Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles are a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground chicken, herbs, and veggies, these rissoles are juicy on the inside with a crisp, golden crust thanks to the air fryer—no oil splatter or deep frying needed! They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, salad, or steamed greens for a well-rounded meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 500g chicken mince (ground chicken)

• 1 small onion, finely grated or chopped

• 1 carrot, finely grated

• 1 zucchini, grated and moisture squeezed out

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, onion, carrot, zucchini, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or it may become tough.

3. With damp hands, form into 8–10 equal-sized rissoles.

4. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3 minutes.

5. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place rissoles in a single layer, leaving space between each.

6. Spray the tops lightly with oil.

7. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 5–8 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

8. Serve hot with salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.

Nutrients (Per rissole, approx. based on 10 rissoles)

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Protein: 16g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 220mg

• Vitamin A: 1000 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 30mg

• Iron: 1.2mg

Why Rissoles Are a Family Favorite

There’s a reason rissoles have remained a staple in family kitchens for generations. They’re economical, versatile, and can be tailored to suit every palate. Kids love their soft, easy-to-eat texture, while adults appreciate their savory depth and comforting familiarity. Whether served on a plate with classic sides like mashed potatoes and peas or tucked into a sandwich with crisp lettuce and a smear of aioli, rissoles adapt to any meal format. The chicken version in particular is lighter than beef or lamb but still hearty enough to satisfy.

The Magic of the Air Fryer

The air fryer transforms this humble dish into something special. It cooks the rissoles quickly, evenly, and with far less oil than pan-frying. The result is a crisp, golden exterior that mimics traditional frying, minus the mess and calories. The circulating hot air creates a consistent crust, while the interior remains moist and tender. You also avoid standing over a stovetop or dealing with oil splatters—making this method both efficient and family-friendly. For busy weeknights or meal prepping, the air fryer streamlines cooking without sacrificing flavor or texture.

A Nutrient-Packed, Well-Balanced Meal

Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles aren’t just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrition. Using ground chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the inclusion of grated vegetables like zucchini and carrot adds fiber, vitamins, and moisture. Garlic, onion, and herbs bring not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory benefits. The combination of protein, complex carbohydrates (from breadcrumbs), and veggies makes each rissole a balanced mini meal. When served with whole grains or a side of leafy greens, they become part of a nutrient-rich plate that supports energy and satiety.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its suitability for batch cooking. You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch, then freeze uncooked rissoles for later. Simply form the patties, place them on a lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just increase the air fryer time slightly. This makes them ideal for those who like to plan ahead or want ready-to-cook options for hectic evenings.

Customizable for Every Taste

Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles are incredibly flexible when it comes to flavor. The base recipe includes classic herbs like parsley and thyme, but you can experiment based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Add a little grated cheese for richness, chopped spinach for a green boost, or swap in different spice blends like curry powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs for a global twist. You can even adjust the protein—ground turkey works beautifully, and plant-based mince can be used for a vegetarian version. With endless ways to adapt, these rissoles never get boring.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Dinner

These rissoles are so versatile, they pair effortlessly with a wide range of side dishes. For a comforting dinner, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. For a lighter approach, try a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted sweet potato wedges. They’re also fantastic served in pita pockets with tzatziki and chopped veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Whether you go traditional or modern, the rissoles act as a flavorful centerpiece that complements nearly any combination of sides.

A Healthier Alternative to Fried Favorites

Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles satisfy that craving for something crisp and savory—without the guilt that often comes with fried foods. Because they’re made with lean meat, nutrient-dense veggies, and very little oil, they’re a smart choice for anyone trying to eat healthier without giving up flavor or texture. They’re lower in fat and calories compared to deep-fried patties, making them suitable for heart-conscious diets, weight loss plans, or simply anyone trying to make better food choices without sacrificing taste.

Kid-Friendly and Great for Picky Eaters

If you’re feeding a family, especially young children, rissoles can be a mealtime lifesaver. Their small size, soft texture, and familiar flavor make them approachable for picky eaters. Grated veggies are mixed in so seamlessly that kids often don’t notice they’re eating them—an excellent way to sneak in extra nutrition. Serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or yogurt-based dressings to make them even more appealing to young diners.

Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights

Time is often the biggest barrier to home cooking, but these air fryer rissoles remove that obstacle entirely. With a total cook time of under 20 minutes, they’re one of the fastest ways to get a healthy, homemade meal on the table. The prep can be done in advance and even customized to suit whatever’s in the fridge. You don’t need to stand at the stove or dirty multiple pans—just pop them into the air fryer and let it do the work while you prepare your sides or unwind from the day.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles are a modern twist on a timeless comfort food. They bring together everything we love about homemade meals—wholesome ingredients, satisfying flavor, and flexibility—with the convenience and health-consciousness of air frying. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or just looking for a quick way to eat better, these rissoles are a go-to recipe that delivers on all fronts. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with goodness, they prove that simple food can be both nourishing and exciting. Keep this recipe in your regular rotation and enjoy the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and nutrition.