Air Fryer Chicken Patties

Air Fryer Chicken Patties are a fantastic homemade alternative to store-bought frozen patties. Made from ground chicken with a flavorful blend of seasonings and Parmesan, these patties come out juicy and tender with a perfectly browned exterior thanks to the air fryer. They make a delicious base for classic chicken sandwiches or can be sliced up for salads or wraps.

I made these for the first time when I was craving a chicken burger but wanted to keep things simple and fresh. Now they are a go-to dinner in our house and everyone loves how flavorful they are without extra fuss.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: choose fresh, lean ground chicken for best texture and moisture
• Italian breadcrumbs: bring extra seasoning and a bit of texture; regular or panko also work
• Grated Parmesan cheese: imparts savory umami notes; freshly grated is best but pre-grated works fine
• Mayonnaise: essential for moisture, do not skip this or patties may turn dry
• Dijon mustard: adds gentle tanginess; omit if you don't like mustard but avoid substituting yellow mustard
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika: classic seasoning blend for balanced flavor
• Chicken bouillon powder: boosts chicken flavor and seasoning depth; available in spice aisle or online
• Salt and black pepper: seasoning basics for taste
• Olive oil: to lightly oil air fryer basket and brush patties for a crispy surface
• Optional for serving: burger buns, lettuce, tomato slices, garlic aioli or mayonnaise for topping

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Not applicable for this recipe but using the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika as a trifecta helps mimic sautéed aromatics for rich flavor throughout the patties. Just mix the powders into the ground chicken mixture.

Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

Combine ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should feel slightly sticky and moist. Avoid over-mixing to keep patties tender.

Form the Patties:

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll each into a tight ball. Flatten each ball into a patty shape slightly larger than your burger buns because the patties will shrink a bit during cooking. Round the edges with your hands for a neat uniform look. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them set and hold shape during cooking.

Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step also helps create that golden crisp exterior on the patties.

Cook the Patties:

Place the chilled patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Brush the tops of the patties with olive oil. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip each patty carefully and brush the other side with olive oil. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety. After cooking, let the patties rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute juices.

Assemble and Serve:

Enjoy the chicken patties plain or build a sandwich by layering lettuce, a chicken patty, a slice of tomato, and a spread of garlic aioli or mayonnaise on your favorite burger bun. Serve immediately while warm with your choice of sides like fries or tater tots.

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Parmesan cheese is my favorite secret ingredient here because it adds depth without overpowering the chicken. The first time I tested these patties, adding Parmesan made the texture smoother and the flavor much richer.

Storage tips

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain texture, reheat them separately from any sandwich buns; the air fryer is perfect for reheating because it keeps the exterior crisp. You can also freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper and thaw before cooking.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground turkey or ground pork can replace the chicken with similar results. Regular or panko breadcrumbs work if Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are not available. If you do not have chicken bouillon powder, a pinch of poultry seasoning or chicken broth concentrate can also add flavor. Omit the Dijon mustard if needed but skip swapping with yellow mustard as the flavor differs.

Serving suggestions

These patties pair wonderfully with classic hamburger sides like French fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad. For sandwiches, toppings like pickles, sautéed peppers, or onions and condiments such as ranch or spicy mayo bring extra excitement; try adding a slice of cheese for a melty twist.

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Quick to make and full of flavor, these air fryer chicken patties are ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve warm and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What ingredients add moisture to the patties?

Mayonnaise is used in the mix to keep the chicken patties moist and tender during cooking.

→ Can these patties be frozen before cooking?

Yes, formed patties can be frozen for up to a month with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

→ How do I achieve a crunchy exterior on these patties?

Dipping the patties in egg and coating with breadcrumbs before air frying adds a crunchy coating.

→ What is the recommended cooking temperature and time?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook patties for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with olive oil.

→ What toppings work well with these chicken patties?

Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.

→ Can other ground meats be used instead of chicken?

Ground turkey or pork can be substituted as they cook similarly and maintain a lean, moist texture.