Air Fryer Chicken Patties

If you love easy weeknight meals, these chicken patties made in the air fryer will quickly become a favorite. The mixture comes together in minutes, using ground chicken, soaked bread, egg, onion, garlic and classic spices. The air fryer gives the patties a light, crispy crust without deep‑frying, while keeping the center moist and tender every time.

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  In a large mixing bowl, place the ground chicken.
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  Add the salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, or any other seasonings you like that work well with chicken.
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  Finely grate the onion on a small grater, or use a meat grinder or blender to process it.
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  Grate or finely mince the garlic the same way as the onion.
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  Add the egg and 2–3 tablespoons of flour to the bowl.
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  Add the inside of the bread slices, soaked in water (or in milk if you have it), then gently squeezed.
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  Mix everything together very well with your hands until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
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  With wet hands, shape the mixture into oval patties.
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  Place the patties in the air fryer on a piece of parchment paper. Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the patties so they brown on both sides.
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  The chicken patties are ready when golden and cooked through. Serve them with any side dish and salad you like, because they go well with almost everything. Enjoy!

Why Make Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer circulates hot air around the patties, so they cook evenly and develop a light crust without needing a lot of oil. It is a great way to recreate fried comfort food, like pârjoale, in a quicker, cleaner and healthier way, perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients You Need for Air Fryer Patties

To make these chicken patties, you only need ground chicken, onion, garlic, bread, an egg, flour, salt, pepper, paprika and thyme. The bread soaked in water or milk keeps the patties moist, while the spices add warmth and depth without being overpowering.

Tips for Shaping Perfect Chicken Patties

Wet your hands with cold water before shaping the mixture, so it does not stick while you form the oval patties. Try to make them similar in size and thickness, which helps them cook at the same speed and ensures every piece turns out juicy and evenly browned.

How Long to Cook Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer

For medium‑size patties, cooking them at about 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, is usually enough to cook the chicken through and brown the outside. If your patties are thicker or your air fryer runs cooler, add a few more minutes until the center is fully cooked.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Patties

These air fryer chicken patties go well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. You can also tuck them into a bun with lettuce and sauce to turn them into quick chicken burgers for kids and adults.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes, just until warmed through, so they stay juicy and do not dry out.

FAQ

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can replace the ground chicken with ground turkey; the patties will taste very similar, but may be slightly leaner, so avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.

Can I skip the bread in the mixture?

The soaked bread helps bind the mixture and makes the patties tender, so skipping it can make them denser and drier; use breadcrumbs as a backup if needed.

How do I know when the chicken patties are done?

The patties should be golden on the outside and cooked all the way through; if you use a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.