Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties

Air fryer frozen chicken patties are perfect for those times when you need a no-fuss meal, fast! They cook quickly and then all you need is a burger bun, salad, and your favorite toppings to create a winning dinner that the whole family will love.

I love cooking from scratch – when I have the time. But when life gets busy, I also love having easy meal options in the freezer that I can just grab and cook when I need to get food on the table in a hurry. And burgers are one thing that I know everyone will enjoy. Best of all, I can pop them in the air fryer and let them cook while I prepare the buns and toppings.

A tasty alternative to beef burgers

While I always opt for a vegan or veggie burger, I regularly make beef burgers for the rest of the family. Today I decided to give them a change with air fryer chicken burgers made from frozen chicken patties. They give a completely different flavor to beef burgers and the crunchy coating adds a lovely crispiness without any oiliness.

By the way, if you love chicken, why not try this delicious barbecue chicken - air fryer style!

What is a chicken patty?

A chicken patty is a flat, round portion of ground or minced chicken that's been shaped into a burger-style patty. It can be breaded (like the kind you’d find in a frozen food aisle), or unbreaded and made fresh from seasoned chicken meat. Some chicken patties are made from ground chicken mixed with herbs, spices, or even small pieces of veggies or cheese, while others are more like a solid piece of chicken shaped into a patty. Sometimes it might be referred to as a chicken burger or a chicken quarter pounder.

They’re often used in chicken burgers, sandwiches, or served on their own with sides. Think of them as the poultry version of a beef burger — but usually lighter, and often with a mild, family-friendly flavor.

The brand I used was from Lidl and came with a crispy rice coating for extra crunch. Check the ingredients and choose patties made from 100% chicken breast for the best texture and flavor.

Why an air fryer is great for cooking frozen chicken patties

• Less mess than frying or grilling
• More cost-effective than turning on the oven, especially when only making one burger
• No worries about burning or hot fat flying around
• It's easy to cook a chicken burger in one drawer and a veggie option in the other drawer – or burgers in one drawer and fries in the other.
• No need to add oil – frozen chicken patties usually come with a crispy crumb that cooks up beautifully in an air fryer
• Chicken patties in the air fryer release hardly any oil or grease – unlike traditional beef burgers

How to cook chicken patties safely

When cooking any kind of chicken product, it's important to think about hygiene and safety. Some chicken patties are made using raw chicken so you need to make sure the meat inside is thouroughly cooked to the correct temperature before serving.

Check the packaging for instructions and cook at the correct temperature, for the time stated. If the packaging gives air fryer instructions, you should follow these. If not, you can adapt the oven cooking instructions by reducing the cooking time by 20% - but double check the chicken is cooked all the way through and steaming hot before serving. When properly cooked, the juices of the chicken should run clear - the best way to check is to cut into your cooked patty and check the meat is white and there are no pink juices remaining.

I air fry chicken patties at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes but you can add extra minutes if needed.

Find more information on how to cook breaded chicken products safely.

How to air fry chicken patties

What to serve with air fryer chicken burgers?

I love adding salad to burgers for a touch of freshness. If I’m serving burgers for several people or a bunch of children, I’ll let everyone load up their own buns with their favorite salads and sauces. Sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, slices of ripe avocado and thinly sliced avocado all work really well.

Of course, a portion of fries is always a welcome addition to a buger! If you have a two-drawer air fryer, you can cook air fryer frozen french fries or air fryer frozen sweet potato fries while your burger cooks.

What sauces go well with chicken burgers?

When it comes to sauces – pretty much anything goes. Here are some ideas:

Classic and Creamy:

• Mayo (plain, garlic, or herby)
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Aioli (garlic or lemon versions)

Zesty and Tangy:

• Barbecue sauce
• Buffalo sauce (for a spicy kick)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha mayo (spicy but creamy)

Fresh and Light:

• Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and dill)
• Avocado or guacamole spread
• Yogurt and herb sauce

Bold and Flavorful:

• Pesto mayo (basil pesto mixed with mayo)
• Chipotle sauce (smoky and spicy)
• Cajun remoulade (a spicy, tangy Louisiana-style sauce)
• Peri-peri sauce (for a fiery, citrusy bite)

Fun Extras:

• Maple mustard glaze (sweet and savory)
• Katsu curry sauce (for a Japanese twist)
• Blue cheese dressing (especially with spicy chicken)

Substitutions

If you want a lighter meal, skip the bread bun and serve the chicken burger with a big salad or a side of your favourite veggies. These air fryer sweet potato wedges make a wholesome side dish.