Fusion recipe

Spicy Chicken Burger

Ground chicken that's anything but dry and boring: warm Indian spices built right into the patty. Air fryer or pan.

Did you know? There’s no ham in a hamburger. It’s named after the German city of Hamburg, which is how a chicken burger can be a ‘burger’ too! Read my story →
BurgerAir fryer⏱ ~25 minMakes 3 patties▶ Subscribe on YouTube
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Tick items off as you go3 patties

Patties

  • 300 gminced chicken
  • 1medium onion, diced as small as you can
  • a pinchsalt
  • to tastespicy chilli powder
  • somecoriander powder
  • somegaram masala
  • a pinchturmeric powder
  • 1clove fresh garlic, diced
  • 1 tbspolive oil (plus a little for your hands)

To assemble

  • 3burger buns (store-bought is fine)
  • a tiny amountbutter for the buns
  • lettuce, English cheddar slices, onion, tomato
  • optionaljalapeños, and your favourite sauce or mayo
  1. 1
    Start the mix. 300 g of minced chicken and a medium onion, diced as small as you can (or use a chopper).
  2. 2
    Add the spices. A pinch of salt, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, a pinch of turmeric and a clove of diced garlic.
  3. 3
    Mix well so the chicken is fully coated with the spices.
  4. 4
    Add olive oil. Pour 1 tbsp directly into the mix, then slick your hands with oil.
  5. 5
    Shape the patties. Roll into balls and flatten, as big or small as you like. Or make meatballs for spaghetti.
  6. 6
    Air fry. 3 patties fit in my basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 180°C (360°F).
  7. 7
    Flip and cook 5 more minutes until golden and crispy.
  8. 8
    No air fryer? Pan-fry, flipping to cook both sides well. A cast-iron pan spreads the heat evenly.
  9. 9
    Toast the buns. Spread a tiny bit of butter and toast for 1 minute in the air fryer.
  10. 10
    Assemble. Lettuce, patty, cheddar, onion, tomato and jalapeños. Add sauce if you like.

Tips from the video

Build flavour inside the patty. Spices in the mince, not just salt and pepper, keep ground chicken from tasting dry and boring.
Oil in the mix and on your hands. It keeps everything completely non-stick while shaping.
Dice the onion really small, or use a chopper, so the patties hold together.
Meatball option. Roll small balls instead and serve them with spaghetti.
No sauce needed. The patty is flavourful enough on its own.

💡 Extra tips, not in the video Bonus tips

Check it's cooked through: the centre should reach 74°C (165°F), with no pink.
Press a dimple in the centre of each patty so it stays flat as it cooks.
The story behind the dish

Bringing the spice to burgers

If you're used to spicy food, a traditional burger can taste a bit bland. Same for me.

So I wanted to try making the patties with minced chicken, but with spices added. I tried my usual chilli powder and garam masala trick in the air fryer, and it was so good!

I love it when the things you experiment with work out this well!

Curry++ · 7 November 2026

💡
From the hacks library · added 6 Nov

Make your own chai masala

Toast whole spices for 5 minutes, blend to a powder, and add a pinch whenever you make tea. It's homemade masala chai in seconds. From Masala Chai →

Browse all hacks →

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