Air-Fryer Hamburgers: The Ultimate Guide To Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Yes, you can cook hamburgers in an air fryer. It's a fast, easy, and mess-free way to get a juicy burger without having to fire up the grill. The air fryer's intense heat creates a fried taste without the need for deep frying and with very little oil. It's also a convenient option when it's too hot or cold to cook outside.

To cook hamburgers in an air fryer, combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings and form the mixture into patties. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 350-400°F for about 7-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can add cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired.

Air fryer hamburgers: ingredients and recipe

Air fryer hamburgers are a fast and convenient way to get a tasty meal on the table. They're super easy and quick to make, and you can top them with all your favourite condiments and sides.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Optional Ingredients

• Butter
• Beef base (e.g. Better than Bouillon)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cheese
• Bread or water to reduce smoke

Recipe

• Combine all ingredients (except barbecue sauce and toppings) in a medium bowl.
• Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from swelling during cooking.
• Brush the patties with barbecue sauce, if using.
• Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• If desired, add cheese and cook for 1 more minute.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving on buns with your desired toppings.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty (should be 160°F).
• If you're cooking cheeseburgers, turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
• To reduce smoke, pour 1/2 cup of water or place a piece of bread in the bottom of the preheated air fryer, beneath the basket.
• If you're cooking frozen patties, add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• If you're serving fries with your burgers, cook them first and set them aside. Once the burgers are done, add the fries back to the basket and cook at 400°F for 3-4 minutes while you top your burgers.

Air fryer vs. grill, oven, stove: which is best?

Air Fryer vs Grill, Oven, Stove: Which is Best?

The Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook hamburgers. They produce a juicy burger with a crispy exterior, without the need for much oil. The cleanup is also minimal, as there is less splatter and mess than with other cooking methods. The air fryer is a good option for those who want a tasty burger with less fuss and an easier cleanup.

The Grill

Grilling is a classic way to cook burgers, especially in the summer when cooking outdoors is preferable. It adds a smoky flavour to the meat and produces a charred, flame-kissed burger. Grilling is a good option for those who want a traditional, slightly charred burger with a smoky taste.

The Oven

Cooking burgers in the oven is a messier option, as there are lots of drippings to clean up. The oven-baked burger has a more meatloaf-like texture and is very tender. This method is best for those who don't mind a bit of extra cleanup and prefer a tender, fall-apart burger.

The Stove

Cooking burgers on the stove is also a messy option, as there is popping grease to deal with. However, it does provide a good amount of caramelization on the outside of the patty, resulting in a crispy, flavorful exterior. This method is best for those who don't mind the mess and prefer a slightly greasy, well-caramelized burger.

Each cooking method produces a different result, so it really depends on personal preference. If you want a juicy burger with a crispy exterior and minimal cleanup, the air fryer is a great choice. If you're looking for a more traditional, charred burger with a smoky flavour, go for the grill. The oven and stove methods offer different textures and flavours but are messier and require more cleanup. Ultimately, the air fryer is a good option for those seeking convenience, flavour, and a juicy burger without the fuss.

Tips for cooking hamburgers in an air fryer

Pre-cooking

Before you start cooking your hamburgers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use meat with a little bit of fat, such as an 80/20 blend of ground beef, to ensure that your burgers stay moist. If you want to go for a leaner option, you can opt for 90/10 ground beef, but be aware that your burgers might turn out slightly drier.

When preparing the meat, avoid overworking it by mixing or handling it too much, as this can make the meat tough. Season your meat with salt and pepper, and add a dash of onion and garlic powder, or fresh garlic and onion if you have the time. You can also add barbecue sauce or Dijon mustard for extra flavour.

Once you've formed your patties, make a small indent in the centre of each one with your thumb. This will prevent the patties from swelling during cooking and ensure even cooking.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for around 6-10 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

To check if your burgers are done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a medium-rare burger, aim for 135°F (57°C), and for a well-done burger, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

If you're adding cheese to your burgers, do so during the last minute of cooking so that it melts nicely.

Post-cooking

Once your burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavourful burger.

Serving

Serve your hamburgers on buns, or go for a gluten-free option like a lettuce wrap. You can toast the buns beforehand by spreading a little butter on the sliced bread and placing them in the oven or toaster oven on broil, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Top your burgers with your favourite toppings and condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or cheese.

Troubleshooting

If your burgers are turning out dry, you might be overcooking them or using meat that is too lean. Try reducing the cooking time or using meat with a higher fat content.

Additionally, avoid adding oil to the meat before cooking, as this can cause excess smoke.

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer hamburgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the patties in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Air fryer hamburgers: FAQs

Yes, you can cook hamburgers in an air fryer. The air fryer method is a quick and convenient way to make juicy hamburgers with less mess and grease.

An 80/20 blend of ground beef is recommended for hamburgers, as it has enough fat to keep the patties juicy without being too greasy. Leaner blends, such as 90/10, can be used but may result in drier patties.

To make air fryer hamburgers, combine the ground beef with seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form the mixture into patties, making a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking. Preheat the air fryer to around 370-400°F and cook the patties for about 6-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of the hamburgers. For rare burgers, cook for about 4 minutes. Medium-rare burgers will take around 5 minutes, while medium and medium-well burgers will take 6-8 minutes. Well-done burgers will need at least 10 minutes.

Yes, you can cook frozen hamburgers in an air fryer. Simply add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, you can add cheese to your hamburgers during the last minute of cooking. Turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

What to serve with air fryer hamburgers

There are many side dishes that you can serve with air fryer hamburgers. Here are some ideas:

Crispy and Golden French Fries

The classic choice to serve with hamburgers is a pile of golden and crispy French fries. You can also make sweet potato fries in the air fryer to accompany the savory burger.

Salads

For a lighter option, you can serve a refreshing coleslaw or a vibrant and crunchy Greek salad.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

You can also use your air fryer to make corn on the cob. It's delicious with butter and salt and brings a real summery vibe to your burgers.

Air Fryer Potato Chips

If you're looking for a crispy snack to go with your burgers, air fryer potato chips are a great option.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

For a healthier option, you can make air fryer cauliflower. It's a tasty and crispy vegetable option to serve with your hamburgers.

DIY Burger Bar

You can also set up a DIY burger bar with various toppings and condiments so everyone can customize their burgers. Some topping ideas include lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles, jalapenos, green chilies, sauerkraut, fried egg, bacon, sautéed or air-fried mushrooms, and more.

Frequently asked questions