These air fryer chicken patties are everything the frozen ones wish they could be: juicy, flavorful, and made with real, wholesome ingredients. No bread crumbs, no fillers—just clean protein combined with fresh herbs, shallot, and a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Formed into tender patties and air fried to golden perfection, they’re ready in about 15 minutes. Once you try them homemade, you’ll never want to settle for the packaged frozen version again.
I had a chicken patty like this at a café recently—just a simple salad with a juicy chicken patty on top. It was such a satisfying, healthy lunch that I’ve been recreating it at home ever since. These chicken patties are light yet full of flavor, and super easy to make. Skip the frozen ground chicken patties and make your own!
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Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Easy recipe - From mixing bowl to crispy golden patties in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy and satisfying - High in protein, naturally gluten-free, and made with real whole ingredients.
- Versatile - Serve them over salads. in lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or tucked into a bun, great for meal prep.
- Easy meal - For busy weeknights with your favorite toppings.
Instead of mustard, mayo, or ketchup, serve with a swipe of harissa aioli.
Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Chicken – Buy the 93/7 lean to fat blend (dark and light meat). To grind your own chicken see note below.
- Shallot – A small shallot, finely chopped, adds a subtle, aromatic layer of flavor without overpowering.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds moisture, a tangy punch, and helps the patties hold together. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds bright, herbaceous flavor and a bit of green flecked freshness. Flat leaf (Italian) is best.
- Oregano or Dill (Optional) – Just a pinch of dried oregano or dill brings a Mediterranean touch. Use fresh if you’ve got it on hand.
- Worcestershire - For a little umami flavor punch and savory depth (optional).
Please see the recipe card for measurements, salt, and black pepper.
Serve air fryer chicken patties atop this avocado, corn, and black bean salad for a quick and healthy meal.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Turkey: Make air fryer turkey burgers, swap in ground turkey.
- Herbs: Try fresh dill, basil, cilantro, or chives in place of parsley. A little lemon zest also brightens things up.
- Add Garlic: Freshly zested (because it disappears in) is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a little hot sauce.
- Mediterranean Twist: Fold in finely crumbled feta, lemon zest, great over a Greek salad or tucked in a pita with tzatziki.
- Shallot Substitute: Use finely chopped white onion or ¼ teaspoon onion powder in place of shallot.
Chef’s tips on buying ground chicken: Ground chicken comes 99% lean or 93/7 lean to fat ratio, which is a blend of thigh and breast meat. Skip the 99% lean. You don't want bland dry chicken patties. Remember this simple principle: fat carries flavor. So no fat, no flavor. If all you can get is the 99% lean, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the mix for more fat and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix gently. Wear disposable kitchen gloves.
- Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into ½"thick patties. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken patties in the basket in a single layer leaving space between each one.
4. Air fry chicken patties 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until golden brown and internal temperature reads 165°F. Optional-add slice of cheese at the end.
Chef’s Tip: Prep these chicken patties in advance to make mealtime even easier. Mix the ground chicken and seasonings a day ahead and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap (up to 24 hours before cooking). They also freeze beautifully—raw or fully cooked—making them perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer chicken patties are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- On a salad – Keep it light with fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette or lemon tahini dressing.
- In a wrap or lettuce cup – Add avocado, pickled onions, and a swipe of harissa aioli or your favorite sauce.
- Air fryer chicken burgers – Serve on hamburger buns or roll with crisp lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Meal prep hero – Cook once, eat all week. These patties store well and reheat beautifully for grab-and-go meals.
- Sauce it up - Top chicken patties with BBQ sauce, harissa aioli, or avocado sauce.
Chef’s Tip: Grind Your Own Chicken
Grind your own chicken using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for better flavor and texture. Trim cold chicken into small pieces, then use a hand grinder or a KitchenAid attachment for a stand mixer (what I use). I buy a little more than a pound. The result? Juicy, flavorful ground chicken with a natural 90/10 fat ratio—better than most store-bought. From now on I will always grind my own! Takes minutes and worth it.
Freezing & Storing Chicken Patties
To Store Leftover Chicken Patties
Cooked patties keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.
To Freeze (Cooked):
Cool burger patties completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes or until heated through.
To Freeze (Raw):
Form the patties and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment (or wax paper) between.
To Cook from Frozen:
Air fry at 375°F-385°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temp reaches 165°F. Because frozen patties can brown quickly on the outside, check early and lower the heat slightly if needed to prevent over-browning.
Recipe FAQs
No. These patties hold together beautifully without either. The Dijon adds moisture and a little emulsifying power—no filler required.
Cooked patties keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Great for lunches, bowls, or wraps all week.
Absolutely. Heat a little oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, to 165°F.
Yes, ground turkey (especially dark meat) works well. Just avoid ultra-lean varieties, which can dry out.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Love you air fryer? Me too. And here are a few more air fryer recipes for you to try, with more coming soon!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Patties
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 ¼ pounds ground chicken thigh dark meat or a dark meat blend
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 tablespoons, white onion, or onion power ¼ tsp.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or dill optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- avocado spray for the air fryer basket
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Instructions
Pre-heat air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 385°F. Spray lightly with avocado spray.
Mix chicken patties
- In a medium bowl, gently combine all ingredients. Mix just until incorporated—don’t overwork. Wear disposable kitchen gloves if desired. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties about ½" thick.Tip - Keep the ground chicken cold, it's is easier to shape and will cook more evenly.
Air fry
- Place patties in the basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let them rest a few minutes before serving.
Leftovers
- Cooked air fryer chicken patties keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.
Notes
Nutrition
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