Name: The Juiciest Air Fryer Hamburgers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 4 burger buns; Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional); Condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)

Making hamburgers in the air fryer has completely changed the way I cook burgers at home. They come out perfectly juicy on the inside with a slightly crispy outer layer, and I love how fast and effortless the process is. There’s no need to fire up the grill or deal with grease splattering on the stove—just pop them in the air fryer, and in minutes, you have delicious homemade burgers ready to be served.

What I appreciate the most about air fryer hamburgers is how versatile they are. Whether you like them classic with cheddar and pickles or loaded with toppings like bacon and caramelized onions, this method ensures they cook evenly every time. Plus, you can make them as thick or thin as you prefer. If you haven’t tried making burgers in your air fryer yet, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Hamburgers

Quick and Easy: No need to heat up a grill or stove—just shape your patties, pop them in the air fryer, and let it do the work.
Juicy and Flavorful: The circulating hot air cooks the burgers evenly, keeping them juicy while giving them a nice crust.
Less Mess: No splattering grease or flipping required, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, toppings, and size of the patties to match your taste.
Perfect for Any Weather: Enjoy grilled-style burgers indoors, rain or shine.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

The key to a great air fryer hamburger starts with the right ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef—that’s 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio ensures your burgers stay juicy and flavorful without becoming too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 can work, but anything leaner than that (like 90/10) may result in a drier burger.

If you’re looking for something different, you can also try ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that leaner meats may need a little extra moisture, like a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of olive oil, to keep them from drying out.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your air fryer hamburgers, here are some great ingredient swaps:

Meat Alternatives: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like Beyond Meat for a healthier or vegetarian-friendly version.
Seasonings: If you want to switch things up, try adding onion powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.
Cheese Choices: Classic cheddar is always a winner, but Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese can bring a whole new level of flavor.
Buns: Brioche buns add a hint of sweetness, whole wheat buns bring a nutty taste, and lettuce wraps make it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Toppings: Go beyond the basics with avocado, fried eggs, crispy bacon, or even a smear of garlic aioli for extra flavor.

Ingredients for These Air Fryer Hamburgers

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making the best air fryer hamburgers. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef (80/20): The perfect balance of lean meat and fat ensures juicy, flavorful burgers.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural beefy taste.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds depth and a hint of savoriness without overpowering the meat.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little goes a long way in boosting the umami flavor of the burgers.
Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melted over the hot patties for that classic cheeseburger experience.
Burger Buns: Brioche, sesame seed, or whole wheat—choose your favorite for the perfect bite.
Lettuce, Tomato, and Pickles: Crisp, fresh toppings that add crunch and tang.
Optional Toppings: Bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, or any of your favorite add-ons to customize your burger.

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties about ½ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking and gives the burgers a nice sear on the outside.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching so the air can circulate properly. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach your desired doneness (see temperature guide below).

Medium-Rare: 130–135°F
Medium: 140–145°F
Medium-Well: 150–155°F
Well-Done: 160°F+

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, especially if making turkey or chicken burgers.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Toast the Buns

In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt. If your air fryer has a toast function, lightly toast the buns for an even better texture. Otherwise, you can toast them separately in a skillet or oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the cooked burger patties on the toasted buns and load them up with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Hamburgers

The cooking time for air fryer hamburgers depends on the thickness of the patties and how well done you like them. At 375°F (190°C), follow these approximate times:

Medium-Rare: 8 minutes
Medium: 9 minutes
Medium-Well: 10 minutes
Well-Done: 11–12 minutes

For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground beef should be cooked to at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety, while poultry-based burgers should reach 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hamburgers

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Handling the ground beef too much can make the burgers dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Make a Small Indentation in the Center: This prevents the burgers from puffing up while cooking, keeping them evenly shaped.
Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Leave space between the patties so air can circulate, ensuring even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
Flip Halfway Through: This helps get an even sear on both sides and ensures the center cooks properly.
Let the Burgers Rest: After cooking, let the burgers sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.
Add Cheese at the End: Placing cheese on the patties in the last minute of cooking allows it to melt perfectly without burning.
Toast the Buns: A toasted bun adds a nice crunch and prevents it from getting soggy from the burger juices.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though air fryer hamburgers are easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Using Lean Meat (90/10 or Leaner): Burgers need fat to stay juicy. If using leaner meat, add a bit of oil or sauce to compensate.
Skipping the Preheat Step: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps create a nice crust on the burgers.
Overcrowding the Basket: Too many patties at once can prevent proper airflow, leading to uneven cooking.
Not Checking the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your burgers are safely cooked while still juicy.
Pressing the Patties While Cooking: This squeezes out all the flavorful juices, making the burgers dry.
Forgetting to Let the Burgers Rest: Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and delicious.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Hamburgers?

A juicy burger is even better with delicious sides! Here are some tasty options:

1. Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

A classic pairing—golden, crispy, and seasoned to perfection.

2. Onion Rings

Crunchy and flavorful, these make the perfect side for any burger meal.

3. Coleslaw

A creamy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

A slightly healthier alternative with a hint of natural sweetness.

5. Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet, and hearty—great for a BBQ-style burger night.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Buttery and slightly charred, corn on the cob is a summer favorite with burgers.

7. Mac and Cheese

If you love comfort food, a side of creamy mac and cheese is a must.

8. Pickles and Chips

Keep it simple with crunchy dill pickles and a handful of your favorite chips for extra texture.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover air fryer hamburgers, here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from the buns and toppings to prevent sogginess.
Freeze: Let the patties cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place the patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispness.

Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition will vary based on toppings and bun choices, but here’s an estimate for one classic cheeseburger (with a brioche bun, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles):

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~600mg

For a lower-carb option, swap the bun for a lettuce wrap or use a keto-friendly bun.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen burger patties in the air fryer?

Yes! You can cook frozen patties directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) internally.

2. Do I need to flip the burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking on both sides. However, some air fryers circulate air well enough that flipping may not be necessary.

3. Can I make turkey or chicken burgers in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Use the same method, but ensure poultry burgers reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Lean meats may need added moisture, like a splash of olive oil or Worcestershire sauce.

4. How do I prevent my burgers from drying out?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best juiciness. Avoid overcooking, and let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

5. What air fryer temperature is best for cooking burgers?

375°F (190°C) is ideal. It allows the burgers to cook through while getting a slightly crispy outer crust.

6. Can I add seasonings or mix-ins to the burger meat?

Yes! Garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and even shredded cheese can be mixed in for extra flavor. Just avoid overmixing.

7. Should I spray the air fryer basket with oil?

Most air fryer baskets are non-stick, but a light spray of oil helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning.

8. How do I make my burgers extra crispy on the outside?

For a crispier crust, increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make the juiciest air fryer hamburgers, it’s time to give them a try! Whether you keep it classic or load up on toppings, these burgers are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.