How Long to Cook Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer

Are you ready to cook burgers faster and easier than you ever imagined? This Air Fryer Frozen Burger produces a juicy burger every single time! Using the air fryer is a great way to cook fatty foods so that they don’t sit in grease – and still will retain all their flavor. If you want to make a perfect burger without the mess, this is such an easy way! Just grab your burger toppings, and get ready to eat! Making a low carb burger in the air fryer is such a simple, easy weeknight dinner. The good news? You don’t have to make raw hamburger patties to make this recipe. Just buy a pack of frozen burgers at the grocery store – and get ready for the air fryer oven to do all the work!

Cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up a quick, delicious meal without the hassle of thawing or firing up a grill. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student with limited time, or just craving a juicy burger on a rainy day, this method delivers consistent results with minimal cleanup. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer, from timing and temperature to tips for perfect results.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Frozen Burgers?

Air fryers use hot, circulating air to cook food evenly, mimicking the crispy exterior you’d get from a grill or skillet but with less oil and mess. For frozen burgers, this means you can go from freezer to table in under 20 minutes without thawing. The air fryer drains excess grease, resulting in a burger that’s juicy but not overly fatty. Plus, the contained cooking environment keeps your kitchen clean—no splattering oil or smoky grills to deal with. This method is versatile, working for beef, turkey, bison, or even plant-based patties, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.

How Long to Cook Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for frozen burgers depends on the patty size, thickness, and your preferred doneness. Here’s a detailed guide based on common patty sizes:

• 1/4-pound patties (about inches wide): Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium-rare (120-125°F), aim for 8 minutes; for medium (135-140°F), try 10 minutes; and for well-done (160°F), go for 12 minutes.
• 1/3-pound patties: Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Medium-rare takes about 12 minutes, while well-done needs closer to 16 minutes.
• Thicker or homemade patties: Add 1-2 minutes per half-inch of thickness beyond the standard size. For example, a 5-inch patty might need 11-13 minutes for medium.

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends 160°F for ground beef and 165°F for ground turkey or plant-based patties to ensure safety. USDA Food Safety Guidelines provide detailed recommendations for cooking temperatures.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

Follow these steps to achieve juicy, flavorful burgers every time:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer: Most sources suggest not preheating for frozen burgers to avoid overcooking the exterior while the center thaws. However, if your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Check your manual, as models like the Ninja Foodi or Cosori may vary.
2. Season the Patties: Remove frozen patties from the packaging and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray both sides with cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) to promote browning and prevent sticking. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or a seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning or garlic powder. If the patties are pre-seasoned, check the label to avoid over-seasoning.
3. Cook the Burgers: Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 1/4-pound patties or 370°F (190°C) for thicker patties. Cook for the times listed above, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. For example, flip a 1/4-pound patty after 5-6 minutes. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat, which can release juices.
4. Add Cheese (Optional): For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese (cheddar, American, or provolone) during the last 30 seconds to 1 minute of cooking, or turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese. Avoid adding cheese too early to prevent it from sliding off or making a mess.
5. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature. If the burgers aren’t done, cook in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired doneness.
6. Serve: Place the burgers on buns (try toasting them in the air fryer at 380°F for 1-2 minutes for extra texture). Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, or mustard. For a low-carb option, wrap in lettuce or serve bunless.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

To elevate your burger game, keep these tips in mind:

• Prevent Smoking: High-fat patties can drip grease, causing smoke. Place a slice of bread or a tablespoon of water in the air fryer basket to catch drippings. Alternatively, line the basket with a small piece of aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t block airflow.
• Choose Quality Patties: Opt for patties with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for the best flavor and juiciness. Brands like Bubba Burger or Kirkland’s 100% Grass-Fed Beef Patties are popular choices. For plant-based options, Beyond Meat patties work well. Beyond Meat Air Fryer Tips offer specific guidance for vegan burgers.
• Customize Seasonings: If your patties are unseasoned, experiment with blends like smoked paprika, onion powder, or a BBQ rub. Brush with a touch of Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
• Batch Cooking: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping patties can steam rather than crisp, leading to uneven cooking.
• Reheating Leftovers: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave in 15-second bursts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple method like air frying, a few pitfalls can affect your results:

• Overcooking: Frozen burgers can become rubbery if overcooked. Check the internal temperature early to avoid this, especially with leaner patties.
• Skipping the Flip: Flipping halfway ensures even cooking and browning. Some sources suggest skipping this step, but most agree it improves texture.
• Using Foil Incorrectly: While foil can reduce mess, covering the entire basket or using too large a piece can block airflow, slowing cooking and affecting crispness.
• Ignoring Air Fryer Variations: Models differ in wattage and size. A Cosori may cook faster than an Instant Vortex. Test with one patty to dial in the perfect time for your machine.

Side Dishes to Pair with Your Burgers

Complete your meal with easy air fryer sides that cook just as quickly:

• French Fries: Air fry frozen fries at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a crispy side. Taste of Home’s Air Fryer Fries recipe is a great starting point.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes for a sweet, crispy complement.
• Onion Rings: Air fry frozen onion rings at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for a classic burger pairing.
• Salad: For a lighter option, toss together a quick side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.

One of the best things about making this easy air fryer recipe is that it makes for easy cleanup. You can literally cook burgers for the whole family and be done within 8-10 minutes of cleaning the kitchen. The high heat cooks the frozen hamburger patty perfectly, making a delicious burger recipe that is ready to place between a piece of bread or two to eat. You will have the same amount of grease that you would with fresh meat, but cooking the meat in the air fryer at least keeps the burgers out of the grease. As the air fryer cooks, the grease will drop down and be away from the meat. This is what I love about using the air fryer – it keeps food from being a greasy mess! Yes, once they reach the halfway point in terms of cook time, you will need to flip the burgers. This helps them to cook evenly and makes sure that the entire burger gets cooked, no matter the thickness of the burgers.