Air-Fryer Chicken Patty Perfection: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Chicken patties are a quick and easy meal to make, especially when using an air fryer. This is a simple guide on how to make chicken patties using the NuWave Air Fryer. The NuWave Air Fryer is a top air fryer that is high-tech, easy to operate, and can cook almost anything. It is also a healthier option as it requires little to no oil.

Chicken patty preparation

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need frozen chicken patties, which you can find at most grocery stores. These patties are typically made with ground chicken, shaped into a patty, breaded, cooked, and then frozen. You can also make your own chicken patties from scratch if you prefer.

Once you have your patties, it's time to start cooking. Preheat your NuWave Air Fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken patties by taking them out of the freezer and letting them thaw slightly. You can also season them with your desired spices, such as salt and pepper, or a dry ranch dressing mix.

After the air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook the patties. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer for 8-10 minutes. Check on the patties at the 8-minute mark to ensure they are not overcooking. You are looking for a crispy outside layer.

Once the patties are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately. You can serve them as-is or use them to make chicken burgers by placing them on hamburger buns with your desired toppings and sauces.

Some tips for cooking chicken patties in the NuWave Air Fryer:

• You can cook the patties from frozen, there is no need to defrost them first.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will reduce airflow and affect the crispiness of the patties.
• Always check the temperature and time settings early, as different air fryer brands may have different calibrations.
• If you want to melt cheese on top of your patty, turn off the air fryer, place a slice of cheese on the patty, close the drawer, and let it sit for 30-60 seconds.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer basket with a silicone liner or parchment paper.

Air fryer setup

To set up your NuWave Air Fryer, start by cleaning the air fryer basket, base tray, and other accessories with mild dish soap and warm water. Then, wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Ensure you do not immerse any parts of the air fryer in water.

Next, place your air fryer on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface in your kitchen. Put the tray and the air fryer basket inside the air fryer, and plug it into the nearest power socket.

If you're cooking fries, chicken tenders, or similar foods, you'll need to preheat your air fryer. Press the preheat button, set the temperature and time, and then press the start/pause button. Your air fryer will beep and display "Ready" when it's done preheating.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Place your food in the air fryer basket, ensuring you don't overload it. Use the touchscreen to adjust the temperature and time according to your recipe. Then, press the start/pause button to begin cooking.

Cooking temperature and time

When cooking chicken patties in a NuWave air fryer, the temperature and time settings are crucial to achieving the desired level of crispiness and doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you get the best results:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Before placing your chicken patties in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, allowing for even and efficient cooking. The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your NuWave Air Fryer, but it typically takes around 3 to 5 minutes. During this step, you can set your air fryer to a default temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit or adjust it according to your specific recipe.

Cooking Temperature:

The ideal cooking temperature for chicken patties in the NuWave air fryer is between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). This temperature range will ensure that your chicken patties cook thoroughly without drying out. However, it's important to note that the exact temperature may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe you are following.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for chicken patties in the NuWave air fryer can range from 7 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your chicken patties during the cooking process to prevent overcooking. Always check the doneness of your patties at the 7-minute mark, as they can quickly go from crispy to overcooked. If you are cooking frozen chicken patties, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 8 to 10 minutes.

Adjustments for Multiple Batches:

If you are cooking multiple batches of chicken patties, you should reduce the cooking time for the second and subsequent batches. Since the air fryer is already preheated and toasty, start with a cooking time of 6 to 7 minutes for the second batch and adjust as needed. This will help prevent overcooking and ensure consistent results across all batches.

Achieving a Crispier Texture:

If you prefer your chicken patties to have a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time by 1 to 3 minutes. Cooking your patties at a higher temperature, such as 390 degrees Fahrenheit, will also contribute to a crispier exterior. However, it is important to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking.

Reheating Chicken Patties:

To reheat chicken patties in the NuWave air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the patties in the air fryer and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed. This method is far superior to reheating in a microwave, as it maintains the crispy texture of the breading.

Cooking and serving

To cook chicken patties in your NuWave Air Fryer, start by cleaning the appliance and its accessories with mild dish soap and water. Wipe the air fryer inside and out with a damp cloth, then set it on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. Place the tray and the air fryer basket inside the air fryer, and connect it to a power source.

Next, prepare your chicken patties. If you're using frozen patties, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply take them straight from the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overcrowd the basket. This will ensure optimal airflow for crispy results.

Preheat your NuWave Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). While preheating is not necessary for every recipe, it is recommended when cooking certain foods, such as chicken. Once preheated, set the temperature to 390°F and the timer for 8-10 minutes. Check on your patties at the 8-minute mark to ensure they're not overcooking. You're aiming for a crispy exterior.

When the patties are heated through and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. If you're assembling a sandwich, place the buns inside the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp them up.

Now it's time to build your sandwich! Layer your bun with the patty, sliced tomato, pickles, lettuce, and a homemade avocado sauce. To make the avocado sauce, combine a peeled avocado, half a bunch of cilantro, ½ cup of sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice in a small food processor. Add salt to taste and blend until smooth.

If you'd like to add cheese to your sandwich, there's a trick to prevent it from flying off in the air fryer. Turn off the air fryer completely, place the patty on the bun inside the air fryer, add your cheese, and close the drawer. Allow it to sit for 30-60 seconds—the residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.

Enjoy your chicken patty sandwich!

Air fryer cleaning

To make chicken patties in a NuWave air fryer, you should first ensure that your air fryer is clean and free from any residue or crumbs left behind from previous use. Wipe down both the inside and outside surfaces with a damp cloth. Do not immerse any parts of the air fryer in water as they are not dishwasher-safe.

Now, for cleaning the air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Turn off and unplug your air fryer. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning. This is an important safety precaution.

Step 2: Clean Removable Parts

Remove the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these with soap and warm water, or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Check your instruction manual to be sure.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit and the control panel to remove any food splatters or grease residue. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to remove it.

Step 4: Check the Heating Coil

Check the heating coil after each use. If there is oil or residue, let the machine cool, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or a soft dish brush.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• To keep your air fryer free from greasy food buildup, clean it after every use or every few uses.
• Cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.
• If there is baked-on grease, soak the parts in hot water and soap for 20 to 30 minutes, then remove the softened gunk with a scrub brush.
• For a stinky odor, scrub the interior with a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Never use metal utensils to remove crumbs or baked-on grease, as they can damage the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions