Can You Put Hamburgers in the Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can absolutely cook hamburgers in the air fryer—and they come out juicy, evenly seared, and ready in under 12 minutes. This quick, oil-free method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup, making it a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry hamburgers: Achieve juicy, evenly cooked patties with less oil.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures consistent cooking and perfect sear every time.
• Use 375°F for ideal doneness: Adjust time for rare to well-done preferences.
• Flip halfway through cooking: Promotes even browning and prevents dryness.
• Add cheese in the last 2 minutes: Melts perfectly without overcooking the patty.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer for safe, accurate doneness.

Can You Put Hamburgers in the Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be real: we’ve all stood in front of the kitchen, staring at a frozen burger patty, wondering if we can just toss it into the air fryer and call it dinner. No flipping, no smoke, no mess—just a quick, easy, and (hopefully) delicious meal. I’ve been there, too. In fact, it’s how I first discovered the magic of cooking hamburgers in the air fryer. Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can, and it’s one of the best ways to get juicy, flavorful burgers with minimal effort.

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for a reason. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and delivers that crispy exterior we all crave—without the need for a deep fryer or a grill. But can it handle something as classic as a hamburger? The short answer is yes. The long answer? Well, that’s what this guide is for. Whether you’re cooking fresh patties, frozen burgers, or even plant-based options, the air fryer can do it all—with a few smart tricks up its sleeve. So, let’s dive into the ultimate guide to cooking hamburgers in the air fryer, covering everything from prep to perfection.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Hamburgers

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer for hamburgers is how fast it works. No preheating a grill for 20 minutes or waiting for a pan to get hot. Most air fryers are ready in 3–5 minutes. For fresh patties, you’re looking at 10–12 minutes total—including preheat time. Frozen burgers? About 15–18 minutes. That’s faster than delivery, and you know exactly what’s in your food.

I remember the first time I tried this. I was exhausted after work, had no energy to grill, and didn’t want to deal with a greasy stovetop. I popped a couple of frozen patties into the air fryer, set the timer, and had burgers ready before I even finished setting the table. No flipping, no smoke alarm going off—just a clean, easy win.

Healthier Than Frying or Grilling

Let’s talk about fat. Traditional frying or grilling often requires oil or results in dripping fat, which can lead to flare-ups or greasy patties. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to crisp the outside while keeping the inside juicy. You can cook burgers with little to no added oil, and excess fat drips away into the basket—making it a leaner option overall.

Studies have shown that air frying can reduce fat content by up to 70% compared to deep frying. While grilling also removes some fat, the air fryer gives you more control. You’re not losing flavor—just excess grease. That means fewer calories and a cleaner kitchen. Win-win.

Even Cooking and Less Mess

Grilling can be unpredictable. Wind, flare-ups, and uneven heat often lead to one side being charred while the other is undercooked. The air fryer, on the other hand, provides consistent heat from all sides. This means your burgers cook evenly, with a golden crust and a juicy center—every time.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Just wipe down the basket or toss it in the dishwasher. No scrubbing grill grates or scraping burnt bits off a pan. If you’ve ever spent 10 minutes scraping a grill after a cookout, you’ll appreciate this.

How to Prepare Hamburgers for the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Choosing Your Patties: Fresh, Frozen, or Pre-Made?

The air fryer handles all types of hamburger patties, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fresh patties (80/20 beef): These work great and give you the best flavor and texture. Aim for ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
• Frozen patties: No need to thaw! The air fryer can handle them straight from the freezer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Pre-seasoned or pre-made patties: These are convenient, but check the ingredients. Some are overly salty or contain fillers that can affect texture.
• Plant-based patties: Yes, you can air fry Beyond Meat, Impossible, or other vegan burgers. They crisp up nicely and don’t fall apart like some can on a grill.

Pro tip: If using fresh meat, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps with even browning and prevents cold centers.

Seasoning and Flavoring Tips

Don’t skip the seasoning! A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder goes a long way. For extra flavor, try:

• A light brush of Worcestershire sauce before cooking
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika for a “grilled” taste
• A pinch of cumin or chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist

One of my favorite tricks? Mixing a little Dijon mustard into the meat before forming patties. It adds moisture and a subtle tang. Just don’t overmix—this can make the burgers tough.

Shaping and Handling Patties

When forming patties, make them slightly larger than your bun (they’ll shrink) and create a small dimple in the center. This prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle and ensures even cooking.

Use your thumb to press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty. This is a chef’s trick I learned from a BBQ master—it keeps the burger flat and juicy, not domed and dry in the middle.

Also, don’t press the patties after they’re in the air fryer. I know it’s tempting to “flatten” them, but that just squeezes out the juices. Let them cook undisturbed.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

Fresh Hamburgers: The Gold Standard

Here’s how I cook fresh 80/20 beef patties (¾ inch thick) in my 5.8-quart air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the basket with oil (optional, but helps with browning).
3. Place patties in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
4. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip.
5. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, depending on desired doneness:
   • 4 min: Rare (internal temp ~125°F)
   • 5 min: Medium-rare (135°F)
   • 6 min: Medium (145°F)
   • 7–8 min: Medium-well (155°F)
6. Optional: Add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes to melt.
7. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Internal temperature is key. I use a meat thermometer to check. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160°F, but many people prefer medium (145°F) for better texture. The carryover heat will bring it up a few degrees during resting.

Frozen Hamburgers: No Thaw, No Problem

Frozen patties are a lifesaver. Here’s the method:

1. Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place frozen patties in the basket (no need to thaw).
3. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip.
4. Cook for another 6–8 minutes (total 16–18 minutes).
5. Add cheese in the last 2 minutes.
6. Check internal temp (should be 160°F).

One thing to note: frozen burgers may release more moisture, so you might see some steam. That’s normal. Just make sure the patties aren’t touching—this helps them crisp up.

Cooking Plant-Based Burgers

Vegan burgers can be tricky—they’re more delicate and can dry out. But the air fryer actually works better than a pan for these. Try this:

1. Preheat to 360°F (182°C) (slightly lower to prevent drying).
2. Lightly spray or brush patties with oil (this helps browning).
3. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip.
4. Cook for another 5–7 minutes (total 13–15 minutes).
5. Add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes (if using vegan cheese, check melt time).

I’ve found that Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers hold up well, but some store brands can fall apart. If that happens, just cook them a minute or two less per side.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see. People try to fit 6 patties in a 5-quart air fryer. Bad idea. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to steaming instead of crisping. You’ll end up with soggy, uneven burgers.

Solution: Cook in batches. For most air fryers, 2–3 patties at a time is ideal. It might take an extra 5 minutes, but the results are worth it.

Not Preheating

Skipping preheat is tempting when you’re hungry, but it affects browning and texture. The air fryer needs a few minutes to reach optimal heat for searing.

Solution: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes. If you’re in a rush, at least start with the air fryer on while you prep the patties.

Flipping Too Often

Some people flip their burgers every 2 minutes. That’s overkill. Frequent flipping disrupts the sear and can dry out the meat.

Solution: Flip once—after about half the cooking time. This gives a nice crust on both sides without losing moisture.

Ignoring Internal Temperature

Eyeballing doneness is risky, especially with ground beef. A burger that looks “done” on the outside can still be raw inside.

Solution: Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the side of the patty, not the top, to get an accurate reading. For food safety, aim for 160°F. For medium, 145°F is perfect.

Top Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hamburgers

Add Cheese Like a Pro

Cheese lovers, listen up. The key to perfect melted cheese is timing. Add it too early, and it can drip off. Add it too late, and it won’t melt.

• For cheddar, American, or Swiss: Add in the last 1–2 minutes.
• For mozzarella or provolone: These take a bit longer—add in the last 2–3 minutes.
• For shredded cheese: It melts faster, so add in the last 1 minute.

Pro tip: If you’re making a “smash burger” style, place the cheese on the patty, then top with a slice of onion. The steam will help the cheese melt beautifully.

Toast Your Buns in the Air Fryer

Why stop at the patty? Toast your buns right in the air fryer for the full diner experience.

1. Cut buns in half and place them cut-side up in the basket.
2. Spray or brush with butter or garlic oil.
3. Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 2–3 minutes.

I love this trick. It gives the buns a golden, crispy edge without burning them. Plus, the butter gets absorbed, making every bite richer.

Experiment with Toppings and Sauces

The air fryer opens up new topping possibilities. Since you’re not grilling, you can add ingredients that might burn or fall apart on an open flame.

• Caramelized onions: Cook them separately in the air fryer with a little oil and sugar.
• Roasted peppers or mushrooms: Add them to the basket for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Avocado slices: These won’t cook, but they stay cool and creamy—perfect for topping after cooking.

For sauces, I like to mix mayo with sriracha or chipotle for a quick spread. Or try a simple 3-ingredient burger sauce: ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish.

Air Fryer Hamburger Cooking Times & Temperature Guide

Here’s a handy reference table for different patty types and thicknesses. All times are for a standard 5–6 quart air fryer preheated to 375°F (190°C), unless noted.

Patty Type	Thickness	Preheat?	Cooking Time (First Side)	Flip & Cook (Second Side)	Total Time	Notes
Fresh 80/20 Beef	¾ inch	Yes	6 minutes	4–6 minutes	10–12 min	Check internal temp: 145°F for medium
Frozen Beef	¾ inch	Yes	10 minutes	6–8 minutes	16–18 min	No need to thaw; ensure 160°F internal
Plant-Based (e.g., Beyond Meat)	¾ inch	Yes	8 minutes	5–7 minutes	13–15 min	Reduce temp to 360°F if browning too fast
Turkey or Chicken	¾ inch	Yes	7 minutes	5–6 minutes	12–13 min	Must reach 165°F internal temp
Extra-Thick (1 inch)	1 inch	Yes	8 minutes	6–8 minutes	14–16 min	May need to reduce heat to 350°F for even cook
Mini Sliders (2 oz)	½ inch	Yes	4 minutes	3–4 minutes	7–8 min	Perfect for parties; cook in batches

Remember, these are guidelines. Every air fryer is slightly different. Always check internal temperature and adjust based on your appliance’s performance.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—and Should—Cook Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

So, can you put hamburgers in the air fryer? Absolutely. And after testing dozens of patties—fresh, frozen, beef, turkey, vegan—I can confidently say it’s one of the best ways to cook them at home. The air fryer gives you speed, convenience, and consistent results that rival grilling, without the hassle or smoke.

You don’t need to be a chef to get restaurant-quality burgers. Just follow a few simple rules: preheat, don’t overcrowd, flip once, and use a thermometer. Add cheese at the right time, toast your buns, and experiment with toppings. Before you know it, you’ll be making juicy, flavorful burgers in under 15 minutes—any day of the week.

I’ve used this method for everything from quick weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts (when the grill’s occupied). My kids love the crispy edges, my partner loves that it’s less greasy, and I love that cleanup takes two minutes. It’s a win for everyone.

So next time you’re craving a burger, skip the grill or the frying pan. Grab your air fryer, a pack of patties, and give it a try. You might just find it’s your new go-to method. After all, the best kitchen tools are the ones that make cooking easier—and tastier. And when it comes to hamburgers, the air fryer delivers on both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put hamburgers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook hamburgers in the air fryer! It’s a quick, mess-free method that yields juicy, evenly cooked patties with a slightly crisp exterior.

How long do you cook hamburgers in the air fryer?

Hamburgers typically take 9–12 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C), depending on thickness and desired doneness. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for hamburgers?

Preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent cooking and better sear, but it’s optional. Skipping it may add 1–2 minutes to the total cook time.

Can you cook frozen hamburgers in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer excels at cooking frozen hamburgers. Increase cook time to 14–18 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway, for a fully thawed and juicy result.

What’s the best way to season hamburgers for the air fryer?

Season patties as usual with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite blend before air frying. Lightly oiling the basket prevents sticking and enhances browning.

How do you keep hamburgers juicy in the air fryer?

Use 80/20 ground beef for fat content, avoid overcooking, and let patties rest 2–3 minutes after air frying. The air fryer’s circulation locks in moisture effectively.