Air Fryer Chicken Patties

These air fryer chicken patties are juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. Made completely from scratch with simple ingredients, they deliver crisp edges and tender centers without needing breadcrumbs or eggs. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even freezing for later, this easy recipe proves that homemade is always better than store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome and protein-packed. Ground chicken keeps these patties lean while still delivering satisfying flavor.

Quick and easy. From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Breadcrumb-free. The patties hold together beautifully without breadcrumbs or eggs, making them naturally low in carbs and gluten-free.

Perfect texture. The air fryer creates crispy edges while locking in moisture inside.

Freezer-friendly. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals anytime.

Versatile serving options. Enjoy them as burgers, in salads, in wraps, or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound (450 g) ground chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into round patties of even thickness.
4. Lightly grease the air fryer basket. Arrange the patties in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
5. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The patties will continue to rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) as they rest.
6. Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve on burger buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite sauces, or slice them over salads and grain bowls for a lighter option.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 patties (1 patty per serving)

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Per serving (1 patty):
Calories: 165 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fat: 8 g
Net carbs: 1 g

Variations

Swap the protein. Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for a similar texture and flavor.

Add cheese. Mix in 2 tablespoons grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella for a cheesy twist.

Spice it up. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or use Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

Herb boost. Mix in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for freshness.

Italian-style. Replace smoked paprika with Italian seasoning and add 1 tablespoon grated parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Allow the patties to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze (cooked): Place cooled patties between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To freeze (uncooked): Shape the patties and layer them with parchment paper between each one. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through. Frozen patties can go straight into the air fryer; just add 1 to 2 extra minutes if needed.

FAQs

How do you keep chicken patties from falling apart?

Using olive oil helps bind the mixture while keeping it moist. Make sure not to overmix and shape the patties firmly before air frying.

Can I use frozen ground chicken?

Yes, but it must be fully thawed and excess moisture drained before mixing with the seasonings.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape the patties and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Do I need breadcrumbs or eggs?

No. The mixture holds together perfectly without them.

How do I know when the patties are done?

Use a meat thermometer. They are ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and will rise to 165°F while resting.

Can I cook more than four patties at once?

Only if your air fryer basket is large enough to hold them without overlapping. Otherwise, cook in batches.

What if my patties are too dry?

Ensure you add the full tablespoon of olive oil and avoid overcooking. Lean ground chicken benefits from that added fat.

Can I pan-fry these instead?

Yes. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Are these patties low carb?

Yes. With only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, they are suitable for low-carb and keto-style eating.

What sauces pair well with these patties?

They taste great with ketchup, barbecue sauce, spicy mayo, hot honey sauce, or garlic yogurt sauce.

Conclusion

These air fryer chicken patties are proof that simple ingredients can create big flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in minutes, they’re a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. Once you try them fresh and homemade, you won’t want to go back to store-bought versions again.

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