Air Fryer Chicken patties are super simple to make! Perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously juicy inside, these are the perfect patties for burgers!
These Air Fryer chicken patties or chicken cakes are super crispy on the outside, and cheesy and tender inside. The addition of mayo to the patty filling makes it so juicy and soft! This chicken patty does not dry out, and you can make them ahead and freeze or refrigerate for later. Such a great option for a party or meal planning for the week.
Why make chicken patties in the Air Fryer
After trying out different versions of chicken patties, I’ve come to the conclusion that Air Fryer chicken patties are simply the best kind. They come out golden brown and super crispy on the outside and juicy inside – just the way I like them! Air Frying the chicken patties also ensures that the kitchen doesn’t heat up as the oven does, and the time required to cook these patties is so much lesser than in an oven.
Why this recipe works
- Perfectly done patties - golden-crisp on the outside and juicy inside
- Goes well in a burger or as a snack on its own
- A hit with kids and adults alike!
- Only 18 minutes in the Air Fryer
Ingredient List and Substitutions
To make chicken patties, you will need:
Ground chicken - I prefer to use ground chicken but you can also use shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Mayonnaise - This one ingredient is a must-have for making juicy patties!
Bread crumbs and Panko bread crumbs - Use regular bread crumbs for the filling and Panko for the breading.
Mozarella - Use shredded mozzarella
Additional seasonings - I used just salt to season, but you can also use garlic and onion powder, parsley, or even chopped up onions if you like your chicken patty well seasoned.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Patties
Start by adding all the patty ingredients, except for the Panko bread crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Mix with a fork until well combined.
Shape the filling into a patty using your palms. Wet your palms before shaping the patties - this will help prevent the filling from sticking to your palms.
In a plate, spread the panko bread crumbs. Roll the shaped patty in the bread crumbs to evenly coat them.
After you have shaped breaded all the patties, transfer to a tray lined with baking paper and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. I find this really helps to tenderize the meat. You can also freeze the patties to be used later.
In a preheated Air Fryer, place the patties in the basket, without overcrowding them. Spray cooking oil over them, or simply brush with some cooking oil. Air Fry at 350F for 15 minutes, flipping them at the 10 minutes mark. Check to see if the patties are golden brown. You can continue air frying for 3-4 minutes more to crisp up the patties if you like.
The Air Fryer chicken patty is now ready. If you are going to make a burger with it, add a slice of cheddar on the patties, and let the cheddar melt slightly on the patty inside the Air Fryer.
How do you layer a chicken burger?
Now that your Air Fryer chicken patty is ready, lets assemble the chicken burger!
- Start by toasting the burger buns lightly.
- Add mayonnaise or ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce.
- Add the patty with the melted cheddar cheese
- Add one thick slice of tomato, and one slice of onion if you like.
- Add the lettuce and top it off with the bun.
Expert Tips
Use panko breadcrumbs for the crumb coating – Panko breadcrumbs will give you that extra crispness when air-fried or baked, and seals the meat juices inside so the patty doesn’t dry out!
Mayo in the patty – Mayo gives the patty meat all that juicy tender chicken meat, and prevents the patty or chicken cake from drying out.
Ground chicken can be replaced with shredded rotisserie chicken- I have made these burgers with both rotisserie chicken and ground chicken and they both taste great.
Can be made with ground turkey too – Simply substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey meat, and follow the recipe instructions
For added texture in the patty, you can also add some chopped onion and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make a chicken burger, I like to go with sliced tomatoes, lettuce onions, cheddar cheese, pickles. My kids love ketchup and mayo in their burgers. You can also add Guacamole, sriracha, mustard or any other add-ins that you like.
Yes, you can shape the patties, bread them and freeze them in a freezer-safe container. To make them in the Air Fryer, no need to thaw, simply Air Fry from frozen directly.
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Air Fryer Chicken Patties
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Ground chicken see notes for substitutions
- ⅓ cup Bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Mayonaisse
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tsp salt to season
- ⅓ cup Mozarella shredded
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Start by adding all the patty ingredients, except for the Panko bread crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Mix with a fork until well combined.
- Shape the filling into a patty using your palms. Wet your palms before shaping the patties - this will help prevent the filling from sticking to your palms.
- In a plate, spread the panko bread crumbs. Roll the shaped patty in the bread crumbs to evenly coat them.
- After you have shaped breaded all the patties, transfer to a tray lined with baking paper and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. I find this really helps to tenderize the meat. You can also freeze the patties to be used later.
- In a preheated Air Fryer, place the patties in the basket, without overcrowding them. Spray cooking oil over them, or simply brush with some cooking oil.
- Air Fry at 350F for 15 minutes, flipping them at the 10 minutes mark. Check to see if the patties are golden brown. You can continue air frying for 3-4 minutes more to crisp up the patties if you like.
I never follow a recipe word for word but use it as a template of sorts and introduce flavors I think would go well. So I started with the ground chicken, beaten egg, mayo, bread crumbs (Italian style) and mozzarella cheese (whole milk) then I added about a cup of fresh spinach chopped up and some Calabrian chile, basil garlic spread I use for bruschetta sometimes. I wanted to add sun dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers as well but I just had left hip replacement surgery 3 days ago and was getting a bit tired. Next time!
Rolled in panko and refrigerated for 45 minutes. I sprayed the air fryer with EVOO from my mister and let them cook according to your directions. They were soooo delicious and crisp and easy to make! It was my first time to do burgers in the air fryer and it won’t be my last! I served this sans bun with a small salad and white cheddar mac and cheese. Yummy!
thank you for sharing! I hope you are recovering well from surgery!