Air Fryer Patty Perfection: Can It Be Done?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook a variety of foods, including patties. You can make beef, sausage, potato, and hash brown patties in an air fryer, and they turn out crispy and juicy. The air fryer is also a healthier option as it requires less oil and grease. You can also cook frozen patties in an air fryer, which is a great option for a quick meal.

Air fryer sausage patties

Sausage patties are a great breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get them on the table. They turn out nicely browned and crisp, and you avoid the grease splatter all over your stovetop!

Ingredients:

• Sausage patties (fresh or frozen)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Vegetable oil (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C or 204°C).
• Lightly grease the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or brush your basket lightly with vegetable oil.
• Place the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches.
• For fresh sausage patties, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
• For frozen sausage patties, cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For precooked sausage patties, cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway through.
• The sausage patties are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C or 74°C).

Tips:

• You can skip preheating the air fryer if it is a basket-style fryer, as they warm up quickly and are more powerful than oven-style air fryers.
• There is no need to flip the patties when using the standard air fryer basket with holes or a rack. Only flip them halfway through if you are using a solid tray.
• If using frozen patties, cook them directly from the frozen state. Do not thaw them beforehand.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sausage patties can be served in a breakfast sandwich with biscuits, toast, bread, or English muffins.
• Cut them up and put them in gravy for biscuits and gravy.
• Serve them alongside other breakfast options like eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast, or crepes.
• You can also make sausage links in the air fryer.

Air fryer cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (a lean cut is recommended, with an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat commonly suggested)
• Shredded cheese (any variety, though cheddar is most popular)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Brioche buns or regular hamburger buns
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Liquid smoke (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Any other desired toppings and condiments

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-195°C).
• Combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings and sauces in a bowl. Mix well, preferably with your hands, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions, usually around 1/2-pound or 1/4-pound each, and form them into patties. Make an indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them.
• Cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness. Then, flip the patties and cook for another 3-10 minutes on the second side.
• Add a slice of cheese to each patty and place them back in the air fryer for 20-30 seconds to melt the cheese.
• Remove the patties and assemble them on the buns with your desired toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• You can toast the buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until they are golden and crispy.
• If you want to serve fries with your cheeseburgers, cook them in the air fryer first and set them aside. Then, add them back to the basket for the final 3-4 minutes while you top your burgers.
• If you are cooking frozen patties, simply add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time, depending on thickness.

Air fryer hash brown patties

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen hash brown patties
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Ketchup for serving (optional)
• Oil spray (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit.
• Place the hash brown patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not stack or overlap them.
• Spritz the tops of the patties with oil and sprinkle with salt (optional).
• Air fry the patties for 5 minutes.
• Remove the basket and flip the patties.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and air fry for another 4 minutes.
• Check the doneness of the patties. If they need more time, air fry in 1-minute increments until golden and crispy.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the patties to allow air circulation.
• Preheating the air fryer is important for even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and your air fryer model. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• For extra crispiness, spritz the patties with oil before air frying.
• You can also add cheese to the patties during the last minute of cooking.

Air fryer potato cakes

Yes, you can make patties in an air fryer! Here's a recipe for Air Fryer Potato Cakes that makes use of leftover mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 beaten egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon bits, flour, and beaten egg in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
• Form the mixture into 6 patties and place them on a baking sheet.
• Put the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them.
• Cook for 12 minutes without disturbing them. Repeat this step for the remaining patties.

You can serve these potato cakes with sour cream and a garnish of chopped chives.

Tips:

• If your mashed potatoes are not seasoned, be sure to add salt and pepper to taste.
• For even cooking, air fry the potato cakes in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• To reheat the potato cakes, air fry them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
• You can also freeze the potato cakes and reheat them in the air fryer when needed.

Air fryer chicken patties

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken or ground turkey
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (bottled also works)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil

Method:

• Place the ground chicken in a bowl and add all the seasonings except the lemon juice. Mix well.
• Add the lemon juice and mix again.
• Beat the egg, then add it along with the breadcrumbs to the chicken mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Bring out the chicken mixture from the fridge, and preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal-sized pieces and roll them into balls.
• Brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the chicken balls in the basket and brush with oil.
• Use the back of a spatula or spoon to press the balls into 1/2-inch patties.
• Air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping them halfway through. Ensure the patties have reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
• Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make these chicken patties gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and either skipping the Worcestershire sauce or using a gluten-free variety.
• If the mixture sticks to your hands while forming the patties, dip your hands in water or use food-grade disposable gloves.
• Don't overmix the chicken mixture.
• Adding some olive oil to the meat mix will make the patties juicier and more tender.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the patties and the type of air fryer.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked through.
• You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions