In this article we are going to show you how you can have an easy dinner on the table in under 20 minutes by cooking frozen chicken patties in the air fryer! It is so simple and so much healthier than deep frying those crispy patties…. I wish I would have tried this sooner. We used an off brand frozen chicken patty while making this recipe but you can also cook tyson chicken patties the same way. We’re going to try a few different brands from our grocery store and let you know if the cook time and temperature are the same.
Note: The printable recipe card for Frozen Chicken Patty in Air Fryer can be found at the end of the post.
If you are enjoying this air fryer recipe, be sure to check out some of our other favorites:
Chicken patties are a family favorite, whether enjoying a crispy chicken sandwich or serving patties alongside classic sides. With an air fryer, you can cook frozen or fresh chicken patties to golden brown perfection in just minutes!
This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to make perfect chicken patties in an air fryer, including the best temperatures, cook times, and ways to serve them. With a few easy tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken patties in no time!
Why Cook Chicken Patties in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking thanks to their ability to produce deliciously crispy results without all the added fat and oil of traditional frying. Cooking chicken patties in an air fryer offers many benefits:
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Quick cooking times—chicken patties cook in an air fryer in just 10 to 15 minutes, which is a lot less time than baking.
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Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air crisps up the outside to perfection,
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Juicy interior – Short cook times mean the inside stays moist and tender.
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Versatile – Cook frozen or fresh patties with ease.
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Convenient – Simple to toss patties in the basket and walk away!
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Healthier – Far less oil is needed compared to pan frying
Chicken patties are quick and easy to make any night of the week with an air fryer. No need to worry about the mess that comes with frying in a pan.
What Temperature to Use?
When it comes to air frying chicken patties, a temperature range of 360°F to 400°F (182°C – 204°C) is ideal. Most air fryer models recommend cooking at 400°F (204°C) for optimal crisping. However, lowering the temp slightly to 360°F (182°C) can help prevent overcooking.
Turn up the heat to 400°F (204°C) for frozen chicken patties so the outside gets crispy before the inside gets too cooked.
For fresh chicken patties, either homemade or store-bought, 360°F (182°C) allows the patties to cook through gently while developing a crisp coating.
No matter which type of patty, always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the patties. This gets the fryer up to temp so patties start crisping immediately.
Cook Times for Chicken Patties
Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your patties and your particular model of air fryer. As a general guideline:
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Frozen chicken patties – Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Fresh chicken patties – Cook at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
For safety, always use an instant read thermometer to confirm chicken patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they need another minute or two, keep cooking until done.
For extra large patties over 1 inch thick, increase cook times by 2-3 minutes. And as always, keep an eye on them as they cook in case your air fryer runs hotter or cooler than average.
Handy Tips for Air Frying Chicken Patties
Follow these simple tips for picture-perfect air fried chicken patties every time:
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Preheat properly – Give your air fryer 3-5 minutes to preheat before adding patties.
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Use a light coat of oil – A quick spritz of oil helps promote browning.
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Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between patties for air circulation.
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Flip halfway – Flipping ensures even cooking on both sides.
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Use an instant read thermometer – Check internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes – Allowing patties to rest helps lock in juices.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be making your best ever chicken patties!
Flavorful Variations
While classic patties are delicious, consider mixing up the flavors with these easy ideas:
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Southwest – Add cumin, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro to the ground chicken.
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Italian – Mix in oregano, basil, garlic, and parmesan for an Italian-inspired taste.
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Spicy – Blend in your favorite hot sauce or spices like cayenne and paprika for heat.
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Herb-roasted – Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage make a savory patty.
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Hawaiian – Blend pineapple and teriyaki right into the chicken for a Hawaiian twist.
Let your imagination run wild and customize patties to suit any flavor you crave! The air fryer handles flavored patties with ease.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken patties are so versatile – here are just a few tasty ways to serve them:
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Classic chicken patty sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.
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Dipped in ketchup, ranch or honey mustard for finger food
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Crumble into salads, wraps, tacos or pasta dishes
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Pair with favorite extras like pickles, slaw, or oven fries
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For breakfast, serve alongside eggs and hashbrowns
However you choose to serve them, air fryer chicken patties make the perfect quick and easy meal or snack! With the right cooking times and temperatures, you’ll have juicy, crisp patties ready in just minutes.
FAQs About Cooking Chicken Patties in an Air Fryer
Can you cook frozen chicken patties in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen patties cook wonderfully in the air fryer! There’s no need to thaw. Cook straight from frozen at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
Should you flip chicken patties when air frying?
It’s recommended to flip chicken patties halfway during the cook time to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.
How do you keep chicken patties from sticking?
Lightly brush both sides of the patties with oil before cooking. Also, leave space between patties for air circulation.
What if my chicken patties are still pink inside?
Return to the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Can I bread chicken patties before air frying?
Absolutely! Breaded chicken patties become exceptionally crispy in the air fryer. Just add 1-2 mins to the cook time.
Is parchment paper recommended?
Yes, parchment paper prevents sticking. Use air fryer-safe parchment with holes for air flow.
Cooking chicken patties in the air fryer is quick, easy, and results in perfectly crispy patties the whole family will love. Follow these tips and ideal cook times for golden brown success!
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patty
We started by setting our air fryer to 350 degrees to let it preheat. Now I am using the air fryer function on my Ninja Foodi Grill. I left my grill grate in the air fryer instead of using the air fryer basket. So if your air fryer looks different from my photos…. don’t worry you can use the standard air fryer basket and still cook them the same way as I am showing you here. When cooking chicken patties you will not be defrosting them. You place them right into your air fryer, frozen. This is the best way to cook them in order to get that perfect juicy interior and golden brown crispy exterior.
How long do you cook frozen chicken patties in the air fryer?
The cooking time for our air fryer chicken patties was a total of 15 minutes. However, you should always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached the required internal temperature. We always refer to the FDA’s internal temperature guide for the correct temperature for all different types of meat. And then finally to get the best results you should always let your cooked chicken rest for 4-5 minutes after the cook time has completed before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.