There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy yet tender chicken rissole. As someone who loves quick, flavorful meals without the fuss of deep-frying, I was thrilled to discover how well an air fryer handles these little golden patties. They’re juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with just the right amount of seasoning—making them a weeknight dinner hero or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something deliciously simple, these chicken rissoles deliver. Plus, the air fryer cuts down on oil without sacrificing that irresistible texture. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these on repeat!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Ground chicken: The star of the dish! Lean yet moist, ground chicken forms the base of these rissoles. It’s mild enough to absorb flavors well while keeping the patties tender.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture together and add a slight crispiness to the exterior. Panko breadcrumbs work especially well for extra crunch.
Egg: A crucial binder that holds everything together, ensuring your rissoles don’t fall apart in the air fryer.
Onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture. Sautéing it first softens the sharpness and blends seamlessly into the mixture.
Garlic (minced): A flavor booster that gives the rissoles a delicious savory depth. Fresh garlic is best, but powder works in a pinch.
Parsley (fresh, chopped): Brings a bright, herby freshness that balances the richness of the chicken.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a touch of warmth to the seasoning.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to taste!
Olive oil (or cooking spray): A light coating helps the rissoles crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Ingredients List
- 500g (1.1 lb) ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a small pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the rissoles tender.
Step 3: Shape the Rissoles
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small patty, about ½-inch thick. Press gently to flatten but ensure they hold together.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve an even crisp.
Step 5: Cook in Batches
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the rissoles in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the rissoles rest for 2 minutes before serving. They’re fantastic with a dipping sauce, in a burger bun, or alongside a fresh salad.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture—it can make the rissoles dense.
- Chill the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking if they feel too soft—this helps them hold shape.
- Use wet hands when shaping to prevent sticking.
- Adjust thickness for cooking time—thicker patties may need an extra minute or two.
- Try different herbs like thyme or cilantro for a flavor twist.
- Double the batch and freeze uncooked patties for future meals.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well—just watch the cooking time as it can dry out faster.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Why are my rissoles falling apart?
If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. Chilling before cooking also helps bind them better.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken rissoles—they’re sure to become a household favorite!