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

Making cheeseburgers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic favourite without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using an air fryer saves time and ensures a juicy, evenly cooked burger. It also saves you from the sizzling oil droplets that escape the pan during regular skillet cooking.

Here's a simple recipe to make cheeseburgers in an air fryer.

Choosing the right type of beef

Fat Content:

The fat content of the beef will impact the juiciness and taste of your cheeseburgers. A higher fat content, such as an 80/20 or 90/10 blend, will result in juicier patties. Leaner cuts, such as 90/10 or 96/4, will have less grease and shrinkage but may be drier. If you opt for a leaner cut, consider adding breadcrumbs to help bind the meat and absorb grease.

Freshness:

It is recommended to use fresh ground beef for your cheeseburgers. Fresh beef will have a better texture and taste compared to frozen patties. However, if you are short on time, frozen burger patties can be cooked in the air fryer with a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Seasoning:

Seasoning your beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder will enhance the flavour of your cheeseburgers. You can also try using barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added flavour and to help with caramelization. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect blend.

Quantity:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the quantity of beef you use. Most recipes call for 1 pound of ground beef to make 3-4 patties. However, you can easily adjust the recipe to make a larger or smaller batch as needed.

Quality:

Opting for high-quality beef will result in better-tasting cheeseburgers. Look for beef that is fresh, has a bright red colour, and is free of excessive fat or gristle. Choosing grass-fed or organic beef can also enhance the flavour and ensure a higher-quality product.

Remember, the type of beef you choose will impact the cooking time and temperature, so be sure to adjust your air fryer settings accordingly. With the right beef and proper preparation, you'll be on your way to making mouth-watering cheeseburgers in your air fryer!

Preparing the patty

The first step in making a cheeseburger in an air fryer is preparing the patty. This involves combining ground beef with various seasonings and shaping it into a flat, round patty. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by gathering your ingredients. For the patty, you'll need ground beef, preferably with a blend of 80% lean meat and 20% fat to keep it juicy. You can also use leaner or fattier options, but adjust your expectations for grease and shrinkage accordingly.

Next, you'll want to add seasonings to your meat. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, or barbecue sauce for extra flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect patty.

Now it's time to get your hands dirty. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings and mix them together thoroughly. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Once your mixture is ready, it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into equal portions, aiming for a weight of about 1/4 to 1/2 pound per patty. Form each portion into a flat, round shape, making sure the centre is thinner than the edges to ensure even cooking. A good trick is to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb, which will prevent the meat from puffing up during cooking.

At this point, you can also brush the patties with barbecue sauce or other seasonings if you want to add a bit more flavour.

Now you should have a few nicely shaped, seasoned patties ready for the air fryer. Remember, the preparation is key to a delicious cheeseburger, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Cooking the patty

To cook the patty, start by preparing your ground beef. If you're making multiple patties, divide the beef into equally-sized portions. For a 1/2-pound patty, you can easily make four 1/4-pound patties. For a juicier burger, a blend of 80% beef and 20% fat is recommended, but you can also use leaner beef.

Shape the beef into patties, ensuring they are flat and thinner in the centre than at the edges. This will ensure even cooking. To prevent the patties from puffing up, make an indentation in the centre of each with your thumb.

Next, season the patties. You can use salt and pepper, as well as garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings of your choice.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, preferably in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup and to keep the patties juicy.

Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-well burger, cook for around 10 minutes, adjusting by a minute or two for rarer or more well-done results. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time.

Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and top with cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly as the burgers rest.

Adding cheese and toppings

As for toppings, the options are endless. You can go for the classic route with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Or you could get creative with grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, green chillies, or sauerkraut. If you're a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese slices on top of your patty. Don't forget the condiments! You can use your favourite sauce, such as barbecue sauce, Thousand Island dressing, or make a quick burger sauce.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried cheeseburger. You can serve it with a side of fries, either air-fried or oven-baked. If you want to go the extra mile, you can make some cheesy broccoli fritters, zucchini fries, or crispy baked garlic parmesan potato wedges.

You can also serve your cheeseburger with a variety of toppings and condiments. For toppings, you can add vegetables like lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mushrooms, or any other vegetable of your choice. For condiments, you can make a burger sauce or use mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or barbecue sauce.

If you want to get creative, you can add some zesty toppings like jalapenos, green chilies, sauerkraut, or a garlic aioli. Or, go for some savory toppings like roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.

If you're serving a crowd, you can set up a DIY burger bar with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles so everyone can build their own burger.

And don't forget to toast your buns!

Frequently asked questions