Can Burgers Go in the Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Crispy Bite

Yes, burgers can absolutely go in the air fryer—and they come out perfectly juicy with a crispy, golden crust in under 15 minutes. This quick, mess-free method delivers restaurant-quality results without the grill or stovetop hassle.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, burgers thrive in air fryers: Achieve crispy exteriors and juicy interiors effortlessly.
• Preheat for perfection: Ensures even cooking and optimal texture every time.
• Use minimal oil: A light spray enhances crispiness without excess grease.
• Flip halfway through: Promotes uniform browning and avoids soggy bottoms.
• Check internal temperature: Cook to 160°F for safe, delicious results.
• Experiment with patty thickness: Adjust time for thick or thin burgers.

Why You Should Try Making Burgers in Your Air Fryer

Let’s be honest: nothing beats the smell of a juicy burger sizzling on the grill. But what if you don’t have a grill? Or it’s pouring rain? Or you just don’t feel like dealing with smoke, flames, and cleanup? That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a kitchen superhero. I remember the first time I tossed a frozen burger patty into my air fryer—skeptical, I’ll admit. I expected a dry, rubbery hockey puck. Instead, I got a golden-brown, juicy burger with a satisfying crisp that made me do a double-take. That’s when I realized: can burgers go in the air fryer? Absolutely—and they might just become your new go-to method.

Air fryers have taken the home kitchen by storm, and for good reason. They use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly, evenly, and with way less oil than traditional frying. But burgers? Really? Yes, really. Whether you’re working with fresh ground beef, frozen patties, turkey, or even plant-based options, the air fryer can deliver a burger that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in under 15 minutes. And the best part? No flipping, no smoke, and minimal cleanup. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can burgers go in the air fryer?”—this post is for you. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know, from prep to plating, so you can nail that perfect bite every time.

How the Air Fryer Works for Burgers (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)

Before we dive into cooking techniques, let’s talk about how the air fryer actually works—and why it’s such a great fit for burgers. Unlike deep frying, which submerges food in oil, or grilling, which relies on direct flame, the air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside while cooking the inside evenly. It’s like a mini convection oven, but faster and more energy-efficient.

The Science Behind the Crisp

When you place a burger patty in the air fryer basket, the hot air (typically between 350°F and 400°F) hits the surface of the meat almost immediately. This triggers the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that turns proteins and sugars into that rich, golden-brown crust we all love. Because the air is constantly moving, moisture escapes quickly, preventing steaming and promoting browning. The result? A burger with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, all without flipping halfway through (though you can, if you want more even browning).

One of the biggest advantages of air frying is reduced fat. Traditional pan-frying or grilling can cause burgers to lose up to 30% of their fat as they cook, leading to dryness. In the air fryer, excess fat drips down into the basket (away from the meat), but the patty retains more moisture thanks to the even heat distribution. That means less shrinkage, more flavor, and fewer dry, crumbly bites.

What Types of Burgers Work Best?

Not all burgers are created equal—and some do better in the air fryer than others. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Fresh beef patties (80/20 fat ratio): Ideal. The fat content keeps them juicy, and the air fryer renders it beautifully.
• Frozen beef patties: Surprisingly good! No need to thaw. Just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
• Turkey or chicken burgers: Leaner, so they can dry out. Use a light spray of oil and monitor closely.
• Plant-based burgers (Beyond, Impossible, etc.): Yes, they work! But they cook faster, so check at 8 minutes.
• Homemade stuffed or thick patties: Possible, but may need lower heat and longer time to avoid a burnt outside and raw inside.

I once tried making a 1-inch thick, cheese-stuffed burger in my air fryer. It came out perfectly—crispy outside, molten cheese inside—but I had to lower the temp to 360°F and cook it for 14 minutes to avoid charring. Lesson learned: adjust for thickness!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Burgers in the Air Fryer (No Fuss, No Flipping)

Now that you know the “why,” let’s get into the “how.” Cooking burgers in the air fryer is ridiculously simple—but there are a few tricks to get it just right. I’ve tested this with dozens of patties, and here’s the method I swear by.

Prep Your Patties

Start with your choice of burger—fresh or frozen. If using fresh, shape your patties to about ¾-inch thick and 4 inches wide. Make a small indentation in the center with your thumb to prevent bulging (a common burger issue). Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like—garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.

Pro tip: Don’t overwork the meat. Handle it gently to keep it tender. And if you’re using frozen patties, no need to thaw. They’ll cook just fine—just add a minute or two to the time.

Air Fryer Setup

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This is key. Starting with a hot basket ensures immediate searing, which locks in juices. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil (avocado, olive, or canola work well) to prevent sticking. Then, place the patties in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. If you have a small basket, cook in batches. Overlapping patties will steam instead of crisp.

Cooking Time & Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: 8–10 minutes at 375°F for a medium burger (160°F internal temp). For rare, aim for 6–7 minutes; for well-done, 11–12 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—insert it into the side of the patty, not the top, to avoid hitting the basket.

For frozen burgers: 10–12 minutes at 375°F. No flipping needed, but if you want extra crispness, flip halfway through (after 5–6 minutes).

Example: Last week, I cooked two fresh 6-oz patties. Preheated, 375°F, 9 minutes total. Internal temp: 158°F—perfect medium. The crust? Crispy. The inside? Juicy. My husband (a grill snob) didn’t even notice they weren’t grilled.

Bun toasting hack

While the patties cook, toast your buns! Place them cut-side down in the air fryer for the last 2 minutes. They’ll come out warm, slightly crispy, and ready to hold all your toppings without getting soggy.

Top 5 Burger Mistakes in the Air Fryer (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best air fryer burgers can go wrong if you’re not careful. I’ve made every mistake in the book—dry patties, soggy buns, charred edges—and here’s what I learned.

Mistake #1: Overcrowding the Basket

Stacking patties or leaving no space between them traps steam, leading to a boiled-instead-of-fried texture. Solution: Cook in batches if needed. Most air fryers hold 2–3 standard patties comfortably. If you’re cooking four, do two at a time.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Preheat

Starting with a cold basket means the first few minutes are spent heating up—not browning. The result? A pale, soft exterior. Solution: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes. It makes a huge difference in crust formation.

Mistake #3: Using Lean Meat Without Oil

Turkey or chicken burgers are leaner, so they need a little help to stay juicy. Without fat or oil, they can turn rubbery. Solution: Lightly brush or spray the patties with oil before cooking. Or mix in 1–2 tbsp of olive oil into the raw meat for extra moisture.

Mistake #4: Not Checking Temperature

Eyeballing doneness is risky. A burger that looks done might still be undercooked. Solution: Use a meat thermometer. For safety, ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C). Turkey and chicken need 165°F (74°C). Plant-based burgers are usually ready at 160°F.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Bun

A cold, soft bun can ruin a perfectly cooked patty. Solution: Toast the buns in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F during the last few minutes of cooking. Or, if you’re multitasking, toast them first while preheating.

I once made turkey burgers without oil, skipped the preheat, and forgot the thermometer. The result? Dry, gray patties with a soggy bun. Not my finest moment. But after adjusting these steps, my next batch was restaurant-quality.

Beyond Beef: Air Fryer Burgers for Every Diet

The air fryer isn’t just for beef burgers. It’s a versatile tool for all kinds of patties—vegetarian, vegan, keto, you name it. Here’s how to adapt your approach.

Turkey & Chicken Burgers

Lean and healthy, but prone to drying out. Tips:

• Use 93/7 or 90/10 ground turkey/chicken.
• Add 1 tbsp olive oil or ¼ cup finely chopped mushrooms to the mix.
• Cook at 375°F for 8–9 minutes (check at 7 minutes).
• Brush with oil or a glaze (like BBQ or teriyaki) during the last 2 minutes for flavor.

I love making turkey burgers with feta and spinach. They stay juicy and have a great texture in the air fryer.

Plant-Based & Vegan Burgers

Beyond Meat, Impossible, and homemade veggie patties all work well. Tips:

• Cook at 360°F to avoid burning (they brown faster than beef).
• Time: 8–10 minutes (check at 7 minutes).
• No oil needed—most are pre-seasoned.
• For homemade: bind with flax egg or chickpea flour to prevent crumbling.

My favorite? A black bean burger with cumin, garlic, and corn. It gets crispy on the outside and stays soft inside. My vegan friend was shocked it wasn’t pan-fried.

Keto & Low-Carb Burgers

Skip the bun and go lettuce-wrapped! Tips:

• Use high-fat beef (80/20).
• Add cheese (cheddar, pepper jack) during the last 2 minutes to melt.
• Top with avocado, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.

I made a keto “bunless” burger with blue cheese and crispy bacon. The air fryer cooked the bacon perfectly in 5 minutes while the patty finished—total time: 12 minutes. Game-changer for low-carb eaters.

Perfect Pairings: Toppings, Sides & Pro Tips for Air Fryer Burgers

A great burger isn’t just about the patty—it’s the whole package. Let’s talk toppings, sides, and a few pro tricks to take your air fryer burgers to the next level.

Toppings That Shine in the Air Fryer

The air fryer’s even heat makes it perfect for melting cheese and cooking toppings. Try this:

• Place a slice of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack) on the patty during the last 2 minutes. It melts evenly without burning.
• Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the basket with the patty (in a separate area) to sauté them simultaneously.
• For crispy bacon: cook it in the air fryer first (5–6 minutes at 400°F), then crumble it on the burger.

I once cooked bacon and a patty at the same time—bacon in one corner, patty in another. By the time the patty was done, the bacon was perfectly crispy. Multitasking win!

Side Dishes That Cook Alongside

Maximize your air fryer’s space! While the burgers cook, add:

• Frozen fries (cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes).
• Onion rings or tater tots (same time/temp as fries).
• Vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini (toss with oil, 10–12 minutes at 375°F).

One night, I made burgers and sweet potato fries together. The fries were crispy, the burgers were juicy, and dinner was ready in 15 minutes. My kids thought I was a wizard.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Burgers

• Rest the patties: Let them sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This redistributes juices.
• Use a burger press: For uniform patties that cook evenly.
• Try different buns: Brioche, pretzel, or whole wheat. Toast them in the air fryer!
• Make mini sliders: Use 3-oz patties and small buns. Perfect for parties.

Last summer, I hosted a backyard BBQ and used the air fryer for all the burgers. No smoke, no mess, and everyone got their burger exactly how they wanted it. The neighbors were impressed.

Data Table: Air Fryer Burger Cooking Times & Temperatures

Burger Type	Thickness	Temp (°F)	Time (Min)	Internal Temp	Notes
Fresh Beef (80/20)	¾ inch	375	8–10	160	No flipping needed
Frozen Beef	¾ inch	375	10–12	160	No thawing required
Turkey/Chicken	¾ inch	375	8–9	165	Lightly oil to prevent dryness
Plant-Based	¾ inch	360	8–10	160	Check at 7 min to avoid burning
Thick/Stuffed	1 inch+	360	12–14	160	Lower temp to prevent charring

So, can burgers go in the air fryer? A thousand times yes. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a crowd, or catering to dietary needs, the air fryer delivers speed, simplicity, and surprisingly great results. It’s not a replacement for grilling—nothing beats that smoky char—but it’s a fantastic backup, a weeknight savior, and a tool for anyone who wants a crispy, juicy burger without the hassle. From fresh beef to plant-based patties, the air fryer handles it all with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Give it a try. Your taste buds (and your stovetop) will thank you. And hey, if you’ve been on the fence—just toss in a patty and see what happens. You might just find your new favorite way to cook burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can burgers go in the air fryer without drying out?

Yes, burgers can go in the air fryer and stay juicy if cooked properly. Use medium heat (350°F–375°F) and avoid overcooking to retain moisture.

How long do you cook burgers in the air fryer?

For medium doneness, cook fresh beef patties at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on thickness and desired level of doneness.

Can you cook frozen burgers in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry frozen burgers at 360°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Do burgers get crispy in the air fryer?

Yes, burgers develop a delicious crispy crust in the air fryer thanks to rapid hot air circulation. For extra crispiness, lightly brush patties with oil before cooking.

Can you put raw burger patties in the air fryer?

Yes, raw burger patties cook perfectly in the air fryer. Preheat the basket, space patties evenly, and cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for a juicy, evenly cooked result.

Do I need to use oil when cooking burgers in the air fryer?

Not necessarily—beef patties release their own fat during cooking. However, a light spray of oil can enhance crispiness and prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.