Air Fryer Burgers
Air fryer burgers cook evenly on both sides without a grill or a spattering pan, and the fat drips away into the drawer. Shaping the patties a little wider than the buns and pressing a dimple in the middle keeps them flat as they shrink. Use a thermometer, since air fryers vary in power.
By Ben Kowalski
Published
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 15 mins
- Total Time
- 25 mins
- Servings
- 4 burgers
How do you make Air Fryer Burgers?
Shape 600 g of 85/15 ground beef into 4 patties about 2 cm thick, press a dimple into each centre and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Air fry in a single layer at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the centre reaches 71°C (160°F). Add cheese for the last minute, then toast the buns for 1-2 minutes.
- Total time
- 25 mins
- Calories
- 530 per serving
- Protein
- 38 g
- Yield
- 4 burgers
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Burgers
To serve
Equipment
Air fryer (4 litre or larger) · Instant-read thermometer · Tongs or a spatula
Quick Directions
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Shape the patties
Sprinkle the Worcestershire sauce over the cold beef and divide it into 4 equal portions of about 150 g.
Air fry the burgers
Place the patties in the basket in a single layer with space between them, cooking in batches if they do not fit.
Melt the cheese
For cheeseburgers, lay a slice of cheddar on each patty and air fry for 1 minute more, until melted.
Toast the buns and serve
Place the buns cut side up in the basket and air fry for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer burgers.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Shape the patties
Sprinkle the Worcestershire sauce over the cold beef and divide it into 4 equal portions of about 150 g. Shape each one gently into a patty about 2 cm thick and 1 cm wider than your buns. Press a shallow dimple into the centre with your thumb, then season both sides with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Air fry the burgers
Place the patties in the basket in a single layer with space between them, cooking in batches if they do not fit. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the centre reaches 71°C (160°F) on an instant-read thermometer.
Melt the cheese
For cheeseburgers, lay a slice of cheddar on each patty and air fry for 1 minute more, until melted. Move the patties to a plate and rest for 2 minutes.
Toast the buns and serve
Place the buns cut side up in the basket and air fry for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Build the burgers with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and pickles.
Recipe Tips
- Use 85/15 beef. Fattier beef drips more fat into the drawer, which can smoke at higher temperatures.
- Do not stack or overlap the patties. Air needs to circulate around each one so they brown on both sides.
- Air fryers vary in power, so check the first batch with a thermometer a minute or two early and adjust the time for next time.
Variations
- Frozen patties: air fry 150 g frozen patties at 190°C (375°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 71°C (160°F).
- BBQ burgers: brush the patties with barbecue sauce after flipping and top with crispy onions.
- Sliders: shape 12 small patties of 50 g and air fry for 7-8 minutes in total.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 530 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 31 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated fat | 11.5 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1080 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate cooked patties within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze raw patties between squares of parchment for up to 3 months, or cooked patties for up to 2 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat cooked patties in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F).
Air Fryer Burgers FAQs
How long do you cook burgers in an air fryer?
Patties of about 150 g and 2 cm thick take 10-12 minutes at 190°C (375°F), flipped halfway. Thinner patties cook faster, so check with a thermometer; burgers are done at 71°C (160°F).
Do you need to flip burgers in an air fryer?
Yes. Flip them halfway through cooking. The underside sits on the basket and browns less than the top, so turning them gives an even colour and even cooking.
Can you cook frozen burger patties in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook them straight from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, and season after the first few minutes once the surface has thawed. Check that the centre reaches 71°C (160°F).
Why does the air fryer smoke when cooking burgers?
Fat dripping into the drawer can smoke, especially with 80/20 beef or grease left over from earlier cooking. Use 85/15 or leaner beef, start with a clean drawer, and pour off the fat between batches.
Should I preheat the air fryer for burgers?
Preheating for 3-5 minutes helps the patties start browning as soon as they go in and makes the cooking time more predictable. If your model has no preheat setting, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
