🔪 Introduction
Rissoles are a beloved dish found across French-inspired kitchens — crispy, golden patties with a flavorful meat filling. This version uses lean chicken and swaps the traditional frying method for an air fryer, resulting in a healthier option without sacrificing the crispy exterior or the juicy center. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, these chicken rissoles will be a hit with both kids and adults.
🧾 Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 500g ground chicken (or finely minced cooked chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh is best)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or herbes de Provence
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
For Coating:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular, for a crispy texture)
- Olive oil spray
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, parsley, mustard, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add one egg and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs. Mix well until the mixture binds together.
- If too wet, add a little more breadcrumb until the texture is firm enough to shape.
- Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes (optional, but makes shaping easier).
2. Shape the Rissoles
- Divide the chicken mixture into equal portions (about 8–10).
- Shape each portion into a small, thick patty — about 2 cm thick.
3. Bread the Rissoles
- Dip each rissole into the beaten egg.
- Coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Lightly press the crumbs to help them stick.
- Optional: place rissoles on a tray and chill for another 10 minutes to firm up.
4. Air Fry the Rissoles
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray both sides of the rissoles with olive oil spray.
- Place rissoles in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 75°C / 165°F).
📝 Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh garden salad.
- Delicious with Dijon mustard, aioli, or herbed yogurt sauce.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
🔁 Method Summary
| Step | Method |
|---|---|
| Mixing | Combine all chicken mixture ingredients. |
| Shaping | Form into small, thick patties. |
| Breading | Coat with egg and breadcrumbs. |
| Air Frying | Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 mins. |