Can You Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer

Can You Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Juicy, Crispy Results

Craving a burger but don’t want to fire up the grill or deal with a greasy stovetop? The air fryer might just be your new best friend. Yes, you can absolutely cook burgers in an air fryer, and the results are often juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly crispy on the outside. I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for years, and burgers are one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, delicious, and mess-free. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer burgers, from choosing the right meat to mastering cook times and avoiding common pitfalls.

Why Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are a game-changer for burger lovers. They use hot air circulation to cook food evenly, giving you that coveted crispy exterior without deep frying. Here’s why air fryer burgers are worth trying:

• Speed: Burgers cook in about 10-15 minutes, often faster than a grill or stovetop.
• Less Mess: The air fryer contains grease splatter, and cleanup is as simple as wiping down the basket or tossing a liner in the dishwasher.
• Healthier Option: Excess fat drips away through the basket, reducing the overall fat content compared to pan-frying.
• Year-Round Convenience: No need to brave the rain or snow to grill outdoors—air fryer burgers are perfect for any weather.

My husband, a self-proclaimed grill master, was skeptical the first time I suggested air fryer burgers. But after one bite, he admitted they were just as juicy as his grilled patties, with a lot less hassle. The key is knowing how to prep and cook them properly.

Choosing the Right Meat

The foundation of a great burger is the meat. For air fryer burgers, I always go for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat keeps the patties moist and flavorful, especially since the air fryer’s design lets excess grease drip away. Leaner cuts like 90/10 can work, but they often turn out drier, so stick with 80/20 for the best results. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like Impossible or Beyond Meat, but keep in mind that cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly.

Pro tip: If you’re using fresh ground beef, keep it cold until you’re ready to form the patties. Cold meat holds its shape better and retains more moisture during cooking. I pop mine in the fridge for 10 minutes after seasoning for extra insurance.

Seasoning and Shaping the Patties

Seasoning is where you can get creative, but you don’t need to go overboard. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder does wonders. For an extra flavor boost, I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for that grilled vibe. Mix the seasonings into the meat gently—overworking it can make the burgers tough.

When shaping the patties, aim for about ½ to ¾ inch thick and slightly larger than your bun, as they’ll shrink a bit during cooking. Here’s a trick I learned from Spend With Pennies: press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents the burgers from puffing up into a dome shape while they cook, ensuring even cooking and a perfect fit for your bun.

How to Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making air fryer burgers that’ll rival any grill:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and that crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Basket: Add a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer (below the basket) to catch drippings and prevent smoking. You can also lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or use a parchment liner for easier cleanup.
3. Arrange the Patties: Place the patties in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed.
4. Cook to Desired Doneness: Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
   • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
   • Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) or higher (USDA recommended for safety)
5. Add Cheese (Optional): For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Let the residual heat melt it for gooey perfection.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and patty thickness, so always check the internal temperature. My first attempt at air fryer burgers was a bit of a guess, but a meat thermometer saved the day. Now, I pull them out about 5°F below my target temp to account for carryover cooking.

Cooking Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

Good news: you can cook frozen burger patties in an air fryer without thawing! Just add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Season the patties lightly with salt and pepper before cooking, and flip them halfway through. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach at least 160°F for safety. Frozen patties are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and they still come out juicy and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Burgers

Here are some hard-earned tips to elevate your burger game:

• Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup: Parchment liners or silicone mats make cleanup a breeze, but flip the patties if you use one to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Flip: Most air fryers heat from the top, so flipping ensures both sides get crispy. If your model circulates heat evenly, you might skip this step, but I always flip for good measure.
• Toast the Buns: Pop the buns in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes after the burgers are done. It adds a nice crunch without heating up your kitchen.
• Prevent Smoking: A little water or a slice of bread under the basket catches grease and keeps your kitchen smoke-free. I learned this the hard way after setting off my smoke alarm!
• Experiment with Toppings: Go classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or get fancy with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of Simply Recipes’ burger sauce.

Can You Cook Fries and Burgers Together?

You can, but it’s tricky. Burgers cook at 350-375°F, while fries typically need 400°F for that perfect crisp. If you want to cook them together, start the fries first for 4-8 minutes at 400°F, shake the basket, then add the burgers and lower the temperature to 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, cook the fries first, set them aside, and reheat them for 3-4 minutes while you assemble the burgers. I prefer cooking them separately for the best texture, but it’s doable if you’re short on time.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months with parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it can make the burgers rubbery.

Why Air Fryer Burgers Are a Weeknight Win

After trying air fryer burgers, I’m hooked. They’re fast, flavorful, and require minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy evenings or when you’re just not up for grilling. My kids love customizing their burgers with toppings, and I love that I’m not scrubbing a grill grate afterward. Whether you’re a burger purist or just looking for a quick dinner, the air fryer delivers. For more inspiration, check out Taste of Home’s air fryer burger recipe for additional topping ideas and variations.

So, next time you’re craving a burger, skip the grill and give your air fryer a whirl. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get that perfect, juicy bite every time.