Air Fryer Hamburgers

published Oct 27, 2021
a cheeseburger with a red onion and lettuce on an orange plate
Credit: Renae Wilson

Skip the hassle of the grill and make an extra-juicy hamburger right in the air fryer.

Serves4

Prep10 minutes

Cook12 minutes to 15 minutes

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a cheeseburger with a red onion and lettuce on an orange plate
Credit: Renae Wilson

You don’t need to dine out to enjoy a good burger. Hamburgers can be super delicious even at home — and they don’t always have to be grilled. For an extra-juicy, low-fuss burger with tons of flavor, use your air fryer.

For the best results, use 80/20 ground beef and handle the meat mixture as little as possible. (Over-mixing will lead to toughness.) And don’t forget to flip the burgers halfway through cooking to help evenly distribute the juices.

How to Make Air Fryer Burgers Ahead of Time

  • Up to 2 days ahead: Form patties, then store between parchment or wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Up to 4 months ahead: Form patties, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 months. To cook from frozen, air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes. Increase temperature to 380°F, flip the burger, and cook to desired doneness, 7 to 10 minutes.
Credit: Renae Wilson

Air Fryer Hamburger Variations

  • Add sliced avocado and runny egg for a California-style burger.
  • Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking and add a couple of slices of thick-cut bacon on top.
  • Caramelize mushrooms and onions and add slices of Gruyère cheese for some extra umami.

Air Fryer Hamburgers Recipe

Skip the hassle of the grill and make an extra-juicy hamburger right in the air fryer.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 12 minutes to 15 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 3 slices

    thick-cut bacon (about 6 ounces, optional)

  • 1 1/2 pounds

    ground beef, preferably 80% lean

  • 2 teaspoons

    smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon

    plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 slices

    cheese, such as cheddar, pepper Jack, or Swiss (optional)

For serving (optional):

  • Split hamburger buns

  • Lettuce

  • Sliced tomato

  • Thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

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  1. Finely chop 3 slices thick-cut bacon, if using. Place in a medium skillet over medium heat and cook until the fat begins to turn semi-translucent, about 4 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

  2. Place the bacon, 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Using your hands, quickly and gently mix until just combined.

  3. Divide the mixture into 4 patties (about 6 ounces each). Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  4. Heat an air fryer to 380°F. Working in two batches if needed, place the patties in a single layer in the basket so that they are not touching. Air fry for 4 minutes. Flip the patties and air fry to desired doneness, 5 to 7 minutes more for medium. Top each patty with a slice of cheese, if using, during last minute of cooking. Serve in buns with toppings if desired.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: Form the patties and refrigerate in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between each patty up to 2 days ahead before air frying. The patties can also be frozen up to 4 months. To cook from frozen, air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes. Increase the temperature to 380°F, flip the patties, and cook to desired doneness, 7 to 10 minutes more.

Storing: Air fryer burgers are best enjoyed right away. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.