These juicy air fryer burgers are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The air fryer cooks the patties evenly while giving them a beautifully browned outside and a tender, juicy center.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Make the patties: Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently: Combine just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape: Divide into 4 portions and form patties about ½–¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook: Place the patties in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry: Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the final 1 minute.
- Check: Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) internally for food safety.
- Rest: Let the burgers rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Build: Toast the buns if desired, then add your favorite toppings.
Tips for Juicy Burgers
Choose 80/20 beef. The extra fat helps keep the burgers moist and flavorful.
Don’t overmix the meat. Overworking ground beef can make burgers dense and tough.
Make an indentation. A shallow thumbprint in the center helps prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking.
Don’t press the burgers. Pressing them while cooking pushes out the juices.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space around each patty for air circulation.
Best Cheese Options
Try:
- Cheddar
- American
- Swiss
- Pepper Jack
- Provolone
- Gouda
- Monterey Jack
For an especially melty burger, add the cheese during the final minute.
Favorite Toppings
Build your perfect burger with:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
- Crispy bacon
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Avocado
Easy Burger Sauce
Mix together:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish
- Pinch of garlic powder
Spread it generously on the toasted buns.
Spicy Air Fryer Burgers
Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper to the beef mixture and use pepper Jack cheese. Top with jalapeños and spicy burger sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Burgers
Mix ½ tsp garlic powder and 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan into the beef. Top with provolone or mozzarella.
Bacon Cheeseburger
Cook the burgers normally and add:
- Cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Burger sauce
Frozen Air Fryer Burgers
Frozen patties can be cooked without thawing.
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes
- Flip halfway through.
- Add cheese during the final minute.
- Check the center with a meat thermometer.
Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the frozen patties.
Toast the Buns in the Air Fryer
After removing the burgers, place the buns cut-side up in the air fryer.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Watch them closely—they can brown quickly.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Burgers
Complete the meal with:
🍟 Air fryer French fries
🥔 Air fryer roasted potatoes
🧅 Crispy fried onions
🥕 Air fryer carrots
🥗 Coleslaw
🌽 Corn on the cob
🥒 Pickles
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8–10 minutes
Total: About 20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Best tip: For the juiciest air fryer burgers, use moderately fatty ground beef, form the patties gently, don’t press them while cooking, and use a thermometer rather than guessing when they’re done.
