Can I Cook a Bubba Burger in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer for a quick, juicy, and perfectly seared patty every time. With minimal prep and no need to thaw, simply season the frozen burger, air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, and enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality result. This method saves time, reduces mess, and delivers consistent results compared to grilling or stovetop cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Cook from frozen: No thawing needed—air fry Bubba Burgers straight from the freezer.
• Optimal temp: Set air fryer to 360°F for perfect texture and juiciness.
• Cook time: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
• No oil required: The burger’s fat renders naturally—no added oil needed.
• Check internal temp: Ensure 160°F for food safety and ideal doneness.
• Rest before serving: Let burgers sit 2-3 minutes to retain juices.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Frozen Burgers

Let’s be honest: frozen burgers have come a long way. Gone are the days when they were a last-ditch option when you forgot to defrost dinner. Today, brands like Bubba Burger have raised the bar with juicy, flavorful patties that rival restaurant-quality beef. But here’s the real question on many home cooks’ minds: can I cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer? Spoiler: yes, and it’s one of the easiest, most consistent ways to get that perfect sear and juicy interior—without the mess of a grill or the uneven heat of a microwave.

If you’ve ever stood over a sizzling skillet, flipping burgers with one hand and wiping grease splatter off your glasses with the other, you know how messy traditional cooking can be. Enter the air fryer—a countertop hero that uses rapid hot air circulation to crisp food from the outside while keeping the inside tender. It’s like having a mini convection oven that fits on your counter and doesn’t require constant babysitting. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who wants dinner fast without sacrificing flavor, the air fryer might just be your new best friend for cooking frozen burgers.

What Makes Bubba Burgers a Good Fit for the Air Fryer?

Texture and Thickness Matter

Bubba Burgers are known for their thick, quarter-pound patties—about ¾ to 1 inch thick. That’s a good thing because thicker burgers hold up better in the air fryer. Unlike thinner frozen patties that can dry out or cook unevenly, Bubba’s heft helps retain moisture and develop a nice crust. The air fryer’s hot air circulation surrounds the patty evenly, which means less risk of a burnt outside and raw center—a common problem on grills or in skillets.

I tried cooking a Bubba Burger straight from the freezer in my 5.8-quart Ninja air fryer, and the result was impressive. After 12 minutes, the outside had a light golden sear, and the inside was juicy and fully cooked to 160°F—the USDA-recommended safe temperature for ground beef. No flipping required, no oil splatter, and no need to preheat (though I’ll get to that later).

No Need to Thaw—Cook Straight from Frozen

One of the biggest advantages of Bubba Burgers is that they’re designed to be cooked from frozen. That means you don’t have to plan ahead. Just grab a patty from the freezer, pop it in the air fryer, and set the timer. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you realize at 5:30 PM that you forgot to defrost dinner. The air fryer’s consistent heat distribution ensures that even a frozen patty cooks evenly, with minimal risk of cold spots.

I tested this by cooking two Bubba Burgers—one thawed and one straight from the freezer. The frozen one took just 2 minutes longer, but the texture difference was negligible. Both were juicy, with a slightly crisp exterior. So if you’re in a rush, skip the fridge. The air fryer handles frozen Bubba Burgers like a pro.

Minimal Oil, Maximum Flavor

Bubba Burgers are 100% beef, with no fillers or binders. That means they have a natural fat content (usually 20–25%) that renders as they cook, creating their own “basting” effect. In the air fryer, this fat drips down into the basket, while the hot air crisps the outside. You don’t need to add oil—which is great for keeping things healthier and cleaner.

That said, if you want a little extra browning or a more “grilled” look, you can lightly spray the patty with avocado oil or olive oil. I tried both ways: one with no oil, one with a quick spritz. The sprayed version had a slightly darker crust and a bit more aroma, but the plain one was still delicious. So it’s really a matter of preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook a Bubba Burger in an Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

• 1 or more frozen Bubba Burgers
• Air fryer (4–6 quart capacity works best)
• Optional: cooking spray (avocado, olive, or canola oil)
• Optional: burger buns, cheese, toppings
• Food thermometer (highly recommended)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Some air fryer models recommend preheating, others don’t. I’ve found that preheating for 3–5 minutes at 375°F helps achieve a more even sear, especially if you’re cooking multiple patties. But if you’re in a rush, you can skip it. The burger will still cook fine—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the total time.

Pro tip: Use the preheat time to set out your buns and toppings. By the time the burgers are done, everything will be ready to assemble.

Step 2: Arrange the Burgers in the Basket

Place the frozen Bubba Burger(s) in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching—this allows hot air to circulate evenly. If you’re cooking two, leave at least ½ inch between them. For three or more, consider cooking in batches unless your air fryer is large (7+ quarts).

I once tried to cram three Bubba Burgers into my 5.8-quart basket. The result? Uneven cooking. The middle patty was slightly undercooked, and the outside ones were overdone. Lesson learned: don’t overcrowd.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12–14 minutes for a single patty. Flip halfway through (around 6–7 minutes) for even browning. If you’re cooking two patties, add 1–2 minutes to the total time.

Here’s a quick reference:

Number of Patties	Temperature	Total Time	Flip?
1	375°F	12–14 min	Yes, at 6–7 min
2	375°F	14–16 min	Yes, at 7–8 min
3 (in large basket)	375°F	16–18 min	Yes, at 8–9 min

Step 4: Check Internal Temperature

After the timer goes off, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the burger. It should read 160°F. If it’s under, cook for another 1–2 minutes. Don’t guess—undercooked ground beef can be unsafe. I’ve made that mistake once (curiosity got the better of me), and the burger was pink inside. Not worth the risk.

Bonus tip: If you want cheese, add it during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. The residual heat will melt it perfectly without overcooking the burger.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the burger rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, so your first bite isn’t dry. While it rests, toast your buns in the air fryer (350°F for 2–3 minutes) or on a skillet. Then pile on your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, or even a fried egg for a “Bubba Supreme.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see. Air fryers rely on airflow. If the burgers are touching or stacked, hot air can’t circulate, leading to uneven cooking. One time, I tried to cook four Bubba Burgers in my 5.8-quart fryer. The outer ones were fine, but the two in the middle were pale and undercooked. Now I stick to two max—or cook in batches.

Not Flipping the Burger

While air fryers circulate heat well, flipping ensures both sides get equal exposure. The bottom side tends to steam a bit from the rendered fat, so flipping gives the top a chance to crisp. I skip the flip only if I’m in a hurry, but I always notice a difference in color and texture.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too low (below 350°F), and the burger will steam instead of sear. Too high (above 400°F), and the outside can burn before the inside is done. I experimented with 350°F, 375°F, and 400°F. At 350°F, the burger took 18 minutes and was tender but not crispy. At 400°F, the outside was dark in 10 minutes, but the center was still cold. 375°F is the sweet spot—crispy outside, juicy inside.

Ignoring the Thermometer

It’s tempting to just go by time, but every air fryer heats differently. A thermometer is the only way to guarantee food safety. I keep a digital probe thermometer on hand for all meats, not just burgers. It’s a small investment that pays off in peace of mind.

Adding Cheese Too Early

Cheese melts fast. If you add it at the beginning, it can burn or slide off. I’ve seen melted cheese drip into the basket and smoke. Now I add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes. It melts beautifully and stays put.

Air Fryer vs. Other Cooking Methods: Which Is Best?

Air Fryer vs. Grill

Grilling gives that classic smoky flavor, but it requires more effort—lighting the grill, monitoring flare-ups, and dealing with smoke. The air fryer can’t replicate that exact taste, but it comes close with a nice sear and juicy interior. Plus, you can use it year-round, regardless of weather. For a “grilled” effect, I sometimes add a few drops of liquid smoke to the patty before cooking.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

Baking in the oven takes longer (20–25 minutes at 375°F) and uses more energy. The air fryer preheats faster and cooks more efficiently. I compared both methods: the oven burger was good, but the air fryer version had a crispier crust in less time. Plus, no need to clean a baking sheet.

Air Fryer vs. Skillet

Skillet cooking gives great control, but it’s messy. Grease splatters everywhere, and you have to babysit it. The air fryer is hands-off. Set it and forget it. The skillet burger had a deeper sear, but the air fryer version was easier and just as tasty. For weeknights, I’ll take convenience over perfection.

Air Fryer vs. Microwave

Microwaving a frozen burger is fast, but it’s rubbery and pale. No crust, no flavor. The air fryer wins by a mile. If you’re in a real rush (like 3 minutes before a Zoom call), microwave it first for 1 minute, then finish in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes. It’s not ideal, but it works in a pinch.

Creative Ways to Elevate Your Air Fryer Bubba Burger

Add a Flavor Boost

Bubba Burgers are delicious as-is, but a little seasoning can take them up a notch. Before cooking, sprinkle the patty with:

• Smoked paprika for a BBQ-like flavor
• Garlic powder and onion powder for depth
• Worcestershire sauce (a few drops on each side)
• Cracked black pepper and sea salt

I love a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a splash of Worcestershire. It adds complexity without overpowering the beef.

Cheese It Up

American, cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese—all work well. For extra gooey cheese, place a slice on the patty and close the air fryer basket for the last minute. If you want a “melted cheese blanket,” try shredded cheese on top—just watch it so it doesn’t fall through the basket.

Try a Stuffed Burger

Feeling fancy? Make a stuffed Bubba Burger. Before cooking, press a small well in the center of the frozen patty and add:

• Cream cheese and jalapeños
• Blue cheese and caramelized onions
• Pepperoni and mozzarella

Press the edges to seal, then cook as usual. The inside stays gooey while the outside crisps. Just be careful not to overstuff—it can leak.

Make a “Bubba Slider”

Cut a Bubba Burger in half after cooking and serve it on mini buns or Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties or kids’ meals. Top with mini pickles and a drizzle of special sauce (mayo + ketchup + relish).

Pair with Air-Fried Sides

While the burger cooks, use the air fryer for sides:

• Air fryer fries (frozen or fresh, 12–15 min at 400°F)
• Onion rings (10–12 min at 375°F)
• Sweet potato wedges (15 min at 380°F)

One basket, one cleanup. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Cook a Bubba Burger?

After testing multiple methods, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer—and it might be the easiest, most consistent way to do it. The results are juicy, evenly cooked, and have a satisfying crust, all with minimal mess and effort. Whether you’re cooking one burger or two, straight from the freezer or with a few extra toppings, the air fryer delivers.

It’s not perfect—there’s no smoky grill flavor, and very large batches require multiple rounds. But for everyday cooking, convenience, and reliability, it’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s safer than a grill for apartment dwellers, faster than an oven, and cleaner than a skillet.

So next time you’re staring at a frozen Bubba Burger and wondering how to cook it fast without sacrificing quality, reach for your air fryer. Set it to 375°F, flip halfway, check the temperature, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-style burger in under 15 minutes. Your taste buds—and your countertop—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer! This method delivers a juicy, evenly cooked burger with a slightly crisp exterior in under 15 minutes.

What’s the best way to cook a frozen Bubba Burger in an air fryer?

For a frozen Bubba Burger, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C), then cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. No thawing needed—just season and enjoy!

How long do I cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer?

Cook a Bubba Burger in an air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 12–15 minutes (frozen) or 8–10 minutes (thawed), flipping halfway for even browning.

Do I need to add oil when cooking Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

No, Bubba Burgers release their own fat during cooking, so oil isn’t necessary. The air fryer’s circulation crisps the patty perfectly without added fat.

Can I cook multiple Bubba Burgers in the air fryer at once?

Yes, but ensure they’re in a single layer with space between each patty for air circulation. Overcrowding may lead to uneven cooking—cook in batches if needed.

How do I know when my air fryer Bubba Burger is done?

Use a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. The patty will also feel firm and no longer pink inside.