How to Cook Hamburgers in the Air Fryer (Simple Recipe)

If you’re asking, “How to cook hamburgers in the air fryer?” you’re in the right place. Cooking hamburgers in an air fryer is super easy and quick. In this post, I’ll guide you through the cooking times and some simple tips to ensure your burgers turn out juicy and delicious. Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for a quick answer, I’ve got all the info you need. Let’s get started!

In this post, we’ll cover all the essential details you need to cook the perfect hamburger in an air fryer. We’ll discuss the ideal cooking times for different patty thicknesses to ensure your burgers are cooked just right. Then, we’ll share some useful tips for seasoning your patties and getting that perfect sear.

Finally, we’ll offer serving suggestions, including tasty toppings and side dishes to complement your air-fried hamburgers. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a delicious meal with minimal effort.

What Is an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has been around now for several years. According to the New York Times, Fred Van Der Weij invented the air fryer back in 2005. He was looking for a way to crisp up French Fries without deep-frying them.

An air fryer is a small appliance, similar to a small deep fryer such as a fry daddy but doesn’t use cooking oil. The air fryer has a basket that slides into the front of it, this is where the food is placed. It is a small convection oven with high-speed air circulation, allowing food to crisp up quickly.  

If you want to know more about Air Fryers, check out this article called Cooking Revolutionized: A NuWave Air Fryer Review. I love using the air fryer to cook these crispy air fryer hashbrowns for breakfast!

Why Use an Air Fryer for Hamburgers?

Using an air fryer to cook a hamburger offers several advantages. The main reason to use an air fryer for hamburgers is cook time. First, air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing the time needed to prepare a meal compared to traditional methods like grilling or pan-frying. This speed is due to the rapid circulation of hot air, which ensures even cooking and a deliciously crispy exterior.

Also, an air fryer cooks food using a healthier method. Since an air fryer uses little to no oil, it cuts out many of the calories of the traditional way of frying a hamburger pattie.

Air fryers also heat up very quickly and cook without much of the mess of frying hamburgers or the hassles of outdoor grilling. You can cook a healthier hamburger from the comfort of your home versus going outside and cooking. 

The Geroge Foreman also offers many advantages for cooking hamburgers, but sometimes they can leave your hamburger dried out. When cooking air fryer burgers, they always result in a juicy burger.

If you’re also curious about cooking on the George Foreman, you might find our article “How Long Does It Take to Cook a Steak on the George Foreman” helpful. It provides detailed instructions and tips for perfect steaks.

What Does Air Fryer Hamburger Patties taste like

Air fryer hamburger patties typically have a unique taste and texture that many people enjoy. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Crispy Exterior: Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, which creates a crispy outer layer on the hamburger patty. This texture is similar to what you might get from grilling or pan-frying but with less oil.
2. Juicy Interior: Despite the crispy exterior, air fryer hamburgers retain their juiciness inside. This is because the hot air cooks the meat evenly and quickly, sealing in the natural juices of the patty.
3. Enhanced Flavors: The lack of excess oil allows the flavors of the meat and any seasonings you use to shine through. You’ll still get that classic beefy taste but with a cleaner, lighter profile.
4. Consistency: Air fryers ensure even cooking, so you can expect consistent results with every batch of hamburgers you make. This consistency contributes to a reliable and enjoyable eating experience.

Overall, air fryer hamburger patties taste crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, and retain the flavors of the meat and seasonings you use, making them a popular choice for cooking hamburgers at home. Top them with your favorite toppings and you have a real American meal on your hands. 

​How Long To Cook A Hamburger in an Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

This short guide will tell you how long to air-fry a burger

What you Need to make this Recipe

You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but let’s go over the basics:

​Ingredients to make Air Fryer Burgers

• Hamburger meat- For beef an 80/20 blend has the right amount of fat for juiciness. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you like. 
• Sea salt or kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Hamburger buns– Regular hamburger buns are fine but for upscale burgers try brioche buns. 

Optional Ingredients

• Heath Riles Garlic Jalapeño rub– You talking about a flavor explosion. I wouldn’t cook a burger without this seasoning. This has salt in it so if you use this, I would reduce or not add additional salt.  
• Worcestershire Sauce- This is a flavor enhancer that adds depth and complexity to the flavor. I highly recommend it. 
• Garlic powder- If using the Heath Riles seasoning, omit garlic powder and onion powder. 
• Onion Powder- if using the Heath Riles seasoning, omit onion powder and garlic powder

Toppings and Condiments

• Cheese slices– make air fryer cheeseburgers by adding a slice of cheese. Some of our favorites are American cheese, Cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack cheese.
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Red onion or White Onion
• Pickles
• Slaw
• Homemade chili sauce
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise

If you do not like any of these pairings, just use your favorite seasoning. 

​Note: See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

Equipment You’ll Need

1. Air Fryer: The main appliance for cooking the burgers.
2. Mixing Bowl: For combining the ground beef with seasonings and any additional ingredients.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cup: To accurately measure seasonings and other ingredients.
4. Wooden Spoon– To mix the ingredients.
5. Plates, Sheet pan, or Cutting Board: To hold the formed burger patties before cooking.
6. Tongs: For flipping the burger patties halfway through cooking and removing them from the air fryer.
7. Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the burgers and ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

To see a comprehensive list of all the brands I use and recommend, visit the Best Kitchen Essentials Checklist article.

Step-by-step Instructions on How to Cook a Hamburger in the Air Fryer

1. Prepare your hamburger Patties

In a mixing bowl or large bowl, add your hamburger meat and seasonings of choice. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix ingredients well until it is well incorporated.

Divide the meat into 4 to 6-ounce-pound patties that are 1/2 inch thick. Make an indent into the center of each patty. This will allow the center to cook evenly with the rest of the pattie.

Arrange the patties on a pan or plate and set to the side. I like to do this about 30 minutes beforehand to allow the seasonings time to meld together. 

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

3. Cooking the Air Fryer Hamburger Patties

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or cooking spray. I like to spray a little on the patties as well. This will help the burgers have a good sear with a crispy exterior.

Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook for 6 minutes then pull out the air fryer basket and use the tongs to flip the burgers over.

Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. To add cheese, stop the air fryer when there is 1-2 minutes left.

​4. Check For Doneness

Use an Instant Read thermometer to check for doneness. For 1/2-inch patties, it should take between 10-12 minutes to cook. 

Here is the Temperature Guide for medium-well to well-done. 

• Medium-Well: Cook the hamburger until it reaches an internal temperature of about 150-155°F (65-68°C). At this temperature, the meat will be mostly gray with a slight hint of pink in the center.
• Well Done: Cook the hamburger until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher. At this temperature, the meat will be fully cooked through with no pink color remaining.

5. Rest and Serve

Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful, and juicy hamburgers.

Additional Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hamburgers

After you have removed your hamburger patties, use the air fryer to toast your buns. Brush the inside of the buns with a little butter, then add them to the air fryer basket cut side up. Toast the buns for 2-3 minutes. 

Build your Burger

Build your burger by putting your condiments on your bun, then add your meat and your favorite toppings.

What to Serve Air-Fried Burgers With

• French Fries
• Onion rings
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Coleslaw
• Marinated Cucumbers Onions & Vinegar
• Spicy Cucumber Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Irresistible Spaghetti Pasta Salad

​Substitutions

If you do not like beef patties, you can use ground chicken or ground turkey as a substitute. Just know that both of these are lean meats and may cause dry burgers. You may also have to adjust your cooking time. Also, the internal temperature for these meats should only be well done at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover burgers, you can store them in an airtight container or cover them with aluminum foil. Place them in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

​FAQ’s

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