Air Fryer Hamburgers
You can have a fresh-off-the-grill burger taste without the grill thanks to this recipe for juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers.
No need to stand outside flipping patties when it’s raining, snowing, or too hot to handle.
A grill-style burger can be yours FAST and from the comfort of your kitchen, thanks to the handy dandy air fryer.
This post has everything you need to know to cook a mouthwatering, bistro-worthy burger, including the just-right burger air frying temperature and tips to keep your patties nice and juicy.
Air Fry for the Best Burgers and Fries
Speaking of air fryer, do you have one yet? I know, too many kitchen contraptions.
I gave into the air fryer thing a couple years ago. Now I see what all the fuss is about and have fully embraced it!
An air fryer hamburger with a side of Air Fryer French Fries makes the best use of all the air fryer’s advantages.
You can healthier versions of comfort and fast-food favorites.The air fryer cooks food fast, and there’s little to no preheat time.Clean up is easy. You won’t miss the grease!SO CRISPY. The air fryer’s intense heat allows you to create “fried” tasting foods (like Air Fryer Onion Rings), without deep frying and with very little oil.Juicy Proteins. The air fryer does a fantastic job getting proteins like Air Fryer Steak, Air Fry Salmon, and hamburger patties crisp on the outside while keeping them moist and juicy on the inside.Stellar Sides. You can have crispy, hot vegetables that taste deep fried but aren’t.
For a classic diner experience at home, make a big batch of French fries (or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries), then keep them warm in the oven while you whip up a batch of air fryer hamburgers.
How to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers
Meet the BEST air fryer hamburgers recipe!They are easy, much healthier than your standard burger, and flavorful.
The secret is in the seasoning, and I’m going to show you exactly how to do it right to deliver a juicy, full-flavor burger that you’d never guess was done sans grill.
Use this recipe as a starting point, then have fun playing around with cooking other burgers in your air fryer basket, like this Blue Cheese Burger.
The Ingredients
Beef. I use 90% lean ground beef. This is a leaner cut of beef than what is typically used for hamburgers, keeping this meal healthier, lower fat/less cholesterol.
Olive Oil. One of the great things about the air fryer is its ability to lighten up traditionally heavy foods because you can use less oil, butter, and other fats. My recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. This helps keep the burger patties moist since we are using a leaner ground beef.Dijon Mustard. This one is optional, but it adds an extra ka-pow flavor.Seasonings. I use the classic combo of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simple and perfect.Buns. You can enjoy the burger on its own or in a lettuce wrap if you’re gluten free or going for less carbohydrates, or use your favorite style of bun. Brioche makes the burger more decadent (and might I add, delicious) than your regular store white-bread buns. Pretzel buns are also flavorful and divine.
Tip!
Toast the buns before serving. Spread a little butter on the sliced bread and place in the oven or toaster oven on broil for a couple minutes. Watch like a hawk to prevent burning.
The Directions
Place beef, oil, mustard, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Gently stir with a fork to combine.
Shape into patties, adding a dimple.
Air fry burgers at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees F, flipping them at the 6-minute mark.
Check the temperature shortly after flipping to make sure they don’t overcook.
Add cheese in last minute of cooking. Serve hot on buns with your favorite toppings. ENJOY!
Tip!
If adding a slice of cheese, do so during the last minute of cooking so it gets nice and melty. Or, use shredded cheese, which melts even more easily.
Air Fryer Hamburger Topping Ideas
Traditional. Cheese, lettuce, tomato slicesStandard Condiments. Barbecue Sauce, mayo, mustard, ketchupAir Fryer Add-Ons. Air Fryer Pickles, Air Fryer Bacon, Air Fryer Onion RingsNext-Level Flavor. Pickled Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip, Sauteed MushroomsAvocados. Best Guacamole Recipe, avocado slices
Tips for Air Frying Hamburgers
Burgers should be cooked in the air fryer at 375 degrees F.Don’t crowd! Cook in batches if needed so there is some space around each patty, and cook them in a single layer.Check for doneness early. Flip burgers after 6 minutes of air frying on the first side, and then cook for just a few minutes more. Use a meat thermometer. Medium Well = 150 to 155. Well Done = 160 to 165. Let your burger cook according to the internal temp more so than the clock.
Storage Tips
To Store. Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.To Reheat. Warm patties in a skillet, covered, with a bit of water to keep them from drying out.To Freeze. Cooked burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
Storage Tips
You can air fry frozen, uncooked burger patties. Burger patties can be prepped, shaped and then frozen, then air-fried for on-demand, easy dinners. Store frozen burger patty with pieces of parchment paper between.
Meal Prep Tip
Prepare and shape patties up to a day in advance. Wrap in plastic, and then pull out of the refrigerator just before air frying.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover air fryer hamburger patties are an easy protein to reinvent into a new meal.
Salad. Add chopped patty meat to a salad to make it hearty.Pizza. Crumble for a pizza topping a la meatball. Whole Wheat Pizza Dough is my go-to, weeknight dinner pizza dough recipe.Cheeseburger Pasta. Prepare Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and add in chopped burger meat.Patty Melt. Add to an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Hamburgers
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Air Fryer. This is the one I own and love!Instant Read Thermometer. The best way to tell when your hamburgers are done and prevent overcooking.Spatula. This spatula is great because it is thin and flexible, making it easy to get under the patties without disturbing them.
No trip through the drive through OR to the grill needed when you have air fryer hamburgers! Ja-ja-ja-JUICY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Air fryer burgers need to be cooked on each side in the air fryer. You’ll cook them longer on the first side than the second side.
When mixing the patty meat, be careful to not overly mix or overly handle the meat and do not compact it too tightly, or it will taste tough. Also, check early for doneness to prevent overcooking.
A well done burger is considered cooked between 160 and 165 degrees F (we prefer medium, which is around 150 to 155 degrees F). If you prefer a well-done burger or medium-well, add a few additional minutes to the called-for cooking time.
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Air Fryer Hamburgers
Ingredients
For Serving
4 hamburger buns we like brioche or pretzel buns, split, toasted if desiredToppings of choice: lettuce, sliced tomato, avocado, Barbecue Sauce, ketchup, etc.
Instructions
Notes
TO REHEAT: Warm patties in a skillet, covered, with a bit of water to keep them from drying out.
TO FREEZE: Cooked burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
