Air-Frying Chicken Patties: The Perfect Timing Guide

Chicken patties are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and are a great option for a weeknight dinner or a fun sandwich. The cooking time for chicken patties in an air fryer depends on various factors, such as the thickness of the patties, the temperature, and the type of air fryer being used. In general, chicken patties take around 10-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but they may need additional time if cooked from frozen or if you are using a meat thermometer.

Cooking Chicken Patties in an Air Fryer

Cooking time for frozen vs. homemade patties

The cooking time for chicken patties in an air fryer depends on whether they are frozen or homemade. Frozen chicken patties are typically pre-cooked, so they only need to be warmed up in the air fryer. On the other hand, homemade chicken patties are made from raw ground chicken and need to be cooked thoroughly.

For frozen chicken patties, the cooking time can range from 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the patties, and the desired level of crispiness. Some sources recommend cooking frozen patties at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Others suggest cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 to 18 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're short on time, you can cook frozen patties at a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that frozen chicken patties should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with enough space between them for air to circulate. This may require cooking in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

For homemade chicken patties, the cooking time is generally shorter than for frozen patties. Most sources recommend air frying homemade patties at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, some sources suggest increasing the cooking time to 11 or 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.

Like frozen patties, homemade patties should be cooked in a single layer, and you may need to cook in batches. It's also recommended to let the raw chicken mixture rest in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before forming the patties and cooking them, as this helps the meat firm up and hold its shape better during cooking.

Reheating chicken patties

To reheat frozen chicken patties in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook the patties for 16-18 minutes. Make sure to flip the patties halfway through the cooking time.

For refrigerated leftover chicken patties, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes. Again, remember to flip the patties halfway through.

If you are in a hurry, you can reheat chicken patties in the microwave in 30-second increments until they are heated through. However, reheating chicken patties in an air fryer will ensure that the breading stays crispy, which might not be the case with a microwave.

Some sources suggest that the ideal temperature for cooking chicken patties in an air fryer is 400°F. At this temperature, the patties should be cooked for 7-9 minutes if frozen and 2-3 minutes if refrigerated.

Ideal temperature for cooking chicken patties

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken patties in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken patty and whether it is frozen or not. For frozen chicken patties, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the patties for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Some sources suggest cooking frozen chicken patties at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 13 minutes.

For homemade chicken patties, the air fryer should be set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid drying them out. If the internal temperature has not been reached, the patties should be cooked for a few more minutes until they are done.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the size of the patties. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties.

Additionally, when reheating chicken patties in the air fryer, it is suggested to cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes until they are thoroughly heated.

How to make chicken patties from scratch

Chicken patties are a great, quick meal option that can be made from scratch and cooked in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken patties from scratch:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients: lean ground chicken, plain breadcrumbs, milk, an egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings (such as salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, and black pepper), and cooking oil.

Preparation

Start by mixing the ground chicken with the seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, and egg in a bowl. Form the mixture into balls, then press them into patties. For a more uniform shape, cover and refrigerate the chicken mixture for 30 minutes before shaping it into patties. You can also make the patties about 3/4-inch thick and place them on a baking sheet if you prefer a thicker patty. Keep in mind that thicker patties will take longer to cook.

Cooking

Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken patties inside in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping them halfway through. Ensure the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, add a few more minutes and check again.

Serving

Chicken patties are versatile and can be served in various ways. You can serve them on a hamburger bun with a smear of mayo, a slice of cheese, and your favourite toppings. You can also add sauces like lemon aioli, avocado ranch, or hot sauce. For a heartier meal, serve the patties as the main protein with mashed potatoes and a fresh salad.

Storage

Cooked chicken patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, the air fryer is the preferred method to maintain a crispy texture. Reheat at 350°F for about 4 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.

How to assemble chicken patties

To assemble chicken patties, you'll first need to decide whether you want to use cooked or raw chicken. If you're using cooked chicken, you can shred the meat and mix it with a simple batter of eggs, mayonnaise, flour, dill, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and mozzarella cheese. If you're using raw chicken, you can either dice or grind the meat. Ground chicken can be mixed with seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and formed into patties. You can also try a cornflake crust by coating the patties in crushed cornflakes.

Once you've formed your patties, it's time to cook them. If you're frying, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch into a large skillet or Dutch oven and fry the patties until they're cooked through. If you're baking, spray both sides of the patties with olive oil and place them on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Bake at a high temperature until they're browned and cooked through.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350–400°F (177–200°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Finally, it's time to assemble your chicken patty sandwiches. Place a patty on the bottom half of a hamburger bun and add your desired toppings and condiments, such as fried onion, lettuce, pickles, or mayo. You can also try melting cheese on your patty by turning off the air fryer, placing a slice of cheese on top, and letting it sit for 30–60 seconds. Then, cover it with the top half of the bun and enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken patty sandwich!

Frequently asked questions