Air Fryer Hamburgers

Get ready to wow your family and friends with my quick and easy Air Fryer Hamburgers recipe. I’ve perfected the technique to create juicy, flavorful burgers while keeping things healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up.

Sometimes I find myself dreading the thought of firing up the grill to make dinner, but I’m really craving a thick and juicy hamburger.

I could make Baked Hamburgers but that would heat up my entire kitchen and I don’t want that on those hot summer days.

That’s where my trusty air fryer saves the day!

Honestly, it’s like a kitchen superhero – quick, easy, and still delivers that incredible taste we all want.

Get ready, because I’m about to share the secrets to whipping up those perfectly juicy burgers.

From picking the right ground beef to selecting the exact cooking time for peak juiciness, I’ve got you covered.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Lean Ground Beef: When I make juicy air fryer burgers, I always choose lean ground beef. Opting for lean ground beef, like 93% lean, ensures a healthier and more tender burger without excessive grease. With lower fat content, there’s less shrinkage and grease while cooking, allowing the flavors and seasonings to shine through.
• Salt and Pepper: When I make juicy air fryer burgers, I always season them with salt and pepper. Salt enhances the beef’s natural flavor and tenderizes it, while pepper adds a subtle kick, making each bite more delicious. Together, they create perfectly seasoned burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Of course, you can always use additional seasonings on your hamburgers, but salt and pepper are a great start and will really let the flavor of the beef shine through.

How to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers

Here is a basic overview; the full air fryer hamburgers recipe is in the recipe card below.

1. Make the hamburger patties: Form the ground beef into quarter-pound patties. Make sure they’re even and a uniform thickness for even cooking. Season the meat well on both sides.
2. Air fry the beef: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
3. Flip and air fry the other side: After 10 minutes, flip the hamburger patties over and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.

How to Know When Air Fryer Hamburgers Are Done

The beauty of cooking juicy air fryer hamburgers in an air fryer is that you have complete control over how well-done you want your patty to be.

But before you begin cooking your air fryer hamburger patties, make sure you preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

• Rare (120 degrees F): If you’re a fan of a juicy, red center, the rare doneness is for you. Just cook your patty for around 3-4 minutes on the first side then flip and air fryer another 1-2 minutes. This will give you a tender and succulent burger with a red interior.
• Medium-Rare (130 degrees F): For those who prefer a slightly pink and juicy center with a hint of pink, medium-rare is the way to go. Cook your patty for 7-8 minutes on the first side then flip. This will result in a burger that’s cooked through but still maintains its juiciness.
• Medium (140 degrees F): This doneness level is perfect for those who like a little pink in the middle but want a more cooked exterior. A cook time of 10-11 minutes will be perfect for a medium hamburger. The result will be a burger with a juicy center and a slightly charred exterior.
• Medium-Well (150 degrees F): If you prefer a fully cooked burger with little to no pink, medium-well is a great choice. Cook your patty for about 11-12 minutes before flipping. This will give you a burger that’s well-cooked throughout but still retains some juiciness.
• Well Done (160 degrees F): Finally, if you’re a fan of a well-done burger with no trace of pink, simply cook your patty for around 12-14 minutes on the first side and then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes . This will ensure that your burger is fully cooked and has a deliciously charred exterior.

By checking the internal temperature of your burger using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that you hit the exact temperature for perfect results every time.

Expert Tips to Ensure Success

I’ve made Air Fryer Hamburgers dozens of times for my family and here are my top three tips to ensure that your burgers are a success.

Key to Success #1 – Use a Burger Press for Even Patties

A simple burger press is a game-changer for making air fryer burgers even more amazing.

Honestly, trying to shape patties by hand used to leave me with uneven burgers that cooked all weird, some parts dry and others not done enough.

But with a burger press, every patty comes out uniform in thickness which means they cook perfectly even.

No more dry bits or undercooked centers, just juicy, flavorful in every single bite.

I just season my ground beef, pop it into the press, the perfect patty comes out every time.

And here’s an extra pro tip: gently press your thumb into the center of the patty when it comes out of the press so that it won’t puff up in the middle while cooking.

Key to Success #2 – Easily Melt Cheese On Your Burger

If you like melted cheese on your hamburger, this air fryer tip is for you!

The air fryer has a powerful fan that circulates the hot air in the appliance.

While that’s great for evenly cooking your food, it’s not so great when it comes to a slice of cheese.

The cheese slice tends to blow off of the hamburger patties and melt in the bottom of the basket.

To avoid this, turn the air fryer OFF before adding your cheese.

Place the cheese slice on top of the cooked hamburger patty then slide the basket back into the air fryer with the machineturned off.

The resitual heat in the air fryer will melt the cheese perfectly within a minute or two.

Seasoning Suggestions

While salt and pepper are classic choices for seasoning burgers, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to match your taste.

Try garlic powder or onion powder for a savory kick, or add smoked paprika or chili powder for smokiness or heat.

Whether you prefer simple seasonings or bold flavors, this air fryer hamburger recipe is versatile. Remember, seasonings not only add flavor but also enhance juiciness.

For example, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary help retain moisture, while Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce brings out natural beef flavors.

Start with a light hand and adjust to taste, and consider dividing the ground beef mixture to test different seasoning combinations before making the entire batch.

Perfectly Juicy Topping Options

Just like the patty itself, toppings can make or break your burger’s taste.

Let’s start with cheese. Whether it’s classic American or adventurous options like blue cheese, adding a slice enhances the burger’s flavor.

The air fryer melts the cheese perfectly, creating a creamy layer between the juicy patty and brioche buns. Now, onto sauces.

From tangy BBQ to creamy mayo and spicy Sriracha, choose a sauce that complements your flavor preference.

For crunch and freshness, add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles.

If you enjoy heat, try jalapenos or banana peppers.

Don’t forget onions! Whether raw, caramelized, or grilled, they add depth to your burger.

Experiment with different varieties like red onion or shallots to find your perfect match.

With the right combination of cheese, sauces, crunchy toppings, and onions, each bite bursts with juicy deliciousness.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Hamburgers

When it comes to indulging in a delicious burger, having the perfect side dish to go along with it can be the cherry on top of a fantastic meal.

Air Fryer French Fries

First up, it’s hard to go wrong with some classic Air Fryer French fries. These crispy bites pair perfectly with a savory burger, and using an air fryer ensures they come out perfectly golden and crispy every time.

Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for a healthier option, sweet potato fries are the perfect alternative. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals and offer a unique flavor profile that pairs well with a juicy burger. Simply cut your sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them in a bit of oil and seasoning, and pop them in the air fryer.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

For those looking to mix things up a bit, air fryer sweet potatoes offer a unique twist on the classic baked potato. With their sweet and creamy flesh, they add a touch of sweetness to any meal, which is why it’s one of our family favorite sides. To cook them in an air fryer, simply pierce them with a fork and place them directly in the fryer.

Honorable Mention Side Dish Options

Other options for air fryer side dishes include baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, and onion rings. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never run out of ways to elevate your burger meal. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds run wild with these delicious air fryer side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions