Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: under 30 minutes
METHOD: Air Fryer
OTHER TOOLS: mixing bowls
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 5

Try a leaner, homemade sausage patty that’s perfect for breakfast! These air fryer sausage patties are quick and easy – great for on the go or prep ahead for later. Try this flavorful combination of ground chicken, jalapeño, and shallots for an all-clean, super-satisfying protein that comes together in just minutes!

What’s To Love About This Recipe

Sausage patties are a simple protein ideal for busy mornings. They’re easy to portion out or pack for a meal on the go. Save a few in the freezer and thank yourself later!
Love sausage patties but NOT the cleanup? You’ll get less mess than stovetop-frying with this method.
The air fryer can be a healthier cooking method since it uses less oil than skillet frying and allows extra fat to drain away. It still keeps the patties juicy, but without the excess oil!
You’ll also enjoy even cooking and crisp edges without over-drying.
This flavorful combination is a homemade twist on a classic sausage patty. It’s also super easy to customize! Adjust the spice, meat, and seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed

Ground chicken – Ground chicken is lean and has a mild flavor. With some seasoning and healthy add-ins, you can transform it into a delicious sausage with just the right amount of spice.
Herb and garlic seasoning – This herb and garlic seasoning with pepper and sea salt is my favorite all-purpose blend. It adds savory flavor and works with many different ingredients. Choose any blend that you like, but be sure to add a pinch of salt if your preferred seasoning doesn’t already include it.
Diced shallot – Shallot is a nice alternative to onion in recipes like this. It brings a subtle sweetness and has a very tender texture. Dice it finely so that it binds well in the sausage patty.
Diced jalapeño – This brings a balanced amount of heat for a mild-to-medium sausage patty. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
Jarred minced garlic – Minced garlic is another easy step to make the most flavorful homemade sausage. This finishes out the mixture and deepens the overall flavor.

1 pound ground chicken 1/2 teaspoon 2 tablespoons diced shallot 2 tablespoons diced jalapeno 1 teaspoon on counter ready to prepare recipe of sausage patties

How To Make Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Mix ground meat and other ingredients in a small bowl by hand until well combined.

Sausage Patties mixture ready to form in bowl

Air Fryer Sausage Patties all ready in bowl

Form the meat mixture into 6 round sausage patties.

Formed sausage patties on parchment paper ready to cook

Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
Add patties to the basket in a single layer.

Raw Sausage Patties ready and formed in air fryer basket

Cook at 400 ℉ for 10-12 minutes until cooked through, flipping once halfway through the cooking time.

Air Fryer Sausage Patties being cooked in air fryer basket

Pro Tips

To reduce the spice, remove ribs and seeds from the jalapeño. To increase the spice, leave them in or add red pepper flakes for a little more heat.
Prevent smoking in the air fryer by adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket or a tray to catch and cool any rendered fat.
Flipping the patties is optional, but I recommend it for even browning.
Cook in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispness on all sides.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Most packaged ground chicken will include a combination of white and dark meat in a lean blend. However, if you have the option to purchase separately, vary the sausage with dark meat for juicier patties, or white meat for leaner and lighter patties.
Create different sausage recipes by using ground pork, turkey, or chicken based on preference.
Switch up the sausage flavor with different herbs and seasonings. Add Italian herbs for classic Italian sausage, or make another breakfast-friendly option with a combination of sage, fennel, and maple syrup.
The air fryer is also a wonderful option for heating up preformed or precooked sausage patties. If you choose a store-bought option, adjust the cooking time per the package directions. (And if you prefer sausage links, find directions for Air Fryer Chicken Sausage here!)

What To Serve With Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Air fryer sausage patties are a great breakfast option – or to eat breakfast-style any time of the day!

Serve them with scrambled eggs and Air Fryer Hash Browns or with your favorite à la carte sides such as toast, oatmeal, or fruit.

I like to make these sausage patties on the smaller side, but you could press them down a bit during cooking or slice them up to work in a breakfast sandwich with English muffins, biscuits, or bagels. Or, roll crumbled sausage patties up in a tortilla with eggs and cheese.

For a low-carb option, serve chicken sausage patties alongside fresh avocado and sautéed greens, or make a protein snack box with Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs.

Plate of Air Fryer Sausage Patties and eggs

Storing and Reheating

Store sausage patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in a tightly sealed bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months, or portion the raw mixture into patties and freeze to quickly pop into the air fryer and cook later.

There are several ways to reheat – choose what works for you! I like using the air fryer again since it’s so simple to clean and heats up quickly.

Air Fryer – Heat at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts, covered.
Oven – Heat at 375℉ for 8–10 minutes.

Can you cook frozen sausage patties in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausage patties in the air fryer. Add 2–3 more minutes to the regular cooking time to make sure they are cooked through to 165 ℉.

How do you make sure you get the perfect sausage patty – not too greasy and not dried out?

Choose a meat blend with some fat but not overly fatty. An 85% lean/15% fat combination would be ideal. Also, monitor the temperature closely to ensure you don’t overcook the patties.

How can you tell when air fryer sausage patties are done?

Sausage patties should reach an internal temperature of 165 ℉ to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the center for accurate results.

How long should the air fryer sausage patties rest after cooking?

Allow patties to rest 2–3 minutes before serving for juicier results.