Air Fryer Frozen Burgers: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen burgers. They are easy to use and result in juicy hamburgers with minimal cleanup. The cooking time depends on the desired doneness and the size and thickness of the patty. Generally, it takes around 14-20 minutes to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer, and it is recommended to flip the patties halfway through for even cooking.

How to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to deep-frying, grilling, or baking, especially when cooking frozen food. Cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is easy, quick, and requires minimal cleanup. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious burgers every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Frozen Burgers

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can spritz or spray your frozen burger patties with a little water or cooking spray. This step ensures that any seasonings you add will stick to the patties. You can also add a pinch of salt or season the patties generously with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Some frozen burgers may already be seasoned, so be sure to read the packet before adding any extra seasonings.

Step 2: Cook the Frozen Burgers

Once your air fryer is preheated and your burgers are seasoned, it's time to cook! Place the frozen burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or stacking the patties, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to cook one patty at a time.

Cook the burgers for around 14 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 8 to 14 minutes. For a medium burger, aim for 15 to 17 minutes. Remember to flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Melt (Optional)

If you're making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each burger about 30 seconds to 1 minute before the end of the cooking time. You can also turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese. Alternatively, remove the burgers from the air fryer and melt the cheese in a pan or under a grill.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and assemble your cheeseburgers. Place the patties on hamburger buns and add your favorite toppings and condiments. Enjoy your juicy, air-fried burgers!

How long to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Air fryer frozen burgers are a convenient and easy way to get your burger fix. The best part is that you don't need to thaw the patties before cooking, making it a quick and hassle-free dinner option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen burgers varies across sources, with suggestions ranging from 350°F to 390°F. However, most sources recommend cooking at around 370°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Burger Patties

Take your frozen burger patties out of the freezer. You don't need to thaw them beforehand, which is one of the perks of using an air fryer. At this stage, you can also season the patties with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Some sources suggest spritzing the patties with water to help the seasoning stick.

Step 3: Cook the Frozen Burgers

Place the seasoned patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking or overlapping them to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to cook one patty at a time. For thicker patties, you might need to extend the cooking time.

Cooking times can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to cook frozen burgers in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes for medium doneness. For rarer burgers, aim for 13-14 minutes, and for well-done burgers, cook for 17-20 minutes. It's a good idea to flip the burgers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings

If you're making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each patty about 30 seconds to 1 minute before the end of the cooking time. The residual heat will melt the cheese. Keep in mind that adding toppings to the burgers while they're still in the air fryer can create a mess. It's best to wait until the fryer is off before adding any toppings.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and assemble your hamburgers. Place the patties on hamburger buns and add your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, and mustard. Enjoy your juicy air fryer burgers!

Air fryer frozen burger ingredients

Air fryer frozen burgers are a quick and convenient meal option, perfect for busy weeknights. The best part about cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is that you don't need to thaw them beforehand, making it a hassle-free dinner option. Here are some ingredients you can use to make delicious air fryer frozen burgers:

Frozen Burger Patties:

The star of the show! You can use either store-bought frozen burger patties or make your own at home. If you're buying pre-made patties, look for those made with 100% pure beef and a good ratio of fat content, usually around 80% meat and 20% fat, for juicy and flavorful burgers. You can also use alternative proteins like turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Seasonings:

Seasonings are essential to enhancing the flavor of your burger patties. You can use homemade or store-bought seasonings. Some popular options include kosher salt, black pepper, steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and peri-peri seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Hamburger Buns:

Choose soft and fluffy buns like brioche or potato buns to complement your juicy burgers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own homemade hamburger buns.

Toppings and Condiments:

This is where you can get creative and customize your burger to your liking. Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and cheese. But feel free to explore wilder options like barbecue sauce, bacon, Big Mac sauce, or even sauteed mushrooms and onions. Just remember to add the toppings after cooking the burgers in the air fryer to avoid making a mess.

Cooking Spray:

Using a cooking spray on the burger patties before placing them in the air fryer helps them brown and develop a crispy exterior. It's an optional ingredient but can enhance the texture and appearance of your burgers.

With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious air fryer frozen burgers that are sure to satisfy your cravings!

Air fryer frozen burger toppings

The Basics

Once your frozen burgers are cooked, you can add any toppings you like. It's best to wait until the air fryer is off before adding toppings, as adding them during cooking will create a mess inside the basket.

Cheese

If you want melted cheese, place it on the still-hot burgers and cover them while it melts. You can also transfer the burgers to a plate, add the cheese, and cover with tented tinfoil. If you're making a cheeseburger, add the cheese 30 seconds to one minute before the end of the cooking time and let the residual heat melt it.

Condiments and Vegetables

You can use classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, and sliced pickles. For vegetables, try tomatoes, lettuce, and onion.

Creative Toppings

Get adventurous with toppings like blue cheese dressing, avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce.

Sauces

Try Thousand Island Dressing, Habanero Ranch, or One Minute Mayo as a spread.

Sides

Serve your air fryer burger on a toasted bun with sides like sweet potato fries, crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, or okra. If you're looking for a keto or low-carb option, serve the burger on a lettuce wrap or with a side salad.

Air fryer frozen burger serving suggestions

Air fryer frozen burgers are a quick and easy meal to prepare, with very little cleanup required. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don't have much time to cook or if you're too tired to spend ages preparing food. You can also use frozen turkey or chicken burgers, or make your own vegetarian patties with ingredients such as black beans or chickpeas.

How to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

You don't need to thaw frozen burgers before cooking them in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F, season the burgers, and cook for around 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on how well-done you like your burger and the thickness of the patty. For a medium-rare burger, cook for around 8 minutes; for a well-done burger, cook for 17-20 minutes.

Serving suggestions

• French fries – either air fryer frozen fries or Ninja Foodi French fries.
• Onion rings – these make a great side dish to accompany your burger.
• A side salad – if you want something a little healthier, a tasty side salad can round out your meal.
• Potato salad – this is a great option if you're serving your burger at a picnic or barbecue.
• Tater tots – another fun side dish that will appeal to both kids and adults.
• Condiments and toppings – the classic burger toppings are ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, but you can also get creative with toppings such as barbecue sauce, bacon, or fried egg.

Tips

• Avoid overlapping the burger patties in the air fryer – cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• If you're making cheeseburgers, add the cheese after removing the patties from the air fryer, and cover with a plate or tin foil to help the cheese melt.
• If you want to add extra seasoning to your burgers, season them halfway through the cooking time so that the seasoning doesn't blow off or fall off during the cooking process.
• You can also cook the burgers without seasoning and then season them after cooking to taste.
• If you're cooking for a crowd, you can double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• If you have any leftover burgers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Enjoy your air fryer frozen burgers!

Frequently asked questions