Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Patty, Crispy Feast!

Cooking frozen breaded chicken patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, crispy result. It's also a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and number of patties, but generally, it should take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Preheat settings

Preheat Temperature

It is recommended to set your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking frozen breaded chicken patties. Most sources suggest preheating to 400 degrees, but some recommend 350 degrees, especially when reheating chicken patties. This lower temperature is also suggested for the initial preheat when cooking, with the temperature then being raised to 400 degrees for the cooking process.

Preheat Time

The preheat time for your air fryer will depend on the model and its specific features. Some air fryers have a preheat setting or function that you can select, which will automatically handle the preheating process for you. If your air fryer does not have this feature, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes before adding the chicken patties. A preheat time of around 3 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit is suggested by one source.

Air Fryer Settings

When preheating and cooking, ensure that you select the correct setting on your air fryer. If you have options such as air fry and bake, it is recommended to choose the air fry setting. This setting will ensure that hot air circulates around the food in a 360-degree motion, creating the desired crispiness. Using the "bake" setting may result in less even cooking and a soggier texture.

Placement of Chicken Patties

When placing the frozen chicken patties into the air fryer, ensure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow for even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven results. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Flipping the Patties

To ensure even cooking and browning, it is important to flip the chicken patties halfway through the cooking process. Most sources recommend cooking the patties for a total of 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them once at the halfway point. This will help achieve the desired crispiness on both sides of the patties.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the best results when cooking frozen breaded chicken patties. By following the recommended preheat settings and cooking instructions, you can ensure that your chicken patties are cooked evenly, with a juicy interior and golden brown crispy exterior.

Cooking time

The cooking time for air fryer frozen breaded chicken patties varies depending on the size and thickness of the patties, the desired level of crispiness, and the specific model of the air fryer being used. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer, but this time can be adjusted for a more or less crispy texture. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the patties, and to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Most recipes suggest flipping the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. The ideal temperature setting for cooking frozen chicken patties in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. For a crispier texture, the patties can be cooked for an additional minute or two. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the patties while they cook.

To ensure food safety, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken patties. Even if they are pre-cooked, the patties should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safe consumption. Additionally, it is best to let the cooked chicken patties rest for 4-5 minutes after the cooking time is completed to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

Some recipes suggest brushing the air fryer basket and the patties with a small amount of oil before cooking to promote even browning and crispiness. However, others claim that this step is not necessary, as the patties will not stick to the basket. It is also important to note that frozen chicken patties should be cooked straight from frozen for the best results, as defrosting them beforehand can affect the texture and cooking time.

Flipping halfway through

Flipping your frozen breaded chicken patties halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure your patties cook evenly on both sides. Depending on the number of patties you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are laid out in a single layer, with enough space between them.

Most recipes recommend flipping the patties at the halfway point, which is around 6 to 8 minutes, if you are cooking for 12 to 15 minutes in total. This will ensure both sides of the patty are crispy and golden brown.

If you are cooking for a shorter time, such as 7 to 9 minutes, you will also want to flip the patties halfway through, at around the 3- to 4-minute mark. This will ensure the patties heat through evenly and you avoid any sogginess.

Flipping your chicken patties is a simple but crucial step to achieving the perfect, crispy air-fried chicken patty.

Internal temperature

Achieving the right internal temperature is crucial when cooking frozen breaded chicken patties in an air fryer to ensure they are cooked safely and to your desired taste.

Most sources recommend cooking the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This can be measured using a meat thermometer. This temperature is considered safe to eat and will result in tender, juicy chicken.

The time it takes to reach this internal temperature will depend on several factors, including the number of patties being cooked, the brand of air fryer, and the starting temperature of the patties. It is recommended to cook the patties for 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through, to ensure even cooking.

For a foolproof method, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes before adding the patties in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, you can cook the patties for an additional 1-2 minutes for a crispier texture.

It is worth noting that since the chicken patties are pre-cooked, the internal temperature goal is lower than that of raw chicken, which needs to be cooked to 165°F.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve frozen breaded chicken patties cooked in an air fryer. You can serve them as a main course or with dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard. You can also serve them as chicken sandwiches, wraps, or slice them up to top salads. For an easy, kid-approved meal, serve them with frozen crinkle-cut fries, or air fryer frozen cauliflower veggie tots. If you're making a bunch for a neighbourhood BBQ, you can also serve them with air fryer spicy zucchini and instant pot frozen corn on the cob.

Frequently asked questions