Air Fryer Breaded Pork Patties
Air fryer breaded pork patties give you the crunch of shallow-fried patties with a fraction of the oil. Seasoned pork mince is shaped into thick discs, coated in flour, egg and crumbs, then cooked in the basket until golden and steaming hot in the middle. They are quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and the crumb stays crisp for a good while after cooking.
- Total
- 1 h 3 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 33 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 375kcal
Why air fryer breaded pork patties work
The hot, fast-moving air dries and browns the crumbs without a pool of oil, and the 1.5cm thickness gives the meat time to cook through before the coating darkens too much. A light spray of oil on top is all the fat the crust needs. Panko gives the crispest, lightest finish, but ordinary dried breadcrumbs work too.
Basket size and batches
A standard 4–5 litre basket holds two 9cm patties in one layer without touching. Crowded patties steam and leave the crumb soft, so it is better to cook two batches than to squeeze all four in. If your basket is 6 litres or larger and all four fit with gaps, cook them in one go and the total cook time drops to about 18 minutes.
How to make air fryer breaded pork patties
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season the mince Put the pork mince in a bowl with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands for about 30 seconds, just until the seasoning is evenly spread. Overworking the meat makes the patties tough.
- Shape the patties Divide the mixture into four (about 125g each). Press each one into a disc about 9cm wide and 1.5cm thick, pressing the edges smooth so the crumb has something to grip. Put them on a plate and chill for to firm up.
- Coat in three stages Put the flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs in three separate dishes. Dip each patty in the flour and shake off the excess, coat it in egg, then press it firmly into the crumbs on both sides and around the edge.
- Preheat and spray Heat the air fryer to 180°C for . Spray the basket lightly with oil, then spray the tops of the patties until the crumbs look damp. This is what turns them golden rather than pale.
- Air fry in batches Cook two patties at a time in a single layer, with a gap between them, for . Turn them over after and spray the new top lightly. Keep the first batch warm on a wire rack in a low oven at 110°C (90°C fan), gas ¼, while the second one cooks.
- Check they are cooked The patties should be deep golden, with no pink in the middle and clear juices. If you use a thermometer, the centre should read at least 75°C. Leave them for before serving.
What to serve with them
Put a patty in a toasted bun with mustard and pickles, or serve it the old-fashioned way with mashed potato, peas and gravy. Air fryer breaded onion rings make a good side, as the same flour, egg and crumb coating works for both. For a chicken version of the same method, try air fryer breaded chicken, or look at the air fryer Danish breaded pork patties for a different seasoning.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Breaded Pork Patties
- The crumb falls off while cooking.
- Pat the shaped patties dry, flour them lightly and press the crumbs on firmly. Chilling them for 15 minutes before cooking also helps the coating set to the meat.
- The patties are dry inside.
- Use mince with about 10% fat rather than extra-lean, and mix it only briefly. Cook until the middle is no longer pink, but not much longer, and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- The crumbs are pale and dusty in places.
- Spray the tops generously with oil until no dry crumbs are left, and cook in a single layer so the hot air can reach every side.
- The patties stick to the basket.
- Spray the basket with oil before each batch, or use a perforated air fryer liner.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Breaded Pork Patties
How long do you cook breaded pork patties in the air fryer?
Cook them for 15 minutes at 180°C, turning them after 8 minutes. This is for patties about 1.5cm thick, and a thicker patty needs a few extra minutes. They are done when the middle is steaming hot with no pink.
Can you freeze them?
Yes, freeze the uncooked, breaded patties on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen at 180°C for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until steaming hot all the way through with no pink.
Can I use something other than pork mince?
Yes, turkey or beef mince work with the same seasoning and timings. Check that the centre is steaming hot with no pink before serving.
What is the oven alternative?
Bake them on a hot, oiled tray at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6, for 20–25 minutes, turning once. They will be slightly less crisp than from the air fryer.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 35 ratings
