Air-Fryer Fresh Burgers: How Long Do They Last?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy burgers with a nice crispy exterior. They are also a healthier option as they require less oil and butter. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the patty, the type of air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes 8-12 minutes to cook a fresh burger in an air fryer.

How to cook burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (most recipes recommend an 80/20 blend, but you can also use 90/10 or 85/15)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Buns (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (optional)

Method

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and form into equally-sized patties (usually around 4).
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging in the middle during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.
• Air fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If desired, add cheese in the last minute of cooking and let it melt.
• Remove the burgers and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty. For ground beef, the temperature should reach 160°F.
• For rare burgers, cook to 120-125°F; for medium rare, cook to 130-135°F; for medium well, cook to 150-155°F; and for well done, cook to 160-165°F.
• If you are cooking frozen burgers, add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• To prevent the patties from sticking, you can use parchment paper designed for air fryers.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the burgers cook consistently.
• Don't overwork the meat by mixing it too much, as this can result in dry and tough burgers.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers.
• If you are adding cheese, do so during the last minute of cooking so it melts nicely.
• To store leftovers, place the burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Variations

• You can use different kinds of meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or bison.
• Serve the burgers without a bun and use lettuce wraps instead.
• Skip the Montreal steak spice and use salt and pepper, or add other spices like garlic powder and onion powder.
• Melt cheese on the burgers by turning off the air fryer and placing the cheese on top of the patties. Close the air fryer for about a minute to let the residual heat melt the cheese.
• Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your favourite combination.

How to make juicy burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 blend or 90/10 blend)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Buns (brioche, pretzel, or regular)
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup, etc.)

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and form the mixture into four equally-sized patties.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from swelling during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty.
• Cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking so it melts on top of the patties.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving on buns with your chosen toppings.

Tips:

• Using meat with a little bit of fat (an 80/20 blend) will help keep the burgers moist.
• To check if your burgers are cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty (160°F for well done).
• Appliances can vary, so check your burgers early to ensure they don't overcook.
• If you're making cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each burger, turn off the air fryer, and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
• To prevent the patties from sticking, you can use parchment paper designed for air fryers, or put a piece of bread or some water underneath the air fryer basket to catch the grease and reduce smoke.
• Don't overwork the meat by mixing it too much, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from bulging up during cooking.
• Burgers shrink slightly during cooking, so make the patties slightly larger than your buns.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave space between the patties to let the air circulate.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to settle back into the patties.

How to season burgers for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook juicy burgers without the mess of pan-frying or the hassle of grilling. They're fast, convenient, and easy to clean. Here's a guide on how to season your burgers to perfection for an air fryer:

Choose the Right Meat

Start with good-quality ground beef, preferably an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat. This ratio keeps the patties juicy without too much grease. You can also use ground turkey for turkey burgers or opt for leaner options like ground chicken or turkey breast.

Seasonings and Ingredients

• Salt and Pepper: Add a generous amount of salt and pepper to your meat. You can also use seasoned salt or pepper blends for extra flavour.
• Onion and Garlic: Use onion and garlic powder instead of fresh onion and garlic, as they don't have enough time to cook properly in the air fryer. You can also try minced garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavour.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a deliciously deep and slightly salty flavour to your burgers.
• Mustard: A teaspoon of hot English mustard or Dijon mustard gives your burgers an extra kick.
• Other Options: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like cayenne pepper, BBQ sauce, or even a signature hamburger seasoning blend.

Mixing and Shaping the Patties

Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Form the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent them from bulging during cooking.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.

Cook the burgers for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70-71°C) for ground beef or 165°F (73°C) for turkey or chicken.

For cheese lovers, add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking, or use shredded cheese, which melts more easily.

Serving and Storing

Let the burgers rest for a minute or two before serving on buns with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet with a bit of water to keep them moist, or pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.

Now you're ready to season and cook delicious, juicy burgers in your air fryer!

How long to cook burgers in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling burgers, especially when it's too cold to grill outside. They're also a healthier option, as you can use less oil, butter and other fats.

The length of time it takes to cook burgers in an air fryer depends on a few factors, including the size of your air fryer, the thickness of your patties, and your desired level of doneness.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time for the burgers ranges from 7-12 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. For a well-done burger, you may need to add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.

It's important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it's always a good idea to check your burgers early to ensure they don't overcook.

Tips for Cooking Burgers in an Air Fryer

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers. For ground beef, the recommended internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Make a small indent in the center of each patty before cooking to prevent them from bulging up in the middle.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the burgers in batches if needed, leaving some space around each patty.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking.
• Avoid overworking the meat when mixing and shaping the patties, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Air Fryer Burger Recipes

There are many different recipes for air fryer burgers, but most include seasoning the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Some recipes also include Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and BBQ sauce.

You can also get creative with your toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup, and more.

Cooking burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a juicy and delicious burger without having to grill. By following the tips and recommendations above, you can ensure your burgers turn out perfectly every time.

How to reheat burgers in an air fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. You want the air fryer to be nice and hot before adding the burgers.

Prepare the Burgers

Remove any delicate toppings like lettuce, tomato, or other salad items from the burgers. You can always add them back later. If you're reheating a cheeseburger, make sure the cheese is on the top side of the burger for maximum melting.

Place the burgers in the air fryer basket. If you're reheating multiple burgers, make sure they're in a single layer with space between them to allow proper airflow.

Reheat the Burgers

Set the timer for 2-3 minutes for an average-sized burger. Larger burgers may need a little extra time. Keep an eye on the timer and don't leave the patties in for too long to avoid overcooking.

Serve the Burgers

Once the burgers are heated to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.

Tips

• You can also reheat the buns in the air fryer. Simply place the split buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until they become golden and lightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• If you want to add extra cheese to your burgers, add it halfway through the cooking time.
• Always check that your burgers are thoroughly reheated before serving. The thickest part of the hamburger should be piping hot.
• You can use aluminum foil in the air fryer, but keep it away from the heating element and avoid contact with acidic foods. Check your air fryer manual first, as some models don't allow the use of foil.
• Reheating a burger more than once may affect its quality, as it can become drier and less juicy each time.

Alternatives to the Air Fryer

You can also reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Or, place them on a microwavable plate and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions