Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen chicken patties, and it only takes a few minutes! You can use any type of chicken patty or burger, and you can also make it with turkey patties. Breaded or not, the air fryer will give you a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. It's also quicker and less greasy than other cooking methods.

To cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Brush or spray the patties with a little bit of oil for extra crispiness. Air fry for 10 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you want to add cheese, do so in the last minute or two of cooking so it has a chance to melt.

You can serve air-fried chicken patties as they are or use them to make burgers, salads, or chicken strips. They're a versatile and convenient option for a quick and easy meal.

Cooking spray and oil

If you want to use cooking spray or oil, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer first. Then, spray or brush the basket with a little oil, before placing the frozen chicken patties inside and spraying or brushing them with oil as well. This will help to give the patties a crispy texture and a deep-fried flavour, without the extra calories.

You can use any type of cooking spray or oil you like. Avocado oil, olive oil, or neutral cooking oil are all good options. You can also use cooking spray with a special food-grade spray bottle to get an even coating.

When cooking with oil, brush the basket and patties with a little bit of oil, making sure there is enough room for the air to circulate around them. You don't need to use a lot of oil, just a thin layer will do.

If you are not using oil, make sure to cook the patties in a single layer and leave some space between them for the air to circulate.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food will cook evenly and that the bottom of your food will brown properly. While some recipes may not require preheating, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer, especially when cooking breaded foods or foods that need a good sear, such as steaks or burgers.

To preheat your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Set the desired cooking temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the recipe.
• Leave the basket inside the air fryer so that it also gets heated.
• Press the start or preheat button and wait for the air fryer to reach the set temperature. This should take around two to five minutes for most air fryers, but larger models may take longer.
• Once the air fryer has preheated, you can place your food in the basket and start cooking.

It is important to note that not all air fryers require preheating. Some models may have a preheat function built-in, while others may heat up very quickly, so preheating is not necessary. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, if you are cooking delicate foods such as shrimp or tomatoes, or foods that require a long cooking time, like a whole chicken or a baked potato, you may not need to preheat your air fryer.

Don't defrost the chicken patties

Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. If your patties are frozen together, air fry them for a few minutes first so they can be separated, and then spread them out.

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the patties, as well as the air fryer model. It can range from 7 to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure maximum crispiness.

To check if the patties are done, use a meat thermometer. Even if they are pre-cooked, they should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73°C) for safe consumption.

Once the patties are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, resulting in a juicier bite.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

One of the most important rules when air frying food is not to overcrowd the basket. While it may be tempting to stack or squish food together to cook a large batch of food all at once, this will likely lead to disappointing results. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will cause your food to be half-burnt and undercooked.

Air fryers rely on convection to get food crisp, and this requires proper space and airflow. By overcrowding the basket, you restrict the airflow, and your food will be steamed instead of crisped. The only exception to this is when cooking certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli, which can be stacked and loaded without affecting the cooking process.

To ensure your food cooks evenly, it's best to cook in batches. Air fryer cooking is generally faster than roasting or frying, so don't stress about cooking everything at once. Cooking in smaller batches will allow for better airflow and faster, better results.

If you are making several large batches, consider investing in a larger air fryer. As a rule of thumb, never fill your air fryer more than halfway full.

Reheating and storing

Reheating Chicken Patties

Reheating chicken patties in an air fryer is a far better option than using a microwave, as the breading remains crispy and the patties taste freshly cooked. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the chicken patties inside for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Storing Chicken Patties

Chicken patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It is not recommended to freeze chicken patties after cooking, as this can affect the quality of the food.

Reheating Other Foods in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are great for reheating a variety of foods, including steak, chicken wings, tenders, fries, pizza, and burgers. They can also be used for reheating ribs, but a lower temperature of 350°F is recommended to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Frequently asked questions