Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Patties

Air Fryer Chicken Patties offer a quick and easy way to make juicy, flavorful chicken burgers at home. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan, and a blend of seasonings, these patties come out tender and perfectly cooked in the air fryer. They are great for sandwiches or sliced into salads, making them a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.

I first made these on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying without fuss. Now they are requested often, especially when I want a break from beef burgers.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild flavored, perfect for tender patties. You can substitute with ground turkey or pork if you prefer
• Italian breadcrumbs: Add texture and a subtle savory boost. Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well too
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth. Freshly grated from a block brings the best flavor
• Mayonnaise: Key for keeping the patties moist during air frying. It creates a tender texture without dryness
• Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang that complements the chicken well. Avoid swapping with yellow mustard for this recipe
• Garlic powder, onion powder and paprika: The classic spice trio that layers flavor without overpowering the chicken
• Chicken bouillon powder: Brings umami and a savory richness. Available in the spice aisle or online
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance every other ingredient
• Olive oil or avocado oil: For brushing the air fryer basket and patties to help brown and crisp the outside
• Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli or mayonnaise to dress up your sandwich

Instructions

Scoop and Combine:

Mix the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper gently in a bowl until all combined. The mixture will be slightly sticky and moist, so do not over mix or you risk tough patties.

Shape and Chill:

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Roll each into a tight ball, flatten it into a patty shape, and round the edges with your hands. Make the patties slightly larger than your hamburger buns as they will shrink during cooking. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.

Prep the Air Fryer and Cook:

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 to 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken patties in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Brush the tops of the patties with olive oil.

Flip and Finish Cooking:

Cook the patties for 6 minutes. Flip each patty over using tongs or a spatula, brush the other side with olive oil, then continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy as they are or build sandwiches with a burger bun, lettuce, tomato slice, and a spread of garlic aioli or mayonnaise.

I love adding the Parmesan cheese because it lifts the flavor and gives a slight crispness on the outside that feels indulgent without frying in oil. One family memory that stands out is when my kids declared these chicken patties as their new favorite burger replacing our usual beef version. That was a proud cooking moment.

Storage Tips

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results when reheating, remove patties from sandwiches and warm them in the air fryer or microwave to keep their texture. For freezing, shape and chill the raw patties, then layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before cooking to keep them evenly cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or ground pork can easily stand in for ground chicken if desired. Regular or panko breadcrumbs substitute well if Italian seasoning is unavailable, but adding a bit of dried Italian herbs can replicate the flavor profile. If you cannot find chicken bouillon powder, a small pinch of chicken broth powder or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can work for umami flavor. If Dijon mustard is not an option, skipping it is better than swapping with yellow mustard to avoid an overpowering tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these patties in toasted buns with fresh green leaf lettuce, tomato slices, and garlic aioli or mayonnaise for a classic chicken sandwich experience. Pair with crispy fries, tater tots, or a simple side salad to keep the meal balanced yet satisfying. For a lower carb meal, use large lettuce leaves as wraps instead of buns and slice the patties for salads.

These chicken patties are a fast, family-friendly dinner that reheats well and fits many variations. They make an easy weeknight main that still feels special.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Are these best served warm or cold?

They are best served warm to enjoy the juicy, tender texture and the perfect crispiness on the outside.

→ What sides pair well with chicken patties?

Classic sides like french fries, tater tots, or a fresh salad complement the patties nicely.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, the patties can be formed in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook.

→ Is freezing an option for storage?

Yes, freeze patties with parchment paper between them for up to one month. Thaw fully before cooking.

→ How to get a crunchy coating on the patties?

Dip patties in egg and coat with breadcrumbs before air frying for an extra crunchy exterior.

→ Which air fryer type works best?

A 6-quart basket-style air fryer is recommended, but adjust cook times slightly depending on your model.