Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
on Sep 12, 2022
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Did you know that chicken burgers can be beautifully crispy and delicious made in your air fryer? No need to turn on the oven, and no deep frying necessary! Made with chicken thighs in panko crumbs and simple flavours, air fryer crispy chicken burgers are a quick and easy crowd pleaser the whole family will love.
Ready in just 30 minutes, these healthier homemade burgers are so juicy and flavorful. Pan fry if you prefer!
My favourite meals are the ones that I know the whole family will enjoy. Safe bets for us are anything chicken – the plainer the better where my picky eater is concerned (click here for easy chicken dinners).
AND anything crispy. Check out these basic crispy salmon fish cakes and this mustard parmesan crispy chicken if you’re crispy food lovers like we are!
These Mediterranean-style air fryer crispy chicken burgers are beautifully crispy and so also a regular feature on our dinner table.
Why you’ll love them
- A 30-minute meal that everyone loves. At our place, our picky eater picks them apart and eats the bun then the chicken, but I’m OK with that. 😉
- Budget-friendly. I use chicken thighs, which are generally more economical than breasts. And juicier, too. Even more juicy cooked this way, since air frying locks in the cooking juices!
- Made with simple ingredients. No fancy sauces or hard-to-find spices. And you can easily adapt the toppings to what you already have.
- A healthy option. These are healthier than a classic deep fried chicken burger – but just as moist and flavorful!
- Make-ahead and freezer friendly.
- Different cooking options. You can air fry the chicken (my choice) or pan fry it. You can even bake it, but air frying or pan frying gets you the crispiest chicken.
About the ingredients
As I said, this is not a fancy burger! You can make a very delicious crispy chicken burger in around 30 minutes and with just a few carefully chosen ingredients. And plenty of seasoning.
Note there’s no cheese (not needed)! Although you can add it if you like.
Chicken: This is a chicken thigh burger recipe, rather than a burger made with ground chicken. I open the thighs out flat before covering in the panko crumbs. There’s quite a lot of chicken in each burger, so you can even halve the pieces and make 2 burgers out of each thigh if you like.
Japanese panko breadcrumbs: You can find these in most supermarkets these days. But you can use ordinary fine breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Tip: Why not make this delicious chicken katsu curry with the leftover panko crumbs?
A little flour and whisked egg: For breading the chicken, along with the panko crumbs.
Herbs and spices: To mix into the panko crumbs for that authentic fried chicken burger vibe. I give some suggestions in the recipe, but actually whatever you have is fine. I like to use lemon pepper seasoning (or lemon zest), paprika, garlic and/or onion powder, and Italian herbs.
Top Tip
Have a spice mix similar to this ready to go in your pantry. Check out this recipe for all-purpose seasoning.
Avocado, fresh lettuce and sundried tomatoes: Compulsory. Only kidding, of course. You can definitely skip any of these. We’re keeping the toppings simple, but for me they’re key for an exceptionally yummy crispy chicken sandwich.
Mayonnaise: Just spread a little onto each toasted burger bun.
Brioche buns: The supermarket I go to stocks two kinds. I have to admit I usually go for the expensive ones because the ingredients list is much shorter. The very best are homemade, of course. They’re surprisingly easy! I’ve made them from this recipe in the New York Times and they were fantastic! (make ahead and freeze)
There are no rules saying you have to use brioche buns, of course. Your favorite alternative burger buns are fine, too.
How to make crispy air fried chicken burgers
The step-by-step guide below should help you make the recipe perfectly first time. Scroll down to the end for the full recipe including ingredient amounts.
As I said, it ‘aint fancy! But it’s delicious. You’re basically making a fried chicken burger – crunchy with simple herbs and spices, but you aren’t deep frying (win-win).
Step 1: Bread chicken. You need 3 dishes. Put flour in one, whisked egg in another, and panko crumbs mixed with spices in the third. Press into flour first, then egg, then crumbs.
Step 2: Cook chicken. Spray lightly with oil on both sides first. Cook for about 20 minutes in an air fryer basket (or 15 minutes in a frying pan if you prefer).
Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, get your burger buns and toppings ready. Lightly toast the buns, and grab the mayonnaise, lettuce and sundried tomatoes.
Assembling the burgers
Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I’m not sure which order to add things on a burger! There are no strict rules, but this is how I assemble my crispy chicken burgers:
- Spread both sides of the toasted buns with mayonnaise. Lay a few avocado slices on top.
- Put a piece of crispy air fried chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top the chicken with a pile of fresh lettuce/other salad greens.
- Lay 2 or 3 sundried tomato halves over the top of the lettuce.
- Cover with the top half of the burger. And enjoy!
Helen’s Top Tips
Breading the chicken: I find it’s best to use one hand to dip the chicken into the flour and egg, then your other hand to press it into the crumbs. I use a spoon to spoon over the crumbs so that all parts of the chicken are covered.
Bread the chicken ahead of time if you like. Just pop onto a plate, cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to make dinner.
Knowing when the chicken is cooked: Generally the chicken is done in 15-20 minutes, when golden and crispy looking. The cooking time in different air fryers does vary a little, however. To be sure, check the inside with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F/75C. Don’t worry too much about overcooking – chicken thighs are pretty forgiving!
Pan frying option: If you pan fry your crispy chicken, place a splatter cover over the pan. The key is to cook on a medium to high heat for the first 5 to 7 minutes WITHOUT MOVING IT. Then flip over and cook for another 7 or 8 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Variations
I usually make these burgers exactly as I’ve described, but here are some easy ways to make them differently:
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese over the lettuce and sundried tomatoes
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the panko breadcrumbs to make the burgers spicy. Or squeeze a tiny bit of sriracha or other chili sauce into the mayonnaise.
- Add the zest of a lemon to the panko crumbs and/or a handful of parmesan cheese.
- Try a quick homemade tsatziki sauce instead of mayo. Or go for a store-bought creamy dressing for extra tangy flavour.
- Use sliced olives, marinated artichokes, pickles, or caramelized onions instead of (or as well as!) sundried tomatoes.
- Add some kimchi to your burger instead of sundried tomatoes for a Korean style chicken burger.
- Or how about Hawaiian style? Switch the tomatoes for pineapple, and add some crispy bacon or ham and BBQ sauce.
How to serve
If I’m making these crispy chicken burgers for lunch, I just serve them as they are. Yum.
If I’m making them for dinner, I serve them in several ways.
- I pan fry or air fry some asparagus if it’s in season. If not, another quick-cooking veggie, like snow peas/mange tout or sliced zucchini/courgette. If I don’t have any fresh veggies, I make these 10-minute frozen sautéed green beans, frozen sauteed broccoli or pan-fried butternut squash!
- I make a tray of these roasted Mediterranean vegetables. It may seem like extra effort, but the leftovers are great on pizzas and salads, or in toasties, quesadillas or couscous or pasta salads.
- What to make your air fryer do double duty? Another great roasted veggie option is this crispy air fryer cauliflower. Make it while you assemble your chicken burgers!
- Other times I make a quick and simple salad to go on the side. A Greek salad always goes down well at our house. Or, alternatively, a Greek lettuce salad. These are both perfect for making ahead. Prefer a fancier (but still very easy) salad? My top recommendation is this walnut feta beetroot salad.
- If I’m feeling really fancy, I make some homemade chips/fries, sweet potato fries or potato wedges to go with them. How about these air fryer smashed potatoes? You’ll only need a small portion, since the burgers are already quite filling.
- Or how about a simple pasta salad? I love this refreshing orzo salad with pesto, or this penne with pesto and roasted vegetables.
Leftovers and freezing
Leftovers reheat really well in an air fryer! I usually reheat at 160C/320F for about 6 minutes. You’ll have nice and crispy chicken thighs again!
You can reheat in your normal oven, too. Take the chicken out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you’re going to reheat it. Then reheat for about 20 minutes at 160C/320C or until hot and crispy again.
You can freeze the breaded chicken as long as it hasn’t been frozen before. Just store in an airtight container between layers of baking paper. Let defrost in the fridge, then spray lightly with oil on both sides before cooking as from fresh. For best results use within 1 to 3 months.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can if you prefer. Cooking time will be about the same (test with a meat thermometer: chicken should be 165F/75C in the thickest part). You may wish to cut the cooked crispy chicken breasts in half so that it fits into the burger better.
You can, but I find it doesn’t get as crispy as if you air fry it or pan fry it. You can lightly toast the panko crumbs in a pan and then crumb the chicken if you like which will make it crispier when baked.
Alternatively you can ‘double crumb’ the chicken. Just dip it in the flour, egg and crumbs twice instead of the usual once. Lightly spray with oil on both sides and bake on a baking tray with a wire rack on the top.
If you don’t have any lemon pepper seasoning, no problem! Just use the zest of a small lemon, half a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of black pepper instead.
Loving your air fryer? Have you tried roasting a whole rotisserie chicken in your air fryer yet? Try it once and you won’t look back! These air fryer Greek chicken meatballs also come highly recommended, and these air fried stuffed peppers are an easy, tasty all-in-one meal.
More easy burgers and sandwiches
- Try these 15-minute crispy halloumi burgers for when you’re in the mood for a quick and easy vegetarian meal
- My favorite? These quick and easy Greek chicken gyro pitas. Perfect for a small crowd!
- This artichoke and bacon toasted cheese sandwich is a legend!
- Last but definitely not least. This roasted eggplant, mozzarella and pesto panini has to be my favourite sandwich ever. You have to try it.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
for the crispy chicken
- ⅓ cup flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs, (can be mixed herbs or just basil, oregano, thyme)
- 4 chicken thighs, opened out so they are mostly flat
- salt and pepper, for grinding over the raw chicken
for the rest of the burgers
- 4 brioche buns, I prefer the good quality ones with minimal ingredients!
- 8 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced (you need about ¼ small avocado per person)
- 4 small handfuls mixed salad
- 4 sundried tomatoes, Sometimes I use sundried tomato strips or sundried tomato halves – it doesn't matter.
Instructions
Crumbing the chicken
- Put the flour, egg and panko crumbs in 3 separate bowls.⅓ cup flour, 1 large egg, ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Add all the spices and herbs to the panko crumbs and mix well.1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- Fold out each chicken thigh so it's mostly flat. Grind over plenty of salt and pepper.salt and pepper
- Press each chicken thigh first in the flour, then in the egg, then in the crumbs. Use one hand to dip in the flour and egg, and the other hand to press into the crumbs.⅓ cup flour, 1 large egg
Air frying the chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F/200C for 3 minutes. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Put the chicken in the air fryer basket (it's OK if it overlaps slightly) and spray the chicken lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8 minutes. Turn the chicken over and spray lightly with oil again. Air fry for another 7 minutes. At this point the chicken might be golden and crispy, or it might need another 5 minutes (it depends on your particular air fryer). In my air fryer I usually cook for another 5 minutes (so 20 minutes in total).
Pan frying the chicken (alternative to air frying)
- Heat up about 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan. When the oil is quite hot, add the chicken.
- Let cook for about 5 minutes without moving the chicken. Turn chicken over and turn down the heat to medium. Cook for about another 10 minutes or until golden and crispy on both sides.
Assembling the burger
- Lightly toast the burger buns.4 brioche buns
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each burger half (top and bottom).8 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Put one crispy chicken thigh on top of each burger bottom.
- Top each chicken thigh with a handful of green salad and a sundried tomato. Put the tops on the buns and serve immediately.4 small handfuls mixed salad, 4 sundried tomatoes
I don’t usually leave comments but this has to be one of my new fav recipes!! So easy and sooo good! I added some arugula as well but honestly any toppings are great. Absolutely recommend!!
Hello Maddy! Aw, that is the biggest compliment – thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed it enough to leave a comment!
Absolutely delicious, lovely and couldn’t even tell the difference between air fried and deep fried.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Samhi. I’m so glad you thought they tasted deep fried! That’s what I love about air fryers. They’re perfect for this sort of recipe. 🙂
This looks absolutely delicious! Thank you for you recipes! Can’t wait to try it! Can we expect more recipes once autumn has officially arrived
Hello! So glad you like the look of this recipe! Have you tried it yet? Do let me know how you get on if you do. I’ll be continuing with my usual posting schedule this Autumn which is roughly 1 new recipe every week. I hope you continue to enjoy the recipes!
On the subject of fish and chips – I have been in Australia (from Scotland and England)for 52 years and have yet to find a decent feed of Fish and chips. We have the fish but not the know how, I live in Far North Queensland and I would love for someone to tell me how wrong I am.
Meanwhile, I will try your chicken burgers in my NEW airfryer.
Hello Ann! Oooh dear! That doesn’t really give me much hope. Although I don’t mind the fish and chips here on the whole. I’ve decided to just accept that they’re different and to try to enjoy them for what they are. I really like Australian barramundi, although I think it’s a shame to waste it on fish and chips. Nice to hear from you, and good luck with the air fryer. I think you’ll love it. Our air fryer has certainly been a surprise hit!