Perfectly Cooking Frozen Chicken Patties in Air Fryer

By Avi Green July 17, 2024

Frozen chicken patties have become a favorite quick solution for many households. Whether you're in a hurry or simply craving a crunchy, delicious meal, the air fryer might be your best friend. Now, for all the BBQ enthusiasts out there, you might be wondering, 'How long to cook frozen chicken patties in air fryer?' Fear not, because we've got the complete guide for you! Let's dive into the science and art of air frying.

how long to cook frozen chicken patties in air fryer

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, grill, and enjoy our favorite meals. With its ability to deliver crispy and tasty dishes without the need for excessive oil, its no wonder why BBQ enthusiasts are adding this appliance to their arsenal. But why is it specifically great for frozen chicken patties?

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Healthier Cooking: The air fryer reduces the need for heavy oil, leading to lower fat content.
Quick and Efficient: Air frying is generally faster than traditional oven cooking.
Consistency: Achieve that perfect crispy texture every time.

Preparing Your Frozen Chicken Patties

Before answering the main question of 'how long to cook frozen chicken patties in air fryer,' let's first ensure you're prepping them correctly.

Preparation Steps:

Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures even cooking from the moment your patties go in.
Arrangement: Place your frozen chicken patties in the basket in a single layer. Overlapping or stacking might lead to inconsistent cooking.
Seasoning: Though most frozen patties come pre-seasoned, adding a dash of your favorite BBQ seasoning can elevate the flavor.

Cooking Duration: The Main Event

So, how long to cook frozen chicken patties in air fryer? The ideal time might vary based on the brand and thickness of your patties, but here's a reliable method:

Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400F (205C) and let it warm up for about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the patties: Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Flip halfway: At the 5-6 minute mark, flip the patties to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tip: For added crispness, you can spray a light layer of cooking oil on the patties before cooking.

You can check out more air frying tips and techniques here.

Optimizing the Flavor

For those who want to go beyond just a quick meal, here are some tips to bring that BBQ flavor to your air-fried chicken patties:

Basting

While cooking, you can lightly baste the patties with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning.

Accompaniments

Buns: Toasting your buns in the air fryer during the last minute of cooking can elevate your dish.
Toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles make for a classic combo. For a BBQ twist, add caramelized onions or grilled jalapenos.
Sides: Pair your chicken patties with air-fried sweet potato fries or classic coleslaw. Learn how to cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even BBQ enthusiasts can occasionally make mistakes when using an air fryer. Here's what to watch out for:

Overcrowding: Placing too many patties in the basket at once can lead to uneven cooking.
Skipping Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking from the start.
Not Flipping: Failing to flip the patties halfway can result in one side being less crispy.

To avoid these common errors, refer to our detailed guide on cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer. You can find it here.