patties while they cook and adjust the timing accordingly.

When flipping the patties, it is crucial to ensure that they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Spacing them out is important to achieve even cooking and to ensure each patty gets crispy. Overlapping the patties may result in uneven cooking and affect the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Additionally, flipping the patties is an opportunity to add extra flavour to the dish. Some recipes suggest glazing the patties with BBQ sauce or adding spicy toppings like hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, or jalapeno slices at this stage of the cooking process. This allows the flavours to meld with the chicken as it continues to cook, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

In summary, flipping the Tyson chicken patties halfway through the cooking process is essential for even cooking, achieving the desired colour, and adding extra flavour. By following this step and adjusting the timing as needed, you can ensure that your chicken patties turn out crispy, juicy, and delicious every time.

Toppings and sides

When it comes to toppings and sides, the options are endless. You can get creative and choose anything from classic to adventurous combinations.

Toppings

If you're thinking of a classic chicken sandwich, you can top it with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. You can also add a slice of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to your chicken patty. To make the cheese melt, place it on the hot patty and let it sit in the residual heat of the air fryer for 30-60 seconds. You can also try other toppings like pickles, which add a juicy, briny contrast to the fried chicken, or a slice of pineapple, which brings a tropical twist and a salty-sweet dynamic to the sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, try some guacamole, buffalo sauce, or even ketchup with a kick of hot sauce.

Sides

Fried chicken sides are just as important as the main dish. You can go for classics like creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or buttermilk biscuits. For something lighter, a cucumber salad or a cabbage and apple slaw can be a refreshing option. If you're looking for a side with a crunch, try corn on the cob or fried corn with bacon fat and butter. For a Southern twist, serve your chicken patties with collard greens, or spice things up with cucumber kimchi.

Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can always experiment with your own favourite toppings and sides to create a unique combination.

Storing and reheating

When it comes to reheating, using an air fryer is the preferred method over a microwave, as it helps maintain the crispy texture of the patties. To reheat chicken patties in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350-360°F (180°C). Place the patties inside and heat for 2-3 minutes for fresh patties or 5-6 minutes for refrigerated patties, until they are thoroughly warmed through. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the patties, so it is recommended to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

If you are reheating frozen chicken patties, increase the cooking time to 16-18 minutes at 360°F (180°C). This longer cooking time ensures that the patties are thoroughly heated while maintaining their crispy exterior. It is important to ensure that the chicken patties reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (73°C) before consuming them, even if they are pre-cooked. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

For an extra touch of indulgence, you can add cheese to your chicken patties during the reheating process. Simply place a slice of cheese on top of the patty after turning off the air fryer and closing the drawer. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for 30-60 seconds. This method eliminates the need for additional tools and ensures a mess-free experience.

Frequently asked questions