Air fryer hamburgers are juicy, flavorful, and quick to make, offering a healthier alternative to grilled or pan-fried burgers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these burgers are customizable and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor
How To Make Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Prep the Patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently and form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Cook: Place patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Assemble: Toast buns if desired. Place cooked patties on buns and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve: Serve hot with sides or condiments.
You Must Know
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the beef to avoid tough burgers.
- Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Allergy Info: Naturally gluten-free without the bun; use gluten-free buns if needed. Check sauces for allergens.
Topping Variations
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
- Cheesy: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack during the last minute of cooking.
- Bacon BBQ: Top with crispy bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
- Avocado Smash: Add mashed avocado, sprouts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Make It A Meal
- Burger Plate: Serve with air fryer fries and a side salad.
- Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve on slider buns with coleslaw.
- Burger Bowl: Skip the bun and serve over greens with avocado, pickles, and a drizzle of ranch.
Pro Tips
- Indent the Center: A slight dent in the patty prevents puffing up during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches for even cooking and better browning.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure 160°F for safety.
- Frozen Patties: If using frozen, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, and check internal temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes, substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but cook to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Q: Why are my burgers dry?
A: Avoid overcooking and use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Don’t press patties while cooking.
Q: Can I make these without a bun?
A: Yes, serve as a lettuce wrap or over a salad for a low-carb option.
Q: Can I cook these in the oven?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Juicy, flavorful hamburgers made quickly in an air fryer. Served with a homemade burger sauce and classic toppings on toasted buns.
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup.
- 2 tablespoons minced pickles.
- 1 pound ground beef.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 4 ounces Cheddar cheese, sliced.
- 3 hamburger buns.
- Lettuce leaves.
- Sliced tomato.
- Sliced red onion.
- Cooking spray.
Instructions
- Mix mayo, ketchup, and minced pickles in a bowl. Chill until needed.
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Divide beef into 3 equal parts. Form into patties slightly larger than buns, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumb indent in center.
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Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each patty.
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Add 1 cup water to air fryer bottom. Spray basket with cooking spray.
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Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. Add cheese, cook 1-2 minutes more until melted.
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Optional: Toast buns in air fryer for 1 minute.
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Build burgers with sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion on toasted buns.
Notes
- No need to flip burgers while cooking.
- Water in air fryer prevents smoking.