Air fryers produce juicy, well-cooked burgers with very little fuss. These Air Fryer Hamburgers are quick and simple to make—dinner is ready in about 25 minutes. This easy recipe will soon be a go-to in your kitchen.
These air fryer hamburgers cook up tender and juicy; after one bite you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this method sooner.
Whether rain spoiled your barbecue plans or you simply want an easy alternative to the grill, the air fryer delivers excellent burgers every time. This simple air fryer method is one of my favorite ways to prepare hamburgers.
Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Hamburgers:
- They stay juicy. While grilled burgers are classic, air-fried patties remain surprisingly tender and full of flavor.
- Minimal prep time. You can mix and form the patties in about five minutes. Skip pre-made frozen patties and enjoy the superior flavor of freshly mixed burgers for a quick weeknight meal.
- Make ahead friendly. Patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
- Freezer friendly for meal prep. Patties freeze well individually wrapped, so you can defrost and cook one or two as needed.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Ground beef: I recommend 80/20 for the best juiciness and flavor, though other blends will work. Ground turkey is an option—cook it to 165°F if you use it.
- Onion: Finely diced onion adds flavor. If you prefer, use a dash of onion powder or swap red, white, or yellow onion.
- Egg: Helps bind the mixture. If you have an egg allergy, you can omit it and still have tasty burgers.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar-jack folded into the meat melts into the patties for great flavor. You can omit or add a slice on top at the end for a dairy-free or different-flavored option.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth—highly recommended in beef recipes.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is best, though garlic powder (about 3/4–1 tsp) will work.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with dried parsley, salt, and cracked pepper. Add your favorite meat seasoning if desired.
- Serving: Serve on toasted buns, brioche, as lettuce wraps, or over a salad—your choice of accompaniments will complement these burgers.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
*See the recipe card below for exact amounts and full details.
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix gently until combined.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form patties. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty so they cook evenly and hold their shape. Chill if not cooking right away.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange burgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 5–7 minutes depending on desired doneness. Aim for 150°F for medium-well or 160°F for well-done. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results. Air fryer models vary, so adjust times as needed to avoid overcooking.
- Top with your favorite toppings and add a slice of cheese if desired. Serve with fries, wedges, or a side salad.
Tips For the Best Burgers:
- Choose the right meat. Use 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful burgers. Leaner meat will work but may yield a drier patty.
- Handle the meat gently. Mix briefly and form patties with as little handling as possible to keep the burgers tender.
- Prevent shrinking. Press a small depression in the center of each patty before cooking to stop it from puffing into a thick ball.
- Cheese options. Folding shredded cheese into the patties melts it into the burger. Alternatively, add a slice on top during the last minute of cooking.
- Toast buns in the air fryer. After removing the burgers, toast buns for a minute or two for the best texture. Brioche buns are delicious.
- No added oil needed. The patties release enough fat to prevent sticking; a light mist of oil is optional if your air fryer tends to stick.
Favorite Burger Toppings:
Think beyond the basics—try any of these combinations:
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms
- Crispy bacon
- Fried egg
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Salsa (mango or roasted tomato)
- Pickled onions
- Spinach and feta (mix feta into the patty instead of cheddar)
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer circulates very hot air around food to cook it quickly and produce a crisp exterior with far less oil than deep frying. The hot airflow cooks the food evenly from all sides, creating a texture similar to frying but with less fat.
Different models vary, but most air fryers make it easy to cook quick, crisp meals with minimal cleanup.
Can you cook your hamburger from frozen?
Yes. While thawing first is ideal, frozen patties can be cooked in the air fryer. Increase cook time to about 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, and check internal temperature to ensure doneness.
Storage:
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To freeze cooked patties: Cool completely, then double-wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
To freeze raw patties: Wrap each patty individually or separate with parchment, double-wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
What to serve with these air fryer hamburgers:
- Buffalo air fryer baby potatoes
- Three-cheese crispy air fryer zucchini
- Street corn with garlic feta butter
- Tomato basil pasta salad
- Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
- Cucumber feta quinoa salad
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This recipe was originally published June 2020 and updated with new photos and tips April 2024.
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ c onion, very small diced
- ½ c shredded cheese (cheddar-jack recommended)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties.
-
Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to promote even cooking and prevent doming.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
-
Place burgers in the air fryer basket spaced apart. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5–7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 150°F for medium-well or 160°F for well done.
-
Top with desired toppings and serve.
Notes
- Choose the best meat. Use 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful burgers.
- Cheese options. Fold shredded cheese into the patty or add a slice at the end to melt.
- Toast buns in the air fryer. Toasting enhances texture and flavor.
- No oil required. The patties render enough fat to prevent sticking; light misting is optional.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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