Air Fryer Chicken Patties

These Air Fryer Chicken Patties offer a juicy and flavorful homemade alternative to store bought patties, perfect for making tasty chicken sandwiches with minimal fuss. They cook quickly in the air fryer, delivering a nice golden crust while staying tender inside. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and clever techniques to keep the patties moist and satisfying every time.

I first made these patties when craving a quick dinner fix and now they are a household favorite. The ease of tossing them in the air fryer means I can have dinner prepped in no time, and everyone loves the crisp exterior with the flavorful filling.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Choose fresh, high quality ground chicken with some fat content for moisture
• Italian breadcrumbs: Adds texture and a subtle herb infused flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best but bottled Parmesan works fine and adds savory richness
• Mayonnaise: Essential for moisture, keeps patties juicy during air frying
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the flavor profile
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: Classic seasonings that build a well rounded taste
• Chicken bouillon powder: Boosts savory depth, look in your grocery store's spice aisle
• Salt and black pepper: Balance and seasoning
• Olive oil: Used to brush the patties for crisping and to prevent sticking
• Optional toppings: include lettuce, tomato, burger buns, and garlic aioli for assembly

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Mix the Patty Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is just combined and the mixture is slightly sticky but not overmixed. Overworking can lead to dense patties.

Shape the Patties:

Divide the mixture into four equal parts and roll each into a tight ball. Then flatten each ball into a round patty, making edges smooth by hand. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your burger buns since they will shrink during cooking. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes so they hold their shape better.

Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 4 to 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the Chicken Patties:

Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip the patties using a spatula. Brush the other side with olive oil and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them as they are or make sandwiches by layering lettuce, a tomato slice, the chicken patty, and garlic aioli or mayonnaise on burger buns. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

I love the blend of Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs for adding flavor without overpowering the chicken. This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone wants a quick homemade burger fix that feels special but requires minimal hands on time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge up to four days. To reheat, remove the chicken patties from sandwiches and warm them in the air fryer or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating assembled sandwiches to keep buns from getting soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or pork can be swapped for chicken though poultry tends to be leaner. Regular or panko breadcrumbs work if Italian is unavailable, add a pinch of dried herbs for flavor. If you lack chicken bouillon powder, a little chicken broth concentrate or stock can be mixed in but reduce added salt accordingly. Leaving out Dijon mustard is possible but yellow mustard will change the flavor noticeably so it is better omitted if Dijon is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

Patties can fill classic chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or garlic aioli. They are also delicious sliced over salads or tucked inside wraps with your favorite toppings. Pair with fries, tater tots, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.

These air fryer chicken patties are a quick flavorful option for weeknight meals. Serve them immediately for the best texture.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of meat works best for these patties?

Ground chicken is recommended, but you can substitute with ground turkey or pork as lean options that cook similarly.

→ How do I ensure the patties stay moist?

Mayonnaise in the mixture helps retain moisture during cooking, keeping the patties juicy and tender.

→ Can I add a crunchy coating to the patties?

Dipping the patties in egg and coating with breadcrumbs before air frying will give them a crispy exterior.

→ What is the ideal cooking temperature and time in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook patties for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave, preferably removing them from sandwiches first.

→ What toppings pair well with these patties?

Classic options include lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and sauces like garlic aioli or ranch dressing.