Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe

This game-changing Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Patties recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 15 minutes, these juicy chicken patties boast a perfectly crispy exterior that will transform your weeknight dinner routine. Whether served as a sandwich or alongside your favorite sides, these versatile patties are guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: From mixing to table in just 15 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a flash!
• Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer gives these patties an incredible crunch without drowning them in oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried options.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, liquid smoke, and spices creates chicken patties that are bursting with savory goodness in every bite.
• Versatile: Serve them as burgers, cut them into nuggets for the kids, or top a salad – these patties adapt to whatever meal you’re craving.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Chicken: The foundation of our patties – I recommend 93/7 ground chicken for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without excessive fat.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Used both in the mixture and as a coating, these breadcrumbs add flavor and create that irresistible crispy exterior.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and adds moisture.
• Liquid Smoke: This secret ingredient adds a hint of smoky flavor that makes these patties taste like they came straight off the grill.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper create a deep flavor profile that elevates the relatively mild chicken.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Just a tablespoon helps keep the mixture moist – any variety works, so use what you have on hand.

Variations

Want to customize these chicken patties? Here are some delicious options:

• Southwest Style: Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and a diced jalapeño for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Mediterranean Flair: Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled feta, 2 tablespoons chopped olives, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• Buffalo Chicken Patties: Add 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce to the mixture and serve with blue cheese dressing.
• Asian-Inspired: Substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with panko and add 1 teaspoon of ginger and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the mix.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, beaten egg, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard, and milk. Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything together – this ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout each patty.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 150g each if you’re using a kitchen scale). Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into a patty. Press your thumb gently into the center of each patty to create a slight indentation – this prevents the patties from puffing up in the middle during cooking.

Step 3: Add the Crispy Coating

Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Coat each patty completely on all sides with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the breaded patties in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Spray the tops with olive oil or avocado oil spray to help them brown. Cook at 390°F for 5 minutes, then flip the patties, spray the other side, and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the air fryer and let rest for about a minute before serving. Build your perfect burger with buns and your favorite toppings or serve alongside your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Indentation: That thumbprint in the center prevents the patties from doming up during cooking.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties reach 165°F for food safety – especially important with poultry.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If making a larger batch, cook in multiple rounds rather than cramming the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and reduces crispiness.
• Even Thickness: Try to form patties of uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
• Add More Oil Spray If Needed: If your breadcrumbs look dry after the first few minutes of cooking, give them another light spray to help achieve that golden-brown crispiness.

How to Serve

These versatile chicken patties shine in multiple serving options:

Classic Burger Style

Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments. A slice of cheese melted on top takes these to the next level!

Lighter Option

Skip the bun and serve over a fresh green salad with a drizzle of ranch or honey mustard dressing.

Family-Style Meal

Pair with air fryer french fries or sweet potato fries for a complete meal that feels like takeout but is so much better.

Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping options like barbecue sauce, homemade ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo to please everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make excellent quick lunches when you’re short on time!

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully both before or after cooking:

• For raw patties: Place formed patties (before breading) on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before breading and cooking.
• For cooked patties: Cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for the best texture. The microwave works too (about 1 minute), but the patties won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with no other adjustments needed. The flavor profile will be slightly different but equally delicious.

My patties seem too wet to hold together. What should I do?
If your mixture feels too wet, simply add additional breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a consistency that holds together well. Ground chicken can vary in moisture content depending on the brand.

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Definitely! Bake them in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes (flipping halfway), or pan-fry in a skillet with a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Are these chicken patties gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them suitable for those avoiding gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Patties bring together convenience and flavor in a way that makes weeknight cooking exciting again. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken that’s miles beyond any frozen option. Whether you’re serving them to picky eaters or discerning food lovers, these versatile patties hit all the right notes. Give them a try tonight – your family will thank you!

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