If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite, this Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe is an absolute game changer. These patties come together effortlessly with simple, wholesome ingredients and emerge from the air fryer perfectly juicy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or prepping for a casual lunch, these chicken patties are sure to satisfy your cravings with their balanced blend of spices and tender texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating patties that are moist, flavorful, and have just the right amount of crunch. From the juicy ground chicken to the mix of spices, everything combines to deliver a satisfying bite.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the patties tender and healthy.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together without drying them out.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Adds just enough texture and helps the patties keep their shape.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings the dish to life.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory boost that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth without overwhelming the delicate meat.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and lovely color.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just a little hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the patties moist and helps achieve that perfect crispy finish in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken with the egg, breadcrumbs, and your seasonings — salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper — all in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until it’s evenly blended. Getting a uniform mixture ensures each patty will have consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Step 2: Form Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, then shape each one into a round patty about half an inch thick. You want them to be uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. If they feel sticky, wetting your hands slightly can help you shape them without the mixture sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Lay the patties in a single layer inside the basket. It’s perfectly fine if their edges touch slightly, but avoid overcrowding. Use a small brush to coat the tops of the patties with olive oil — this will give them a golden, crispy exterior after air frying.
Step 4: Cook Patties
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the patties for 7 minutes. Then, flip each one over carefully and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. This method seals in the juices and ensures the patties are cooked perfectly without over-drying.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe
Garnishes
These chicken patties welcome simple garnishes that brighten the flavor and add freshness. Think crisp lettuce leaves, thin slices of ripe tomato, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Adding a dollop of your favorite sauce like a honey mustard or tzatziki can really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
The best side dishes complement the savory, tender patties without overshadowing them. Consider something light and colorful like a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even some sweet potato fries. A side of steamed green beans or a warm quinoa salad works beautifully for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get adventurous by serving these patties in different ways. Slide them into a toasted bun to recreate a juicy chicken burger, or crumble the patties over a mixed greens bowl for a satisfying protein boost. They’re also fantastic as the main protein in pita pockets with tzatziki and cucumber slices for a Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes the Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe perfect for quick lunches or snacks later in the week. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked patties. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen chicken patties in the air fryer for the best crispiness — just 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F should do the trick. Alternatively, warming them in an oven or skillet works well, but the air fryer method returns them closest to their freshly cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the spices in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can sometimes dry out more quickly, so adjust as needed.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating your air fryer helps ensure the patties cook evenly and get that perfect crispy outside. It’s a quick step that makes a noticeable difference in texture.
How do I know when the chicken patties are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The patties should be firm to the touch with no pink inside.
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers without altering any other ingredients.
What if I don’t have olive oil spray?
No problem at all. You can lightly brush olive oil onto the air fryer basket and the patties instead. Just be sure not to use too much to avoid excess oiliness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe. It’s simple, wholesome, and delivers deliciously every single time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, these patties are a fantastic way to enjoy juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken without fuss. Give it a try and see how easily this recipe becomes one of your favorites to whip up again and again!
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Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Patties recipe that yields tender, flavorful patties with a perfectly crispy exterior. These patties are easy to prepare and cook in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal or a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Patty Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (450g)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (30g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equally sized round patties, each about ½-inch thick and approximately 133 grams in weight.
- Prepare the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the basket in a single layer, allowing edges to slightly touch if necessary. Brush the tops of the patties with olive oil to promote browning.
- Cook patties: Air fry the patties at 400°F (204°C) for 7 minutes. Carefully flip each patty and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- These patties can be served in buns as chicken burgers or on salads for a lighter meal.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American