Cooking burgers in air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get juicy, evenly cooked burgers without firing up a grill or dealing with stovetop mess. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner or just want a reliable method that works every time, air fryer burgers are fast, simple, and surprisingly flavorful.
Jump to RecipeThis guide walks you through everything, from choosing the right beef to exact cooking times, so you can confidently make juicy air fryer burgers at home.
What Makes Air Fryer Burgers Different From Other Methods
Unlike pan-frying or grilling, an air fryer circulates hot air evenly around the burger patties. This helps cook burgers consistently on all sides while allowing excess fat to drip away.
Why this matters:
- Burgers cook faster
- Less splatter and cleanup
- Even browning without drying out the meat
- Ideal for small kitchens or busy days
It’s a practical cooking method that keeps everything contained and simple.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Air Fryer Burgers
Keep the ingredients minimal, this method shines when the basics are done right.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20 works best for juicy burgers)
- Salt & black pepper
- Optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
- Burger buns
- Cheese slices (optional)
Preparing Burger Patties the Right Way
Proper prep makes a big difference in texture and juiciness.
- Divide the ground beef evenly
- Gently shape into patties (don’t overwork the meat)
- Make a small thumb indentation in the center to prevent puffing
- Season both sides just before cooking
Aim for patties that are about ¾-inch thick for even cooking.
Cooking Burgers in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly spray the basket if needed
- Place patties in a single layer with space between them
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check internal temperature before removing
Avoid overcrowding, air circulation is key.
Air Fryer Burger Cooking Times by Doneness
Cooking time depends on thickness and preference.
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 135 to 140°F | 8 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 145 to 150°F | 9 minutes |
| Well-Done | 160°F | 10 to 11 minutes |
Always rest burgers for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking.
How to Avoid Dry or Tough Burgers
Dry burgers are the biggest concern when cooking hamburgers in an air fryer, but they’re easy to avoid.
- Use beef with enough fat (80/20)
- Don’t press patties while cooking
- Remove burgers as soon as they hit temperature
- Let them rest before serving
Small steps make a noticeable difference.
Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer – What Changes
Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in the air fryer, no thawing needed.
- Increase cook time by 3 to 4 minutes
- Flip halfway through
- Season after the first flip
- Expect slightly less juiciness than fresh patties
Frozen patties are convenient and still turn out well when cooked properly.
Cheeseburgers in the Air Fryer
To make air fryer cheeseburgers:
- Add cheese during the last 1 to 2 minutes
- Turn off the air fryer and let residual heat melt it
- Avoid overcooking once cheese is added
This prevents dryness while still giving you melted cheese.
Making Air Fryer Burgers Work for Busy Days
This method fits perfectly into fast, low-cleanup cooking routines:
- Minimal prep
- Everything cooks in one place
- Easy to scale up or down
- Great for repeat meals without extra mess
It’s a reliable option when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
Storage, Reheating & Leftovers
- Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes
- Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact
Leftovers stay surprisingly juicy when reheated this way.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Burgers
Burgers shrinking too much?
→ Patties may be too thin or overhandled.
Air fryer smoking?
→ Fat dripping onto a dirty basket, clean between batches.
Uneven cooking?
→ Space patties farther apart and flip once.
FAQs
Do you need oil for air fryer burgers?
No, the natural fat in the beef is enough.
Can you stack burgers?
No, stacking prevents even cooking.
Can you use turkey or chicken burgers?
Yes, but cooking times and temperatures will vary.
Final Thoughts
Making burgers in an air fryer is one of the simplest ways to get juicy, flavorful burgers without extra cleanup or guesswork. With the right beef, proper timing, and a little attention to detail, this method delivers consistent results every time.
Once you try it, it’s hard to go back to other methods.
Burgers in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
- Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket if needed.
- Place patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each one.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature:135 to 140°F for medium145 to 150°F for medium-well160°F for well-done
- If using cheese, add slices during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
- Remove burgers and rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving on buns.
Nutrition
Notes
- For the juiciest burgers, avoid pressing the patties while cooking.
- Frozen burger patties can be cooked directly; add 3 to 4 extra minutes and flip halfway.
- Resting the burgers helps retain juices and improves texture.