Say hello to your new obsession: Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties! These crispy, golden disks deliver all the savory satisfaction of a homemade chicken patty with astonishing speed and simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes in the air fryer, you get protein-packed bites that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacking. Each patty has a delectable crunch on the outside and a juicy, flavorful inside that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If fast, delicious, and foolproof is what you need, you’ll come back to Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring your Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties turn out perfect every single time. Expect crispiness, bold flavor, and just the right texture, thanks to some classic kitchen heroes!
- Canned Chicken Breast: The star of the show, canned chicken is convenient, tender, and packed with protein, making these patties quick to prepare.
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko): Adds essential crunch and structure to the patties so they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a boost of savory, nutty flavor and melds the mixture together.
- Large Egg: The ultimate binder to ensure your patties hold their shape and don’t fall apart.
- Mayonnaise: Infuses moisture and richness for juicy, tender results.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives each bite a gentle tang and depth that sets these apart from your average chicken patty.
- Garlic Powder: For an aromatic, savory kick that boosts every other flavor.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the chicken.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of heat and complexity that perfectly seasons the whole batch.
- Olive Oil Spray: Ensures that golden, crispy finish you crave—without any greasy mess.
How to Make Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture
Start by draining your canned chicken well and flaking it gently with a fork—this is key for getting a light, uniform texture in each patty. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper right into the bowl. Mix until everything is combined and the mixture starts coming together in clumps.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Scoop up the seasoned mixture and use your hands to form it into six even patties. If the mixture feels sticky, a quick spray of oil or dab of water on your hands will make shaping a breeze. Compact them lightly so they hold together, but don’t overwork—this keeps the patties juicy as they cook.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 2 to 3 minutes. A properly preheated basket helps guarantee that golden-brown crust. While waiting, give the basket a quick spray of olive oil so the patties don’t stick.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crunchy Perfection
Arrange the patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s okay to work in batches if you need to; overcrowding will steam rather than crisp. Spray tops with a bit more oil and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is irresistible Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties that are deeply bronzed and hot all the way through.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve your chicken patties warm and fresh from the air fryer. They’re fantastic with classic dipping sauces or tucked inside a toasty bun with crisp lettuce and sliced tomato for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top adds a pop of color and a mild, herbal note that balances the rich flavors of Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties. For a zesty hit, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
These patties pair brilliantly with everything from a simple green salad to roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. For a light lunch, try them over mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Or, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup or coleslaw to round out a hearty dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Pile Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties onto slider buns for party-ready mini sandwiches, crumble them over a grain bowl for a high-protein boost, or chop into cubes and add to wraps. They’re even great as a protein-packed addition to meal prep lunches for the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties, let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and moist, making them perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Freeze the shaped, uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your patties in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisps (no soggy microwave patties here!). You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat if your air fryer is otherwise occupied.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simply shred the cooked chicken and measure about 2–2.5 cups. Make sure to chop finely and drain any excess moisture for patties that hold together beautifully.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Both regular and panko breadcrumbs will do the job, but panko gives a slightly crunchier finish. To keep things gluten-free, just swap in your favorite gluten-free crumbs.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients thoroughly so everything binds together, and let the mixture rest for a couple of minutes before shaping if it seems too loose. The egg and mayo work wonders for stability!
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully prep and shape the patties, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days before air frying. This makes weeknight dinners or party prep an absolute breeze.
Which sauces pair well with these patties?
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic. For a twist, try tzatziki, barbecue sauce, or even a bit of buffalo sauce for a kick.
Final Thoughts
Ready to shake up your dinner routine? Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties are versatile, speedy, and packed with flavor—it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on heavy rotation. Give these a try and watch your family go wild for this easy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Print
Air Fryer Canned Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These air fryer canned chicken patties are a quick and convenient way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these patties are perfect for a delicious main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Canned Chicken Patties:
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans canned chicken breast, drained and flaked
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine canned chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Form into patties.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and spray basket with olive oil.
- Air Fry: Cook patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with sauce or on buns with toppings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before air frying.
- Enhance flavor by adding green onions or herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
