Air-Fryer Cheeseburger: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking cheeseburgers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic favourite without the mess and fuss of traditional cooking methods. It takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish, and the results are juicy, succulent, and crave-worthy. You can use fresh or frozen beef, and add your favourite toppings and seasonings to customise each burger.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the quicker your cheeseburgers will cook. For example, at 400°F, your cheeseburgers will take around 8 minutes to cook, whereas at 350°F, they will take around 10 minutes.

If you are using a recipe that requires a lower cooking temperature, such as 350°F, you may want to consider preheating your air fryer for a little longer than 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature. This is especially important if you are using an older model of the air fryer, as newer models tend to heat up faster.

On the other hand, if you are cooking your cheeseburgers at 400°F, 3 minutes should be sufficient to preheat your air fryer. It is important not to preheat for too long, as this can cause your air fryer to become too hot, affecting the cooking time and results of your cheeseburgers.

Once your air fryer has been preheated, you can place your seasoned beef patties inside and cook them according to your chosen recipe.

Form beef into 3-4 patties

To form the beef into 3-4 patties, start by dividing the ground beef into 3 or 4 equal parts. Then, mould and pound the beef into hamburger patties until they are flat. Ensure that the centre of each patty is thinner than the edges to allow for even cooking. You can use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of the patty, which will prevent it from swelling during cooking.

If you are using fresh ground beef, an 80/20 blend is recommended, as it has the right amount of fat to keep the patties juicy without too much grease. You can also use leaner cuts of ground beef to reduce the amount of smoke produced by your air fryer.

Once you have formed your patties, season them with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as onion and garlic powder, or try a signature hamburger seasoning blend. If you are using barbecue sauce, brush it onto the patties before placing them in the air fryer.

Seasoning and toppings

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are a must-have for any cheeseburger. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
• Onion and garlic powder: Using onion and garlic powder instead of fresh onion and garlic ensures that they cook thoroughly in the short cooking time.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavour of your cheeseburger.
• Liquid smoke: Adding a hint of liquid smoke can give your cheeseburger a subtle grilled flavour without being overwhelming.
• Barbecue sauce: Brushing your patties with barbecue sauce before cooking can add a tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky flavour to your cheeseburger.

Toppings

• Cheese: American cheese or any sliced cheese of your choice can be added. Place the cheese on the patty for the final minute of cooking so it melts slightly. Colby Jack Cheese and Sharp Cheddar Cheese are also great choices.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mushrooms, and pickles are classic toppings that add a fresh crunch to your cheeseburger. Jalapenos, green chilies, and sauerkraut are zesty alternatives.
• Sauces: You can make a quick burger sauce or use condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or Thousand Island dressing. For a spicy kick, try chipotle aioli or homemade garlic aioli.

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes

To cook cheeseburgers in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit for at least 3 minutes. Then, place your beef patties in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook the patties for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes. This is a total cooking time of 8 minutes.

At this point, you can add a slice of cheese to each patty and leave the cheeseburgers in the air fryer for another minute so the cheese can melt. This brings the total cooking time to 9 minutes.

You can then remove the cheeseburgers from the air fryer and leave them to stand while you toast the buns. This will ensure the cheese is not removed from the patty when you assemble the cheeseburger.

The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the patty and the type of air fryer you are using. If you prefer your cheeseburgers well done, you may want to cook them for a further minute or two.

Melting the cheese

The type of cheese you use for your cheeseburger is important. You can use classic American cheese, or try something different like Colby Jack or Sharp Cheddar Cheese. You can also use gluten-free cheese if you are cooking for someone with gluten intolerance.

It is important to note that the cooking time for the cheeseburger may vary depending on the appliance and the thickness of the burger. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you prefer your burgers to be more well done, cook them for a little longer. If you like them with a bit of pink, cook them for a shorter amount of time.

To make your cheeseburger even more delicious, you can add some tasty seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or even liquid smoke to give it a smoky flavour. You can also add barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce to your cheeseburger for extra flavour.

By following these instructions, you will be able to melt the cheese on your cheeseburger to perfection and enjoy a delicious and juicy meal cooked in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions