Crispy, Juicy & Irresistible: Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles with Honey Mustard Drizzle

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed weeknight meal that even picky eaters will love? These Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles are your answer. Juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and topped with a tangy honey mustard drizzle—these rissoles are a modern twist on a classic comfort food, made lighter and faster thanks to the air fryer.

Whether you’re a meal-prep warrior, a busy parent, or just someone looking for a better alternative to fried patties, this recipe is ideal. The rissoles come together quickly, feature nutrient-rich ingredients like zucchini and lean chicken mince, and are air-fried for that perfect crunch without the grease. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and incredibly versatile—think lunchbox hero, quick dinner, or even a protein-packed snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than traditional fried rissoles – minimal oil, maximum crisp.

• Perfect for air fryer beginners – foolproof and ready in just 10 minutes.

• Freezer-friendly – double the batch and save some for later.

• Customizable – switch up the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

If you’re a fan of easy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor or texture, this one’s going straight into your weekly rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Rissoles:

• 500g chicken mince

• 25g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs

• 40g (1/2 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 green shallots, finely sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 egg, lightly whisked

• 1 zucchini, roughly shredded and squeezed to remove moisture

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

Every ingredient here plays a role: chicken keeps it lean and juicy, zucchini adds moisture and fiber, Parmesan gives depth of flavor, and the honey mustard dressing brings a bright, zesty finish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this meal together with ease:

• Mixing bowls (large and small)

• Grater (for cheese and zucchini)

• Garlic press or mortar and pestle (optional but handy)

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Tray or plate for shaping rissoles

• Air fryer

• Silicone brush or oil spray bottle

• Spatula or tongs

• Whisk or fork (for dressing)

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles

1. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, shallots, garlic, and the lightly whisked egg. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded zucchini before adding it to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Shape the Rissoles

Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mixture at a time and form into 10 equal balls. Place them on a lightly oiled tray, then gently flatten into 7 cm rounds using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes—this helps the rissoles firm up and hold their shape during cooking.

3. Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly mist the air fryer basket and the tops of the rissoles with oil. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway for even browning.

4. Prepare the Dressing

While the rissoles cook, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the rissoles are golden and sizzling, transfer to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the honey mustard dressing. Serve warm with your favorite sides or over a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips & Notes

• Don’t skip draining the zucchini. Excess water can make the mixture too loose and cause the rissoles to fall apart.

• No air fryer? No problem. You can pan-fry the rissoles in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.

• Chilling before cooking is crucial for shape and texture. Don’t rush this step.

• Parmesan alternatives: You can swap in pecorino romano or omit for dairy-free diets (see substitutions below).

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Dairy-free? Omit the Parmesan and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

• Low-carb/keto? Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

• Add herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill pair beautifully with the chicken and zucchini.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the mix.

• Cheese lovers: Add a cube of mozzarella to the center of each rissole before shaping for a gooey surprise.

These rissoles are highly adaptable—perfect for using up ingredients you already have.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator:
Store cooked rissoles in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezer:
Freeze raw or cooked rissoles between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of air fryer time.

Meal prep tip:
Double the batch and freeze half—future you will thank you on a busy weeknight.

What to Serve with Chicken Rissoles

These rissoles are versatile enough to go with a variety of sides. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Salads: Pair with a crisp coleslaw, cucumber yogurt salad, or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.

• Grains: Serve with quinoa, couscous, or brown rice.

• Vegetables: Try with roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or grilled corn.

• Dips: Alongside tzatziki, hummus, or extra honey mustard dressing for dipping.

• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well. Just ensure it’s not too lean to avoid dryness.

My rissoles are falling apart—what happened?
You may have added too much moisture (from zucchini) or not chilled them long enough. Make sure to squeeze the zucchini well and chill the shaped patties before air frying.

Can I make them vegetarian?
You could substitute the chicken with mashed chickpeas, black beans, or tofu for a plant-based option, though cooking times and texture may vary.

Is the honey mustard dressing optional?
Technically yes, but it really elevates the dish. You can also swap it with your favorite sauce or dressing like ranch, tahini, or BBQ.

Can I cook these in a conventional oven?
Yes! Bake on a parchment-lined tray at 200°C (390°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles are everything you want in a go-to recipe—simple, healthy, flavorful, and totally customizable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just want something delicious and fast, this dish has you covered.

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Happy cooking—and don’t forget the drizzle!