Air Fryer Burgers
Juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer cheeseburgers in about 10 minutes, with no grill and no splattering pan. Includes cooking times for every doneness.
When the grill is not an option, the air fryer makes a great burger. The hot circulating air browns the outside of the patty while the inside stays juicy, and there is no grease splattering across the stove.
The keys are using 80/20 ground beef, pressing a small dent in the center of each patty so it stays flat, and adding the cheese for the last minute.
Toast the buns in the air fryer while the burgers rest, and dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Juicy with a browned crust
- No grill or greasy stovetop
- Easy cleanup
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef: 80/20 ground beef (80% lean) has enough fat to stay juicy. Leaner beef makes drier burgers. Use halal beef if you keep halal.
Patty size: Shape patties slightly wider than your buns and about 1/2 inch thick; they shrink as they cook.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Air Fryer Burgers
Shape the patties
Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick and a little wider than the buns. Press a shallow dent in the center of each with your thumb.
Season
Mix the salt, pepper and garlic powder and season both sides of the patties right before cooking.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in a single layer. Air fry 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
Add cheese
Top each patty with cheese and air fry 1 minute more to melt it. Rest the burgers 3 minutes.
Toast and build
Toast the buns cut side up in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. Build the burgers with your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Results
- Handle the beef gently; overworking makes tough burgers.
- Season just before cooking. Salting the mix early can make the texture dense.
- Put a slice of bread under the basket tray to catch drips and reduce smoke.
- Cook in batches if the patties would touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Puffy, domed patties | Press a dent in the center before cooking. |
| Dry burgers | Use 80/20 beef and do not press down on the patties while cooking. |
| Smoke from the air fryer | Clean grease from the drawer and add a little water or bread underneath. |
Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken, cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- American cheese: Pepper Jack, Swiss or provolone.
- Burger buns: Lettuce wraps for a low-carb burger.
What to Serve With It
- French fries
- Air fryer mozzarella sticks
- Greek pasta salad
- Copycat Chick-fil-A lemonade
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze raw patties separated by parchment for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 13 to 15 minutes.
Reheat: Reheat patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Basket air fryer (5 quart or larger)Fits 2 to 4 patties at once.Check price on Amazon
- Burger pressMakes even patties that cook at the same rate.Check price on Amazon
- Instant-read thermometerConfirms burgers reach a safe 160°F.Check price on Amazon
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Air Fryer Burgers
Juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer cheeseburgers in about 10 minutes, with no grill and no splattering pan. Includes cooking times for every doneness.
Ingredients
Burgers
To serve
Instructions
- Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick and a little wider than the buns. Press a shallow dent in the center of each with your thumb.
- Mix the salt, pepper and garlic powder and season both sides of the patties right before cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in a single layer. Air fry 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Top each patty with cheese and air fry 1 minute more to melt it. Rest the burgers 3 minutes.
- Toast the buns cut side up in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. Build the burgers with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 620 kcal
- Protein
- 38 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Total Fat
- 38 g
- Saturated Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 5 g
- Sodium
- 720 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook burgers in the air fryer?
About 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for 1/2 inch thick patties, flipped halfway. Thicker patties need a few minutes more.
What temperature should a burger be?
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to 160°F (71°C).
Can I cook frozen burgers in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry frozen patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 13 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until 160°F inside.
Do I need to flip burgers in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway gives both sides an even brown crust, so it is recommended.
