Air-Fryer Chicken Patty: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken patties are a great, quick meal option for the whole family. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and are easy to cook in an air fryer. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make delicious, juicy, and tender chicken patties in an air fryer. We will also provide some tips and tricks to ensure your patties turn out perfectly every time.

Choosing your chicken patty

The first step to making chicken patties in an air fryer is to decide whether you want to make your own patties from scratch or use frozen, store-bought patties. Both options are viable, but making your own allows you to choose the ingredients, control the amount of sodium, and avoid using a lot of oil.

If you decide to make your own chicken patties, you will need the following ingredients: ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and dried spices such as basil, parsley, paprika, or coriander.

When selecting your ground chicken, opt for one with some fat content to keep the patties moist and juicy. Lean ground chicken (95/5) or 7% fat ground chicken are good options. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as substitutes.

For the bread crumbs, plain or Panko breadcrumbs will work. If you use seasoned breadcrumbs, adjust the amount of salt in your recipe accordingly.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, combine them in a large bowl and mix well. Then, form the mixture into patties. Most recipes recommend making the patties about 1 inch thick, as they will plump up during cooking. Brush each patty with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.

If you prefer a breaded chicken patty, you can coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese before cooking. This will give them an extra crispy texture.

If you opt for store-bought frozen chicken patties, you can find them at your local grocery store or from brands like Tyson or Morningstar. These patties are typically precooked and just need to be warmed up in the air fryer.

Preparing the chicken mixture

To prepare the chicken mixture, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground chicken (or turkey)
• Olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• Egg
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Dried basil or parsley
• Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• Worcestershire sauce

Some recipes also include coriander, smoked paprika, and vegetable/rapeseed oil.

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and any other dried spices. You can also add a little grated onion to the mix for added texture, moisture, and flavour. Mix everything well with a fork until it is fully combined and consistent.

If you have time, cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more (up to 24 hours). This will help the patties hold their shape and absorb more flavour.

After mixing and optional refrigeration, divide the mixture into 4-7 even-sized pieces, depending on how many patties you want to make and how thick you want them to be. Roll them into balls, and then flatten them into patties. Brush each patty with a little olive oil.

Now you're ready to cook the patties in your air fryer!

Forming the patties

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add dried basil or parsley for extra flavour. It is recommended to use ground chicken with some fat (around 7%) to keep the patties moist and juicy.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the olive oil. Mix everything well with a fork until the mixture is consistent. You can also use your hands, but make sure they are slightly wet to prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to them. Add a little water or oil to your hands if needed.

Line a large cutting board or a baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Divide the meat mixture into 6-7 parts, depending on your preferred patty size. Form each piece into a ball and place it on the parchment paper. Then, flatten the balls to form patties. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch, as they will shrink during cooking.

Brush each patty with a small amount of olive oil. This will help create a nice crust without the need for breading. However, if you prefer a breaded patty, skip this step and coat the patties in breadcrumbs before cooking.

Now, you have successfully formed your chicken patties! Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space and are not overlapping. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes, and then follow the remaining cooking instructions.

Cooking the patties

Now that your chicken mixture is ready, it's time to cook the patties in the air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure your chicken patties turn out perfectly:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This step is important as it ensures even and faster cooking of the patties.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Take the chicken mixture and form it into equal-sized patties. You can use slightly wet hands or a spatula to shape the mixture into balls and then flatten them into patties. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Coat the base of the preheated air fryer basket with a light spray or drizzle of oil. This will prevent the patties from sticking to the basket. You can also brush the patties themselves with a small amount of oil for added crispness.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch. Close the air fryer and cook the patties for the recommended time, usually between 7 to 12 minutes, at the preheated temperature. For even cooking, flip the patties halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Check Doneness

To ensure the patties are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The patties are done when the thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the patties are not fully cooked, return them to the air fryer and cook in 1-minute intervals until they reach the desired temperature.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the patties are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier patties. Serve the patties on hamburger buns with your favourite toppings and condiments, or enjoy them as-is with a side of your choice.

Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve up these delicious, juicy chicken patties. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Burger-style

For a classic take, serve your chicken patty on a brioche bun or pretzel bun with your choice of toppings and sauces. Lettuce, tomato, and pickles are always a great choice, but you could also add fried onions, avocado slices, or pepper jack cheese. For the sauce, go with a classic like ketchup, mustard, or mayo, or switch things up with BBQ sauce, tartar sauce, or chipotle mayonnaise.

Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option, chop up the chicken patties and serve them on a bed of greens. You could also add the patties to a grain bowl for a heartier meal.

With a side

Chicken patties go well with a variety of side dishes. Try them with rice or potatoes, or steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sweet potato fries are another great option.

Dipping sauces

For an extra flavour boost, serve your chicken patty with a dipping sauce on the side. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch would all be delicious options.

In a sandwich

Chicken patties are a great option for a quick and easy sandwich. Add some lettuce and your favourite condiments, and you're good to go!

With cheese

For an extra indulgent treat, add some cheese to your chicken patty. You can stir grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella into the chicken mixture, or simply add a slice of your favourite cheese on top.

With breakfast

Chicken patties don't have to be just for lunch or dinner. Try them for breakfast with some ground chicken breakfast sausages and real maple syrup.

As a snack

These chicken patties also make a great snack, especially if you're feeding a crowd. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them with toothpicks for easy eating.

Customise the flavour

Feel free to get creative with the seasonings in this recipe. Try a garlic herb, Italian, Cajun, or taco seasoning blend to switch things up.

Make a big batch

Chicken patties are a great make-ahead option. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. So, make a double batch and enjoy them anytime you need a quick and easy meal.

Frequently asked questions