Air Fryer Chicken Burger Bun Pies

Crispy, Golden Burger Buns Stuffed with Creamy Chicken Filling and Melted Cheese

Turn ordinary burger buns into a delicious, budget-friendly meal with these Air Fryer Chicken Burger Bun Pies. Soft burger buns are flattened, filled with a creamy, savory chicken mixture, sealed into hand pies, and air-fried until perfectly golden and crispy. The result is a crunchy exterior with a warm, cheesy, and flavorful chicken filling that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or meal prep.These easy chicken bun pies are a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. The creamy filling combines shredded chicken, vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying bite that’s loved by both kids and adults. Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crispy finish using very little oil compared to deep frying.Serve them with ketchup, garlic mayo, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy without deep frying

Great way to use leftover chicken

Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful filling

Ready in under 30 minutes

Family-friendly

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks

Freezer-friendly

Easy to customize

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 4 (8 bun pies)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper

¼ cup sweet corn

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Bun Pies

8 soft burger buns

1 large egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped jalapeños

Cooked mushrooms

Spinach

Black olives

Chopped green onions

Crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving

Garlic mayo

Ranch dressing

Ketchup

Sweet chili sauce

Honey mustard

Equipment

Air fryer

Rolling pin

Mixing bowls

Pastry brush

Fork

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add:

Shredded chicken

Sweet corn

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Paprika

Oregano

Salt

Black pepper

Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring well.

Remove from the heat.

Mix in:

Mayonnaise

Cream cheese

Mozzarella cheese

Cheddar cheese

Parsley

Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Prepare the Burger Buns

Trim the crusts off the burger buns if desired.

Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each bun until thin but not torn.

Fill and Seal

Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each flattened bun.

Fold the bun over to form a half-moon shape.

Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash and lightly brush with melted butter or olive oil.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Air Fry

Arrange the bun pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Leave a little space between each pie.

Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 5–6 minutes.

Flip carefully and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

The filling should be hot, and the cheese completely melted.

Serve

Allow the pies to cool for 2–3 minutes.

Serve warm with garlic mayo, ketchup, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Chicken Burger Bun Pies with:

Air Fryer French Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Potato Wedges

Coleslaw

Garden Salad

Tomato Soup

Corn Salad

Pickles

Fresh Fruit

Roasted Vegetables

They’re also perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, parties, and game-day snacks.

Storage

Allow the pies to cool completely.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked pies for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until hot and crispy.

Oven

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Microwaving is possible, but the crust will lose its crispiness.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Burger Bun Pies

Use soft, fresh burger buns to prevent cracking when flattened.

Allow the filling to cool before assembling to avoid soggy buns.

Don’t overfill the pies, or they may split during cooking.

Seal the edges well using a fork.

Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Chicken Bun Pies

Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, and pepper Jack cheese.

BBQ Chicken Bun Pies

Mix barbecue sauce into the chicken filling and top with smoked cheddar.

Buffalo Chicken Bun Pies

Add buffalo sauce to the filling and serve with ranch dressing.

Mediterranean Chicken Bun Pies

Mix spinach, feta cheese, olives, and oregano into the filling.

Pizza Chicken Bun Pies

Add pizza sauce, mozzarella, Italian herbs, and turkey pepperoni for a fun pizza-inspired version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and adds excellent flavor while saving time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pies up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them. Air fry just before serving.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled pies on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why are my bun pies opening during cooking?

Make sure the edges are firmly sealed and avoid overfilling the buns.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 430

Protein: 29 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g

Fat: 22 g

Saturated Fat: 8 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 4 g

Sodium: 640 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Burger Bun Pies are a creative and delicious way to transform simple burger buns into a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Filled with creamy seasoned chicken and melted cheese, they’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, snacks, or entertaining. With endless filling variations and a golden air-fried crust, these handheld pies are sure to become a favorite recipe for the whole family.