Air-Fryer Chicken Burger: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken burgers are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They are healthy, tasty, and can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook juicy and tender chicken burgers with minimal effort. The cooking time for chicken burgers in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the thickness of the patties, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes.

Chicken patty ingredients and prep

Chicken patties are a great alternative to chicken nuggets and are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. You can also use raw ground chicken, but the prep will be slightly different.

Chicken Patty Ingredients

If you're using raw ground chicken, you will need:

• Ground chicken
• Onion
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Flour
• Oil, for frying

If you're using cooked chicken, you will need:

• Cooked chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Cayenne pepper
• Olive oil, for frying

Chicken Patty Prep

For Raw Ground Chicken

• Combine the chicken, onion, parsley, egg, garlic, sea salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
• Add mayonnaise and stir to combine. The mixture will be quite soft.
• Place flour in a shallow bowl.
• Drop large spoonfuls of the chicken mixture into the flour. Roll to coat and gently press into patties.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken patties in the hot oil until golden brown and no longer pink in the centre, 5 to 7 minutes per side.

For Cooked Chicken

• Mix the cooked and cubed chicken breast with eggs, mayonnaise, and spices in a food processor.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot olive oil.
• Gently flatten them with the back of a spoon.
• Fry the patties on both sides until golden and crispy.

You can also bake these patties instead of frying them. Simply scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten and shape them, and then spray them with olive oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes per side in a 400°F oven, spraying them again after flipping them.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken burgers as they lock in moisture, creating a juicy patty with a nice crust. They are also a healthier alternative to traditional burgers.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and the size of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking the burgers for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking for a total of 8 minutes, flipping the burgers after 4 minutes and increasing the temperature to 400°F for the second half of the cooking time.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the burgers from cooking evenly. You may need to cook the burgers in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken burgers in the air fryer is around 360-380°F. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the patties. The burgers are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

You can also toast the burger buns in the air fryer! Brush the buns with butter or spread with mayonnaise, then place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 340°F until golden.

Chicken patty texture and moisture tips

Creating juicy chicken patties with a tender texture is an art, but there are some tips you can follow to ensure your chicken burgers remain moist and don't dry out.

Firstly, it's important not to overwork the meat. Over-mixing the chicken patty mixture will result in a tough texture. Simply combine the ingredients gently with your hands until the mixture comes together. Don't use a food processor as this will release too much moisture from the other ingredients, such as onions, and make the patties too wet.

To ensure your patties remain moist, you can add moisture through other ingredients. Grated onion is a great way to add liquid to the mixture, and also helps to keep the patties juicy during cooking. You can also brine the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt before cooking, which will result in a tender and juicy texture. Adding an egg to the mixture will give the patties a texture similar to meatballs, but be sure not to overdo it.

When it comes to cooking, the air fryer is a great way to lock in moisture and create a nice crust on the patty. Preheat your air fryer to around 360-380°F and cook the patties for around 4-6 minutes at this temperature, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Don't overcook them!

Finally, let the patties rest after cooking and before serving. This will help retain the juices and ensure a moist, tender bite.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, juicy chicken patties with a perfect texture.

Chicken patty doneness tests

There are several ways to test if your chicken patty is cooked:

• Twisting the bone – if cooking a whole chicken, grab the end of the drumstick and twist it slightly. If the meat is done, the bone should twist easily at the knee.
• Checking the juices – pierce the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. If they are pink, it needs to be cooked longer.
• Feeling the meat – touch the meat to check it is firm and no longer pink.
• Using a thermometer – this is the most accurate method. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. A chicken patty is cooked when it reaches a temperature of at least 165°F/74°C.

It's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the patty, as well as the temperature of your air fryer. Always check that your chicken is cooked before serving.

Bun toasting in the air fryer

Toasting your burger buns in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a little extra crunch to your chicken burger.

First, spread a thin coating of mayonnaise or soft butter on the cut side of your buns. You can also brush on a bit of melted butter or olive oil.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 340°F. Place the buns inside the air fryer, making sure they don't overlap, with the coated side facing up. Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the buns turn golden.

If you have more buns than will fit in a single layer, simply repeat the process for the remaining buns.

Now your buns are ready to be topped with your juicy air-fried chicken patty, sliced tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and your choice of sauce!

Frequently asked questions