Air Frying Frozen Chicken Patties: How Long Does It Take?

Chicken patties are a versatile frozen food that can be used for a variety of meals, from burgers to snacks. Cooking frozen chicken patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them, taking as little as 7 minutes or up to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the patties and the model of the air fryer. This method results in a juicy interior and a golden, crispy exterior.

How to cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken patties
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F and leave it to heat up for around 5 minutes. You can skip this preheating step if you're in a hurry, but be aware that it will increase the overall cooking time.

Next, brush the air fryer basket with a little oil or cooking spray. This step is also optional, but it will help to ensure your chicken patties don't stick to the basket.

Now it's time to add the frozen chicken patties. Place them in a single layer, making sure they're not touching and that there's enough space for the air to circulate. If your patties are frozen together, that's not a problem—just air fry them as they are for a few minutes first, so they thaw enough for you to separate them, then spread them out and continue cooking.

Close the air fryer and cook the patties for 10-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your patties, as well as the model of your air fryer, so you might need to adjust this time. The best way to check if your patties are done is to use a meat thermometer—even if they're pre-cooked, the minimum safe consumption temperature is 165°F.

Once your patties are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as they are, or add them to a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• Don't defrost the chicken patties before cooking—it's quicker and easier to cook them straight from frozen, and you'll get a better result.
• If you want to add cheese to your patties, place the cheese on top as soon as they come out of the air fryer and let it melt from the residual heat—this way, it won't fly off!
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 5-6 minutes.

How long to cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer

Cooking frozen chicken patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy chicken burger on the table in under 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350°F and 400°F for around 5 minutes. However, some suggest that you can skip this step if you are in a hurry, as the air fryer will still work; it may just increase the cooking time slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Patties

Place the frozen chicken patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is enough space for the air to circulate. If your patties are frozen together, air fry them for a few minutes first so that you can separate them before continuing.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Patties

Cooking times vary depending on the size and thickness of the patties and the type of air fryer, but on average, chicken patties will take between 10 and 15 minutes to cook. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

The internal temperature of the chicken patties should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check that they are done. If not, return to the air fryer and cook for a few minutes more.

Step 4: Serve the Chicken Patties

Once the chicken patties are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be served in a burger bun with your favourite toppings and condiments, or with a side dish such as fries or salad.

Tips:

• Brush the air fryer basket and patties with a little oil before cooking to prevent sticking and improve crispness.
• Don't defrost the chicken patties before cooking; they will have a better texture if cooked from frozen.
• Different brands of air fryer may vary in cooking time, so keep an eye on the patties while they cook.
• For extra crispy patties, add an additional minute or two to the cooking time.
• If you are making a large batch, cook the patties in batches so as not to overcrowd the air fryer.
• Always let the meat rest for 4-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

How to reheat frozen chicken patties in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken patties
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Utensils:

Air fryer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the frozen chicken patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the patties for the air to circulate.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
• Optional: If you want your chicken patties extra crispy, cook for an additional minute or two.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips:

• You don't need to defrost the chicken patties before cooking.
• If your patties are frozen together, air fry them for a few minutes first so they can be separated, then continue with the steps above.
• If you're in a hurry, you can skip preheating the air fryer, but this may increase the cooking time.
• For food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the patties has reached 165°F.

Serving Suggestions:

• Chicken burgers: Serve the patties in hamburger buns with your favorite toppings and condiments, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauces like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
• Sides: Serve with a simple side like chips, or get creative with sides like air fryer fingerling potatoes or 5-minute blue cheese sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy chicken patties!

What temperature to cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer

Cooking Frozen Chicken Patties in an Air Fryer

To cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Brush the basket and patties with a little oil, or opt for a no-oil method. Air fry for 7-15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the patties, so adjust accordingly.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the patties has reached at least 165°F (73°C) for safe consumption.

Once cooked, remove the patties from the air fryer and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

To reheat frozen chicken patties in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C). Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 3-6 minutes until warmed through.

Top Tips

• Don't defrost the chicken patties before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the patties for the air to circulate.
• If your patties are frozen together, air fry them for a few minutes first to thaw, then separate and continue cooking.
• Always let the cooked chicken rest for 4-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

How to make frozen chicken patties from scratch

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 inside, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook for 7 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can then melt cheese on top by turning off the air fryer, placing a slice of cheese on each patty, closing the drawer, and letting the residual heat melt the cheese.

Now, to make frozen chicken patties from scratch, you'll need to start with some raw chicken. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Raw chicken breasts or thighs
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Flour
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder)
• Oil for frying

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the raw chicken into small pieces. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Remove any bones and skin, and trim away any excess fat.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture

Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is ground up. You can also use a sharp knife to chop the chicken by hand. Transfer the ground chicken to a large bowl.

Add your desired spices and seasonings to the bowl. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you like. You can also add in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables if you like. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Take a small amount of the chicken mixture and form it into a patty shape, about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the chicken mixture. You can make the patties bigger or smaller, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Bread the Patties

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour. In the second bowl, whisk together some eggs. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs.

Take each chicken patty and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it evenly at each step. Place the breaded patties on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 5: Freeze the Patties

Place the breaded chicken patties in the freezer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a few hours until they are solid. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for later use.

Step 6: Cook the Patties

When you're ready to cook the frozen chicken patties, you can follow the instructions for using an air fryer, or you can fry them in a pan. For frying, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the frozen patties in the hot oil and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

And there you have it! You can now enjoy your homemade frozen chicken patties, made from scratch.

Frequently asked questions