Air fryer hamburgers are so quick & easy! Make juicy air fryer burgers (or cheeseburgers) in the air fryer in just 15 minutes. Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Cooking a hamburger in an air fryer is a game-changer for burger lovers who want a fast, mess-free, and delicious meal. Whether you’re avoiding the grill due to bad weather or simply want a convenient weeknight dinner, the air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful patties with a crispy exterior—without all the hassle of traditional cooking methods. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect air fryer hamburger, from choosing the right beef to mastering cooking times and adding your favorite toppings.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Hamburgers?
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for cooking hamburgers because it circulates hot air around the patty, cooking it evenly and quickly while letting excess fat drip away. This means you get a juicy burger with a nicely browned outside, all without standing over a hot stove or firing up the grill. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, and the grease stays contained. Compared to pan-frying or oven-baking, air frying often results in a lower-fat burger since the fat drips off during cooking, making it a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For the best air fryer hamburgers, start with good-quality ground beef. An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal because the fat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful without too much grease runoff. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 or 90/10 works too, but be careful not to overcook, as leaner beef can dry out faster. Grass-fed beef is a great choice for extra flavor and sustainability, but regular ground chuck or even ground sirloin will do the trick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like Impossible or Beyond Meat—just adjust cooking times and check for doneness.
Seasoning Your Patties
Keep it simple or get creative—seasoning is where you can make your burger your own. A basic mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder works wonders to enhance the beef’s natural flavor. For a deeper, savory kick, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of liquid smoke to the meat mixture. If you love a bold taste, try mixing in smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a bit of cayenne for heat. Don’t overmix, though—gently combine the seasonings with the beef using your hands or a spoon to avoid tough, dense patties.
How to Shape the Perfect Patty
Divide your ground beef into equal portions—about 1/4 to 1/3 pound per patty (4-6 ounces) is standard for most air fryers. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it to about 1/2 inch thick and slightly wider than your bun, as the patties will shrink a bit during cooking. A key trick is to make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle and ensures even cooking. If you’re prepping ahead, you can shape the patties, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.
Cooking Hamburgers in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If your model doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step—check your manual to be sure. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch or overlap for proper air circulation. Cook at 350°F for 4 minutes, then flip the patties and cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Here’s a handy guide for internal temperatures, as recommended by the USDA for safety:
- Rare: 120-125°F (use caution due to potential food safety risks)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-150°F
- Well Done: 160-165°F
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty for accuracy. For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheddar, American, or your favorite cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese perfectly.
Cooking Frozen Burgers
One of the air fryer’s superpowers is cooking frozen patties with ease. No need to thaw—just place the frozen burgers in the basket, set the temperature to 350°F, and cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 160°F for safety. The result is still juicy and tasty, though fresh patties often have a slight edge in flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hamburgers
To elevate your burger game, keep these pointers in mind. First, avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if needed so the hot air can circulate freely. If you’re worried about sticking, lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or use air fryer parchment liners for easy cleanup. Adding a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to the bottom of the air fryer can help catch drippings and prevent smoking. Don’t skip the flip—most air fryers heat from the top, so flipping ensures even browning on both sides. Finally, let the patties rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices for maximum flavor.
Toppings and Serving Ideas
The beauty of a hamburger is in the customization. Stick to classics like lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard for a traditional vibe. Want to mix it up? Try caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or a fried egg for a savory twist. For a zesty kick, whip up a quick burger sauce by mixing 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon relish, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Serve on toasted brioche buns, or go low-carb with a lettuce wrap using crisp iceberg or romaine. Pair your burger with air fryer fries, a simple salad, or check out Spend With Pennies for tasty side dish ideas like oven fries or coleslaw.
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze shaped, uncooked patties with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop the burgers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through—no microwave needed, as it can make them soggy. Frozen cooked patties can be reheated the same way, just add a few extra minutes to ensure they’re hot in the center.
These air fryer hamburgers are so juicy and delicious that you may never go back to grilling again! The best part – they are so easy to make! All you need is some ground beef, a little seasoning, and your air fryer. You can cook air fryer burgers in just a 5 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up. Whether you like your burgers rare, medium, or well-done, the air fryer will cook them evenly throughout. No more worry about undercooked or overcooked burgers!
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