Air-Fryer Chicken Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken patties are a quick, delicious, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. This guide will cover how to make chicken patties from scratch, as well as how to cook store-bought frozen chicken patties in an air fryer.

Chicken patty ingredients and preparation

Chicken patties are a great, quick meal option that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and cooking time. The patties can be made from scratch or store-bought frozen ones can be cooked in the air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on the ingredients and preparation for both methods.

Ingredients for Chicken Patty Mixture:

• Ground chicken
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Pepper
• Other dried spices of your choice

Preparation of Chicken Patty Mixture:

• In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, olive oil, and all the seasonings.
• Mix everything well with a fork until the mixture is consistent. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the patties.
• If the mixture sticks to your hands while forming the patties, dip your hands in water or use food-grade disposable gloves.
• Divide the mixture into 6-7 parts and form balls with your hands.
• Place each ball on a piece of parchment paper and flatten them into patties.
• The patties should be about 1 inch thick, as they will plump up during cooking.
• Brush each patty with olive oil to make them juicier and more tender.
• If you have time, cover and refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to 24 hours. This step enhances the flavour and helps the patties hold their shape better during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space and are not overlapping.
• Air fry at 375-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• The internal temperature of the patties should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are cooked properly. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Let the cooked patties rest for 4-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier bites.

Store-Bought Frozen Chicken Patties:

If you are using store-bought frozen chicken patties, the preparation and cooking process is even simpler:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer in a single layer.
• Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are warmed through and golden brown.
• You can add buns inside the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp them up if desired.
• Serve the chicken patties on the buns with your choice of toppings and condiments.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

When cooking chicken patties in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance to ensure the patties cook evenly. Sources recommend preheating to temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking frozen chicken patties, place them in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can add buns inside the air fryer for the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking to crisp them up. The cooking time for frozen chicken patties can be as long as 15 minutes, and you should always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached the required temperature.

If you are cooking homemade chicken patties, form the mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer basket. Then, use a spatula to press them into patties. Brush the patties with oil and air fry for around 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through. The patties should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are reheating chicken patties in the air fryer, cook for 2 to 3 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to melt cheese on chicken patties

To cook chicken patties in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer, and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Now, to melt cheese on chicken patties, there is a trick you can use to avoid the cheese blowing off or disappearing. Place the chicken patty on a bun, if using, and place it in the air fryer. Turn the air fryer off and put a slice of cheese on the patty. Close the air fryer and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. The cheese will melt from the residual heat, and you can avoid the mess!

You can also melt cheese on chicken patties by giving the cheese a quick blast in the microwave before placing it on the patty and then into the air fryer. It is recommended to use real cheese, such as Parmesan or Provolone, instead of processed cheese slices.

If you are making chicken patties from scratch, form the ground chicken mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer basket. Brush with oil and use a spatula to press them into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick patties. Air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your cheesy chicken patties!

Chicken patty reheating instructions

To reheat chicken patties in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the chicken patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and have space to breathe. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If you are reheating frozen chicken patties, increase the cooking time to 16-18 minutes.

It is important to note that chicken patties are usually pre-cooked, so you are simply warming them up. You do not need to worry about reaching a specific internal temperature, as you would when cooking raw chicken.

Reheating chicken patties in an air fryer yields better results than using a microwave, as the breading stays crispy, and the patties taste freshly cooked.

For best results, allow the patties to rest for a few minutes after reheating, so that the juices can redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

Chicken patty serving suggestions

Chicken patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried chicken patties:

Traditional Sides

For a classic, comforting meal, serve your chicken patties with mashed potatoes. The fluffy and creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the crispy exterior of the air-fried chicken patties. Alternatively, opt for a simple side of white or brown rice to provide a neutral counterpoint to the seasoned chicken.

Creative Pairings

If you're feeling adventurous, try serving your chicken patties with quinoa salad or steamed broccoli. These sides add a nutritious balance to the meal while complementing the flavours of the chicken. For a quick and creative option, you can also make chicken patty nachos.

Salads

Chicken patties go well with a variety of salads. Try an asparagus salad, a creamy cucumber salad, or a cauliflower potato salad. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken patties.

Sandwiches

Create a satisfying sandwich by placing the chicken patty between burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice. You can also add cheese to your sandwich by following a simple trick: turn off the air fryer after cooking the patty, add a slice of cheese, close the air fryer, and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.

Dipping Sauces

Enhance the flavour of your chicken patties with tangy sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo. For a rich flavour profile, serve your patties with a side of marinara or barbecue sauce for dipping.

Spices and Toppings

Boost the taste of plain chicken patties by incorporating spices like smoked paprika or Italian herbs. Adding a slice of cheese, caramelised onions, or a zesty marinade of olive oil and lemon juice can also elevate the flavour of your patties.

Frequently asked questions