Why cook hamburgers in the air fryer? You might be asking yourself that very question, and I'll tell you why! Because it's a great way to make a juicy, delicious burger without all the hassle of grilling or splatter when using a frying pan! Did I mention they are delicious? 😋 Obviously the most important part!!
All you need is a few simple ingredients, and your air fryer does the rest.
Jump to:
- Why this air fryer burger recipe works
- Air Fryer Burger Recipe
- Want to take this over the top?
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Burger temperature chart
- FAQ's
- Deb's top tips
- Switch it up: easy burger variations to try
- Air Fryer Recipes to Serve Alongside
- What to Serve with Hamburgers
- More terrific ground beef recipes
- Your New Go-To Burger Method
Why this air fryer burger recipe works
This is one of those dinners that fits right into real life without making a fuss about it. You can pull it together quickly, use ingredients you already have on hand, and still end up with burgers that feel like an upgrade from the usual stovetop version. The air fryer does a great job of cooking them evenly, so you don't have to babysit the pan or worry about hot spots.
It's also an easy win when everyone wants something a little different. Set out buns, cheese, and toppings, and let everyone build their own burger exactly how they like it.
Whether you're feeding a hungry group or just trying to get dinner on the table without overthinking it, this recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a really satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Burger Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (recommend 80/20)
- 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- Serving suggestions
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- assorted toppings: lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, sliced onions, mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup!
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef and steak seasoning. Gently mix and form into 4 patties. Press a small indent in the center of each patty.
- Brush both sides of the patties lightly with barbecue sauce.
- Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired.
- Remove from the air fryer, place on buns, add your favorite toppings, and serve.
Notes
- For juicy burgers, don't overmix the meat when forming patties.
- Cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your burgers and your air fryer model.
- Always use a meat thermometer-160°F is the sweet spot.
- Let burgers rest for a minute before serving to keep them nice and juicy.
Nutrition
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Want to take this over the top?
If you're already making juicy burgers in the air fryer, you're one quick step away from something seriously crave-worthy. A generous swipe of my Smashburger Sauce takes these from simple to "wait… why is this so good?"
It's creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and exactly what burgers, fries, and even sandwiches have been waiting for. Spread it on the bun, add a little extra on top of the patty, and don't be surprised if this becomes your new go-to move every time burgers are on the menu!
Ingredients
Instructions
Burger temperature chart
| Level of Doneness | Internal Temperature |
| Rare | 125 F |
| Medium Rare | 135 F |
| Medium | 145 F |
| Medium Well | 155 F |
| Well Done | over 160 F |
Because of the thickness of the burgers vary, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burger. The USDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
FAQ's
Yes! You can cook multiple patties at once as long as they fit into your air fryer basket. Place them in an even layer, not touching each other. Otherwise they will not cook evenly.
You can, but you'll get better results if you preheat. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the outside sear a bit faster, which locks in juices and gives you a better texture.
It's not recommended. Air fryers rely on circulating hot air, so stacking patties blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. Cook in a single layer for the best results.
Deb's top tips
I like to use Montreal steak seasoning on the burgers, but you can also make your own burger seasoning with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
The best cheese for a good burger is American cheese, Swiss, pepper jack or cheddar cheese - all are great options!
Switch it up: easy burger variations to try
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of easy ways to give your air fryer burgers a new spin without extra work.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add a slice of crispy bacon and melty American cheese.
- Grilled Onion Burger: Pile on sweet, caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Lighter Option: Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger: Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
- Low-Carb Style: Skip the bun and wrap it up in crisp lettuce instead.
Air Fryer Recipes to Serve Alongside
If you're already using the air fryer, you might as well make the whole meal in it. Pair your burgers with crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp for a fun surf-and-turf situation, or swap out the regular bun for Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Yes, it's as good as it sounds!
And if you want something a little fresh on the side, Air Fryer Pineapple brings a sweet, caramelized bite that balances everything out nicely. It's an easy way to pull together a full meal without juggling a bunch of pans.
What to Serve with Hamburgers
If you're building out a full meal, this is where things get fun. My What to Serve with Hamburgers for 50+ ideas and recipes guide is packed with easy sides that go way beyond the usual chips and fries. From cozy classics to lighter options and a few unexpected favorites, it's a go-to when you want to mix things up without overthinking dinner.
More terrific ground beef recipes
- Salisbury steak recipe with onion soup mix - this easy recipe will be a go-to favorite!
- Skip the grill (or fast food drive-thru) when you learn how to cook frozen hamburger patties in the oven! These are easy to make flavorful burgers!
- For even more yummy recipes, check this out for the BEST Frozen Hamburger Recipes.
Your New Go-To Burger Method
Once you try burgers in the air fryer, it's hard to go back. They're quick, juicy, and come together without the mess or hassle of firing up the grill. Whether you keep it simple or load them up with your favorite toppings, this is one of those easy dinners that just works every single time.
Give it a try, and don't forget to come back and let me know how you built your burger. I love hearing what ends up on your plate!
Lois says
We had burgers fixed like this last week and they were really good. So enjoyable.
Bowl Me Over says
It's great when there's not a grill available, or the weather is inclement.
Debbie says
Air fryer burgers are a great option for busy nights. This recipe is going to come in really handy.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I hope you give it a try!!
Alyssa says
We love air fryer burgers! They taste great, and you don't have to stand outside in the cold to make them!
Kristen says
I don't have a grill (yay, apartment life, haha!) so this air fryer hamburgers idea is perfect!
Bowl Me Over says
You don't need no stinking grill {giggle}!!! Seriously though, we love this air fryer recipe. All the flavor year-round!
Cynthia says
You know what I love about air fryer burgers? They're so easy that I can have my kids help me without worrying about them being around the grill.
Brittany says
While I love the taste of food from the grill, I hate dealing with it during cold winter days. I'll be using your tips for air fryer burgers this winter, thanks!