Air-Fryer Burger: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make burgers. They are easy to use, require less oil, and are simple to clean. Air fryer burgers are juicy, crispy, and can be made in less than 15 minutes. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer.

Air fryer burger patty recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make burgers quickly and conveniently. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook different types of patties, from beef to turkey and chicken. Here are some recipes to get you started on making delicious, juicy and tender burgers in your air fryer.

Simple All-Beef Patty

For a classic beef burger, use fresh ground beef with an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat. This blend ensures the patties stay juicy without too much grease. You can also use ground turkey for turkey burgers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of 80/20 lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce (optional)
• 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions

• Combine the meat with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl.
• Form the mixture into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent swelling during cooking.
• Brush the patties with barbecue sauce, if using.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for about 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness.
• If desired, add cheese and cook for another minute.
• Serve on buns with your choice of toppings.

Butter and Bouillon Beef Patty

For a unique twist, try adding a butter and bouillon mixture to your beef patties. This combination gives the burgers a dark grilled colour and a deep, beefy flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of 80% lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of beef base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Form the beef into four patties, about 3/4-inch thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Make them slightly bigger than your buns to allow for shrinkage.
• Whisk together the melted butter and beef soup base in a small bowl.
• Brush the mixture onto both sides of the patties and season with pepper.
• Place the patties into the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium doneness. For well-done patties, add another 2 minutes of cooking time.
• If you're adding cheese, turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

Worcestershire Sauce Beef Patty

Worcestershire sauce adds a deliciously deep and slightly salty flavour to your beef patties. This recipe also includes garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper for a well-seasoned burger.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
• 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, black pepper, and salt

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix well, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
• Divide the mixture into four portions and shape them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Make an indent in the centre of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.
• Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• If desired, add cheese during the last minute of cooking.
• Remove the patties and let them rest for a minute before assembling with your favourite condiments.

Safety Tip

Remember, when air-frying burgers, it's important to add some water to the bottom of your air fryer basket, especially when cooking meat with a high fat content. This will catch the dripping fat and prevent it from smoking.

Air fryer burger toppings

Air fryer burgers are a quick and easy meal to make, and you can get creative with your toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings

For a traditional burger, you can't go wrong with the classic combination of lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. These toppings provide a fresh, crunchy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the juicy burger. You can also add sliced cheese to make it a cheeseburger. Cheddar, Swiss, American, or any other variety of cheese you prefer can be used.

Savoury Toppings

For a savoury twist, try roasted red bell peppers, fried egg, bacon, or sautéed or air-fried mushrooms. These toppings add a depth of flavour and a bit of indulgence to your burger. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a fried egg on top!

Zesty Toppings

If you like a bit of spice and tanginess, go for toppings like jalapeños, green chillies, sauerkraut, or Chipotle Aioli. These toppings will give your burger a kick and keep things interesting. For an extra punch of flavour, you could also make a homemade garlic aioli.

Caramelised Onions

Caramelised onions are a sweet and savoury addition to your burger. You can cook them directly in the air fryer along with your burger patty to save time and washing up. They will come out crispier than if sautéed in a pan but are still a delicious option.

Sauces

No burger is complete without a generous slathering of sauce. You can go for the classic ketchup, mustard, or mayo, or get creative with options like barbecue sauce, ranch, Buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli. If you want to make it extra special, you could even make your own sauce from scratch!

Buns

Don't forget the buns! You can use traditional hamburger buns or get fancy with brioche buns. Toasting the buns in the air fryer adds a nice touch and only takes a minute or two.

Air fryer burger cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your air fryer burgers will depend on a few factors, including the type of meat you are using, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of doneness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook delicious burgers in your air fryer.

Pre-cooking Preparations:

Before you start cooking your burgers, there are a few important steps to follow:

• Prepare the meat mixture: In a bowl, combine your ground beef with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add other ingredients like BBQ sauce or beef soup base. Mix well, but be careful not to overwork the meat as it can affect the texture of your burgers.
• Shape the patties: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. The thickness of the patties will depend on your preference, but they should be slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent them from swelling during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking burgers is between 350°F and 400°F.

Cooking Times and Temperatures:

Now, let's get into the specific cooking times and temperatures for your air fryer burgers:

• For a medium-rare burger, cook at 350°F for 8 minutes without flipping. Then, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes after adding cheese.
• For a well-done burger, cook at 400°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, cook for an additional 2 minutes for a well-done patty.
• You can also cook burgers at 400°F for about 9-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties.
• If you are using frozen patties, increase the cooking time by about 5 to 7 minutes.
• It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your patties. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines.
• To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty. For ground beef, the recommended internal temperature is 160°F.

Additional Tips:

• Always add a cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket to prevent smoking and catch any dripping grease.
• If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place the slice on top of the patty during the last minute or two of cooking to allow it to melt.
• You can also use your air fryer to toast your burger buns. Place the split buns in the air fryer for about 1 minute until they are golden and lightly crispy.
• Let your burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to settle, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Air fryer burger side dishes

There are many side dishes that can be prepared in an air fryer to accompany a burger. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Okra
• Corn on the cob
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Brussels sprouts
• Eggplant
• Kale chips
• Radishes
• Roasted sweet peppers and onions
• Cauliflower
• Baked sweet potato
• Roasted pineapple
• Butternut squash home fries
• Air-fried ratatouille

Starchy Sides

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato wedges
• Hash browns
• Baked potatoes
• Potato chips
• Tater tots
• Polenta fries
• Latkes
• Stuffing balls
• Pizza puffs
• Samosas
• Potato bites

Meat and Seafood

• Chicken wings
• Popcorn shrimp
• Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts

Some sources suggest serving burgers with a salad, such as a caprese corn salad or watermelon and feta salad.

Air fryer burger sauces

Making burgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a tasty meal on the table. But what about the toppings? Here are some ideas for sauces to go with your air-fried burgers.

Burger Sauce

Nick Evans from Simply Recipes has a quick recipe for a burger sauce to go with your air-fried burgers. Simply mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of minced pickles, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Store in the fridge until you're ready to assemble your burgers.

Easy Hamburger Sauce

Little Sunny Kitchen has a recipe for a sweet and tangy sauce. Mix together 1/4 cup of mayo, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a classic condiment for burgers, and it can also help with caramelization. You can brush it onto your patties before cooking or add it to your assembled burger. If you want to make your own, Holly Nilsson from Spend With Pennies has a recipe for a homemade barbecue sauce.

Aioli

For something with a bit more kick, try a zesty sauce like chipotle aioli or homemade garlic aioli. You could also top your burger with sliced jalapeños, green chilies, or sauerkraut.

Frequently asked questions