Name: Air Fryer Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean ground beef (90/10)); 1/2 Tablespoon salt; 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper; 1/4 Tablespoon onion powder; 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning; 3 hamburger buns (or brioche buns); 3 slices American cheese; 1/2 tomato (sliced); 3 lettuce leaves; 3 onion slices; 3 slices bacon; Various condiments – ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, fry sauce, or BBQ sauce

Jump to Recipe

Ready to experience the juiciest, most fuss-free burgers ever? Meet your new go-to: Air Fryer Burgers. This method delivers flavor-packed, succulent patties complete with crispy edges and melty cheese—all in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re a burger fanatic or just craving a lightning-fast weeknight dinner, you’ll fall hard for the simplicity and taste of these Air Fryer Burgers. With every bite, you’ll be wondering how you ever did burgers any other way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great burgers don’t need a mile-long list of ingredients—just the right ones, treated with care. Each element here lends a special something to the final bite: moisture, flavor, texture, or that all-important visual appeal. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand for Air Fryer Burgers that rival your favorite burger joint.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for a classic juicy burger, or lean 90/10 if you prefer a lighter option with less fat.
Salt: Essential for pulling out the meat’s natural flavor; season generously for best results.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth to each bite.
Onion powder: A pinch brings subtle sweetness and a savory background note that ties everything together.
Steak seasoning: Adds bold, punchy flavor and a little crustiness on the outside of the patty.
Hamburger buns: Choose sturdy buns like brioche or classic white; toast them lightly for bonus texture.
American cheese slices: The ultimate melt, creating those picture-perfect cheeseburger vibes.
Tomato (sliced): Brings fresh juiciness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
Lettuce leaves: For crunch, color, and that classic burger look.
Onion slices: Whether raw or lightly grilled, onions deliver a pop of zing and crisp bite.
Bacon slices: For a smoky, crispy upgrade—because why not add more deliciousness?
Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, Thousand Island, fry sauce, or BBQ sauce—all the options for dressing your Air Fryer Burgers your way.

How to Make Air Fryer Burgers

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start things off by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees F. This quick warm-up is the secret to locking in juices and creating that irresistible, slightly crisp exterior on your burgers. The beauty of the air fryer is its consistency—each patty gets an equal blast of heat for perfectly even cooking.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide your ground beef into three equal portions. Gently form each into a patty, making sure they’re uniform in size—this helps them cook evenly and avoid any raw-in-the-middle surprises. Try not to overwork the meat, as that can lead to tougher burgers; just a light touch will give you juicy results every time.

Step 3: Season Generously

Give your patties a flavor boost by sprinkling on the salt, pepper, onion powder, and steak seasoning. Scatter half of your seasonings over one side of the patties, then flip them and do the same on the other side. This layered approach means every corner of your Air Fryer Burgers is packed with flavor, inside and out.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the patties in your air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd them. Each needs space so the hot air can flow freely, guaranteeing even cooking and a golden crust. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, simply cook in batches—these burgers are worth the little extra time.

Step 5: Cook and Flip

Set your air fryer to 360 degrees F and let the burgers cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip each burger over after about 6 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This flip is what brings out those signature restaurant-style charred bits—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

Step 6: Test for Doneness

Grab an instant-read thermometer and check that your burgers have reached 160 degrees F at the thickest point. If they need another minute or two, that’s okay; better safe than undercooked. This ensures your Air Fryer Burgers are both juicy and safely cooked, no guesswork needed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

If you’re craving a classic cheeseburger, gently lay a slice of American cheese over each hot patty right in the basket. Close the air fryer for a minute; the residual heat works magic to melt the cheese beautifully. For extra ooey-gooey satisfaction, a quick extra minute in the air fryer at 360 degrees F will do the trick.

Step 8: Build Your Burgers

Toast the buns (if you like), then get creative and layer on your favorite toppings: crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, caramelized or raw onions, and smoky bacon. Don’t forget a generous slather of your chosen condiments. Every bite of these Air Fryer Burgers is a symphony of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Air Fryer Burgers

Garnishes

Pile your burgers high with classic toppings: a leafy layer of fresh lettuce, a sun-ripened tomato slice, sharp onions, and that irresistible strip or two of bacon. Love pickles? Add those as well for a briny punch. Don’t forget the signature condiments—line up bowls of ketchup, mustard, and fry sauce so everyone can create their perfect burger masterpiece.

Side Dishes

What’s a great burger without equally great sides? Serve your Air Fryer Burgers with a pile of crispy fries (straight from the air fryer!) or a refreshing coleslaw to lighten things up. Homemade potato salad, sweet potato wedges, or a tangy pickle spear all make fantastic companions as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini burgers or “sliders” at parties, or stack everything up on a festive burger board with piles of toppings and sides for a DIY burger bar experience. For a low-carb option, wrap your Air Fryer Burgers in a crisp iceberg lettuce leaf instead of a traditional bun—it’s just as delicious, with extra crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Air Fryer Burgers keep surprisingly well! If you end up with leftovers, let the patties cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep buns and toppings separate so they stay fresh and don’t get soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the cooked patties to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making it easy to grab a quick meal anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another round, reheat patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Add cheese for the last minute to get that melty, just-cooked feel. Assemble as usual, and you’ve got a burger that tastes freshly made in no time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of ground meat for Air Fryer Burgers?

Absolutely! While beef is the classic choice, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “meat” alternatives. Just keep in mind that very lean meats may dry out more quickly, so watch the cook time and consider adding a bit of olive oil or chopped onion for extra moisture.

Do I need to flip the burgers during cooking?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures your Air Fryer Burgers cook evenly and develop that golden-brown outside. It’s a small step that really boosts the finished texture and flavor!

How do I keep the burgers from drying out?

The key is the right fat content in your ground beef (80/20 is ideal) and not overcooking the patties. Check with a thermometer, and once they hit 160 degrees F, pull them out promptly. If you’re working with leaner meat, serve them with juicy toppings and spread sauces generously.

Can I cook the bacon in the air fryer, too?

Yes! Cook the bacon slices in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until crispy, then set aside to drain on paper towels. This keeps things simple and cuts down on pans to clean.

What size should I make the patties?

Form your patties just a little wider than the buns, since they’ll shrink slightly as they cook. Even sizing helps them cook at the same rate, giving you perfect Air Fryer Burgers every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Air Fryer Burgers before, this is your sign! The air fryer makes burger night easier, faster, and somehow even tastier. Give this recipe a whirl and let it become your new weeknight staple or go-to for casual get-togethers—you’ll quickly see why I can’t get enough of these juicy wonders. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Burgers Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious and juicy burgers using your air fryer. These burgers are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.

Divide the meat into three sections and pat them into three patties. Make evenly sized burger patties so that they cook at the same rate.

Sprinkle your desired seasoning over top of the patties, putting half on one side and then flipping them over and putting the rest on the other side.
Put the burgers in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap and there is room for the air to circulate.
Cook at 360 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over after 6 minutes.
Check the burgers with an instant read thermometer, making sure they reach 160 degrees F internal temperature. If they aren’t done cook them for an extra minute.
If you want a cheeseburger when the burgers are done add a slice of cheese on top, while the burgers are still in the basket. Close the basket and the residual heat from the air fryer should melt the cheese nicely. To melt the cheese even more cook the burgers with the cheese at 360 degrees F for another minute.
Assemble the burgers as desired using as many or as few toppings as you like.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American