Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger (Air Fryer Recipe)
Intro:
This Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger is a fiery twist on your classic chicken burger — featuring juicy, seasoned chicken patties loaded with chopped jalapeños, gooey melted pepper jack cheese, and topped with your favorite fixings. The air fryer makes the patties perfectly crispy outside and tender inside, all without the extra oil. Perfect for a spicy burger night or summer-style indoor grilling!
Ingredients (Makes 4 burgers)
Chicken Patties:
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for texture)
1 tbsp mayonnaise (for juiciness)
½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese (or slices for topping)
Burger Assembly:
4 burger buns (toasted if preferred)
Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion
Additional Pepper Jack cheese slices
Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled, optional)
Mayo, spicy ranch, or chipotle aioli
Instructions
Prepare Chicken Patties (5–10 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, mayo, and shredded cheese.
Mix until just combined — don’t overwork.
Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ½ inch thick.
Tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Patties (12–14 minutes)
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Place chicken patties in the basket (leave space between them).
Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
In the last 2 minutes, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty and let it melt.
Assemble the Burgers (3–5 minutes)
Toast buns in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes if desired.
Spread mayo or chipotle sauce on buns.
Add lettuce, tomato, cooked patty, jalapeños, pickles, onions, or your favorite toppings.
Top with bun and serve hot!
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Prep: 10 mins
Air fry: 12–14 mins
Assemble: 3–5 mins
Tips & Variations
Extra heat? Add cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken mix.
Milder version? Use Monterey Jack instead of Pepper Jack.
No buns? Serve in lettuce wraps or on a salad bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooked patties in fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Freeze uncooked patties between parchment; air fry from frozen at 360°F for 16–18 minutes.