If you’re searching for a delightful, easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, then you’ve just found a winner with this Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe. These patties offer an irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. They come together quickly, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want a nourishing snack that doesn’t compromise on taste or health. Trust me, once you try these, canned chicken will never feel ordinary again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe to life, balancing flavor, texture, and color for patties that are as satisfying to eat as they are easy to prepare.
- 2 (12.5 ounces) cans of chicken breast: The protein-packed base that keeps this dish keto-friendly and super convenient.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey meltiness and mild flavor to bind and enrich the patties.
- 2 eggs: Helps hold everything together while adding a boost of moisture.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese: Brings a punch of sharpness and saltiness that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced: Brightens the flavor with a hint of freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a light kick that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth that makes every bite more interesting.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Begin by spraying the basket of your air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step prevents the patties from sticking and helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior. Setting the air fryer aside once prepped keeps things orderly and efficient.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Open your canned chicken and drain all the liquid thoroughly. Pour the chicken into a large mixing bowl and use a fork to shred it into smaller, uniform pieces. This ensures that your patties will cook evenly and have a great texture without any large clumps.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Now, add the mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the shredded chicken. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a cohesive mixture that’s ready to be shaped into patties.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty and shape it into a round, flat patty. You’ll end up with roughly 12 patties, but feel free to adjust their size to suit your preference. Placing them on a plate makes it easy to transfer to the air fryer basket without losing their shape.
Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the patties carefully into the prepared basket, avoiding overcrowding; you might need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. Optional: give the tops a light spray of nonstick cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake at 350°F for 13 to 15 minutes, checking at the 13-minute mark for a golden brown finish. Cooking times may vary with patty size and air fryer model, so keep an eye on them for perfect results.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once cooked, let the patties cool slightly to set their texture. They’re ready to serve immediately or can be stored in airtight containers for later enjoyment. This step is key to maintaining their flavor and moistness.
How to Serve Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of creamy avocado crema enhance both the visual appeal and flavor. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the rich, cheesy patties beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides keto-friendly to complement this dish perfectly. Think crisp mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette or garlic roasted cauliflower for a warm, comforting addition. Zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and garlic also pair wonderfully for a low-carb, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these patties atop a bed of fresh arugula with sliced cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a stunning appetizer? Or stack them with layers of cheese and low-carb veggies to create a hearty “mini burger” that’s sure to impress friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture, making them a perfect quick snack or meal component to reheat when time is tight.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked patties individually on a baking sheet and then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to have a keto-friendly option ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method helps retain that delicious, fresh-cooked texture without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While canned chicken saves time and is super convenient, using freshly cooked shredded chicken works just as well and can add a bit more moisture and flavor to the patties.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. These patties are fantastic for meal prepping because they keep well in the fridge and freezer, making them ideal for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I make these patties without an air fryer?
Yes, you can pan-fry these patties in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, or bake them in an oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
Since the chicken is already cooked in the canned form, you’re mainly looking for a golden brown exterior and a firm texture to ensure they’re heated through and nicely crisped.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Feel free to customize the seasoning! Adding paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs like thyme or basil can tailor the flavor to your liking without compromising the keto-friendly nature of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully comforting about these Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe that makes them a standout favorite for keto enthusiasts and busy cooks alike. They’re quick to put together, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for any meal occasion. Give this recipe a try and discover how easy and delicious keto cooking can be with just a few pantry staples and your trusty air fryer!
Print
Canned Chicken Patties (Air Fryer, Keto) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 patties (serves 12)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
These Canned Chicken Patties are a quick, keto-friendly recipe perfect for a low-carb meal. Made with canned chicken breast, mozzarella, parmesan, and a mix of herbs and spices, they cook up crispy and golden in the air fryer in just minutes. Ideal for a protein-packed snack or light dinner, these patties are easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 ounces) cans chicken breast, drained (16 ounces total)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Shred Chicken: Drain all the water from the canned chicken and transfer the meat into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to shred the chicken evenly, breaking up any clumps or chunks.
- Mix Ingredients: Add mozzarella cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, minced parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture per patty, shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized patties. Place them on a plate ready for cooking.
- Cook Patties: Carefully arrange the patties in the prepared air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Optionally, you can spray the tops of the patties with nonstick spray for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry: Cook the patties at 350°F (175°C) for 13 to 15 minutes. Check around 13 minutes, and continue cooking if they are not yet golden brown. Cooking time may vary based on patty size and air fryer model.
- Cool and Store: Allow patties to cool before serving. Store leftovers in airtight containers or freeze for later use.
Notes
- You can adjust the size of patties to your preference; smaller patties will cook faster.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Leftover patties freeze well and can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain texture.
- For added flavor, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices.
