Craving that crispy, golden crunch of a proper chicken burger but without the deep fryer or takeaway price tag? You’re in the right place. These air fryer crispy chicken burgers delivers all the flavour and texture of your favourite fast food classic, but it’s made right at home with just a handful of ingredients and a fraction of the oil.
It starts with tender chicken breast fillets, flattened slightly so they cook evenly and quickly. They’re coated in a well-seasoned, golden crumb that turns deliciously crisp in the air fryer. No messy frying, no hot oil, and no lingering smells. Just clean, crunchy satisfaction every time.
The best part? You can customise it however you like. Pile it into soft brioche buns with shredded lettuce, tangy pickles, and a slick of spicy mayo for that classic takeaway vibe. Or keep it simple with fresh tomato and a dollop of garlic yoghurt. However you build it, this burger is all about bold flavour and serious crunch.
It’s also a great recipe for midweek dinners, weekend fake-aways, or even a crowd-pleasing Friday night treat. You can prep the chicken ahead of time and stash it in the fridge ready to air fry when hunger strikes. Serve it with air fryer chips, onion rings, or a crisp slaw on the side, this one’s a keeper.
If you’ve been wondering whether the air fryer can do justice to a proper crispy chicken burger, this recipe proves it. No soggy bottoms, no limp breading, just golden, crunchy, juicy chicken in every bite.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
2 skinless chicken breasts
4 tbsp of plain flour
1 tsp of paprika
½ tsp of garlic granules
½ tsp of onion powder
¼ tsp of black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
50g of panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
To serve:
2 brioche burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Mayo or spicy sauce of your choice
Method
So start by prepping the chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of baking paper or cling film and gently bash them with a rolling pin until they’re an even thickness, about 1.5–2cm thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy in the air fryer.
Then in a shallow bowl, mix the flour with the paprika, garlic granules, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned flour, turning to coat. Shake off any excess, then dip into the beaten egg. Let the excess drip off before pressing the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully coated. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick.
Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil. So this helps it crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) if your model needs it. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken over and spray again lightly with oil. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until golden, crispy and cooked through. The chicken should be piping hot and reach 75°C (165°F) in the centre.
While the chicken cooks, toast the burger buns if you like, and prep your toppings. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, or whatever you fancy.
Assemble the burgers by layering up your crispy chicken in the bun with all your favourite extras. Serve straight away while it’s hot and crunchy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Cooking burgers in an air-fryer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy them with minimal effort and mess. Whether you’re a novice or an air fryer pro, these tips will help you get the best results every time.
1. Even thickness is key
Bashing the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. If they’re too thick, the outside may overcook before the centre is done.
2. Don’t skip the flour
The flour layer gives the egg something to cling to, which helps the panko breadcrumbs stick properly. It’s the secret to getting that proper crispy coating without it flaking off.
3. Panko makes all the difference
Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier finish than regular ones. If you don’t have any, you can use crushed cornflakes for a similar crispy effect.
4. Use oil spray, not a brush
A quick mist of oil spray helps the coating go golden and crunchy without saturating it. Avoid brushing on oil, as that can drag the crumbs off.
5. Work in batches if needed
So for best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give each piece of chicken some space so the air can circulate freely. That’s how you get an even crisp all over.
6. Spice it up
For a spicy version, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the flour mixture, and mix some hot sauce into the mayo before serving.
7. Make-ahead option
You can coat the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. This is great for weeknights or meal prep!
8. Double up
This recipe scales so easily, so feel free to make extra. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer for a super quick lunch the next day.
Related Recipes
So if you loved these Air Fryer Chicken burgers, then here are some more easy fake-away recipes that bring big flavour with minimal faff, all made in the air fryer:
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Simple, juicy, and so versatile, this recipe is great for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Seasoned just right and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it is a brilliant base for salads, wraps or rice bowls.
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Crispy, golden and seriously addictive, these homemade chips are the ideal burger side dish. Made with just a little oil and plenty of crunch, they are everything you want from a proper chip, minus the deep frying.
Easy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Light, crunchy and coated in golden panko crumbs, these onion rings are such a total fake-away win. Serve them alongside your burger for that pub-style combo, without the greasy aftermath.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Crispy potato skins piled high with cheese, bacon and sour cream. So these make the perfect starter, side or party snack, and they are surprisingly easy to pull off in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger
These air fryer turkey burgers are so tender, and ready in no time at all. Which makes them the perfect option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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