Air Fryer Burgers

These juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Burgers are your ticket to a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week. Whether starting with fresh ground beef or frozen patties, the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked burgers in under 10 minutes. Top them with your favorite cheese and condiments for a classic cheeseburger that’s better than takeout—and made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cooks in under 10 minutes

• Juicy and flavorful every time

• No grill or stovetop required

• Uses fresh or frozen patties

• Easy cleanup with minimal oil

• Perfect for busy weeknights

• Customizable with your favorite toppings

• Great for meal prep and leftovers

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Air fryer keeps the kitchen cool—no need to heat up the oven

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)

• 4 teaspoons hamburger seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

• 4 hamburger buns

• 4 slices American cheese (or substitute cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer:
   Set the air fryer to 390°F and let it heat up while you prepare the burgers.

2. Form the patties:
   Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s at least 1 inch wider than your burger buns—this accounts for shrinkage during cooking.

3. Season the burgers:
   Sprinkle both sides of each patty generously with your burger seasoning.

4. Cook in the air fryer:
   Place the seasoned patties in the air fryer basket once it’s preheated. Air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes.

5. Flip and finish cooking:
   Flip each patty and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. For a burger with a warm, pink center, aim for 3 minutes. Adjust timing based on your desired doneness.

6. Melt the cheese (optional):
   Place a slice of cheese on each patty once cooking is complete. Close the air fryer basket (do not turn it back on) and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 1–2 minutes.

7. Assemble and serve:
   Prepare the hamburger buns with your favorite condiments and toppings. Add a patty to each bun and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 burgers

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 8 minutes

• Total time: 23 minutes

Variations

• Frozen patties: Cook frozen burgers at 390°F for 10–11 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Add-ins: Mix finely chopped onions, garlic, or Worcestershire sauce into the beef for extra flavor.

• Spicy twist: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to the patties or use pepper jack cheese.

• Bunless option: Serve over lettuce wraps or in a salad bowl for a low-carb meal.

• Stuffed burgers: Try stuffing patties with cheese or sautéed mushrooms before cooking.

• Turkey burgers: Use ground turkey for a leaner version (adjust cook time slightly).

• Vegan option: Use plant-based patties and dairy-free cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing leftovers: Once cooled, store burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap each patty in plastic wrap, then store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen burger patties in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen patties work great! Cook them at 390°F for 10–11 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I need to flip the burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking on both sides and helps develop a crust.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers.

Can I make cheeseburgers in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Add a slice of cheese after cooking and let it melt with residual heat in the basket.

How do I keep the burgers from drying out?

Don’t overcook, and use a higher-fat beef blend like 80/20. Resting the burgers briefly after cooking also helps retain juices.

Can I toast the buns in the air fryer?

Yes! Pop the buns into the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 350°F to toast them slightly.

What toppings go well with air fryer burgers?

Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Get creative with avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or barbecue sauce.

Is it safe to cook raw beef in the air fryer?

Yes, as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.

How can I tell if the burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer—160°F is the safe temperature for ground beef.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, form and season the patties ahead of time. Store in the fridge until ready to cook, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Burgers are a quick, delicious, and mess-free way to enjoy juicy homemade burgers any day of the week. With minimal ingredients and easy cleanup, this recipe is a game-changer for busy nights and burger cravings alike. Whether you start with fresh or frozen patties, the result is a perfectly cooked burger that’s ready in minutes and packed with flavor.

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