Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for these patties?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe with no other adjustments needed. Turkey has a similar texture and cooking properties to chicken, so you'll get equally delicious results. Just be sure to cook to the same internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

My patties seem too wet - what did I do wrong?

Ground chicken can sometimes be quite moist depending on the brand. If your mixture feels too wet to form patties, simply add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to reach the right consistency. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but firm enough to shape without sticking excessively to your hands.

Can I make these patties without an air fryer?

Definitely! While the air fryer gives an incredible crispy exterior with minimal oil, you can also cook these patties in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side. For baking, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when the chicken patties are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty - it should read 165°F. Visually, the patties should be golden brown on the outside, and when you cut into one, the meat should be opaque white with no pink remaining.

Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Patties Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken (93/7); 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke, hickory flavor; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. salt; Fresh cracked black pepper; 1/2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard; 1 Tbsp. milk (any kind, dairy or plant); 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (for outside coating); Buns; Lettuce; Tomato; Onion

These Air Fryer Chicken Patties are a game-changer for busy weeknights! Juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior, these patties cook up in just 10 minutes and deliver restaurant-quality flavor right at home. The secret combination of seasonings and that crispy breadcrumb coating transforms humble ground chicken into something truly special that both kids and adults will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From prep to plate in just 15 minutes – perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore but you still want something homemade.
Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means you get that delicious crispy exterior with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.
Versatile: Serve them as burgers, on their own with dipping sauces, or even cut into strips for wraps and salads – these patties adapt to whatever meal you’re craving.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these! The familiar burger format with the perfect seasoning blend makes them a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Chicken: The foundation of our patties – I recommend using 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 the outer coating, these breadcrumbs add incredible texture and herb-infused flavor that elevates the entire patty.
Egg: Acts as the binder that keeps everything together during cooking.
Liquid Smoke: This magical ingredient adds an incredible depth of flavor that mimics the taste of outdoor grilling – don’t skip it!
Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper): The perfect blend that transforms bland ground chicken into something truly flavorful.
Spicy Brown Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth while keeping the chicken moist.
Milk: Helps create a tender texture in the final patty.
Cooking Spray: Just a light coating helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust in the air fryer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Family-Friendly Options

Chicken Parmesan Patties: Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan to the mixture and top with marinara and mozzarella during the last minute of cooking.
Ranch-Flavored: Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a tangy twist kids especially love.

Flavor Boosters

Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick.
Southwest Style: Mix in 1/4 cup corn, 2 tablespoons diced bell peppers, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin for a Tex-Mex flair.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for the breadcrumbs.
Low-Carb: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs (the taste will be different but still delicious).

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Patties

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 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, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 150g each). Form into patties and press your thumb lightly into the center of each patty to create a small indentation. This prevents the patties from puffing up too much during cooking.

Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs

Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides for that extra crispy exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the coated patties in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil or avocado oil spray. Cook at 390°F for 5 minutes, then flip, spray the other side, and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the patties rest for a minute before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the ingredients just until combined – overworking will lead to tough patties.
The Thumb Trick: That little indentation in the center prevents the dreaded “puffed-up burger” syndrome.
Even Sizing: Using a kitchen scale to portion the patties (about 150g each) ensures they cook evenly.
Check Temperature: For food safety, verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
Batch Cooking: If doubling the recipe, cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.

How to Serve

As Burgers

Build the ultimate chicken burger with toasted buns, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and your favorite condiments. Try mixing mayo with a bit of sriracha or adding avocado slices for extra flavor.

Family-Style Dinner

Serve alongside roasted vegetables and a simple salad for a complete meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Fun Alternatives

Make mini patties for sliders at parties, or cut into strips to top salads or fill wraps. They’re also fantastic chopped up and added to grain bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make excellent planned leftovers for quick lunches.

Freezing

These patties freeze beautifully! Place cooled patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place frozen or refrigerated patties in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This restores that wonderful crispy exterior. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but sacrifices crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for these patties?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe with no other adjustments needed. Turkey has a similar texture and cooking properties to chicken, so you’ll get equally delicious results. Just be sure to cook to the same internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
My patties seem too wet – what did I do wrong?

Ground chicken can sometimes be quite moist depending on the brand. If your mixture feels too wet to form patties, simply add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to reach the right consistency. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but firm enough to shape without sticking excessively to your hands.
Can I make these patties without an air fryer?

Definitely! While the air fryer gives an incredible crispy exterior with minimal oil, you can also cook these patties in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side. For baking, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the chicken patties are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty – it should read 165°F. Visually, the patties should be golden brown on the outside, and when you cut into one, the meat should be opaque white with no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Patties have become a regular in my kitchen rotation for good reason – they’re incredibly simple yet deliver outstanding flavor that never disappoints. Whether you’re putting together a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for busy days ahead, these versatile patties deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The crispy exterior giving way to tender, flavorful chicken is truly something special. Give them a try, and I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal planning!