Can You Cook Bubba Burgers in an Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer for a quick, juicy, and perfectly seared result with minimal effort. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, and enjoy a mess-free alternative to grilling or stovetop cooking—ideal for busy weeknights or frozen patty convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer for quick, juicy results.
• No thawing needed: Cook straight from frozen for convenience and safety.
• Ideal time: Air fry at 360°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Preheat for crispiness: A 3-minute preheat ensures even browning and texture.
• Check internal temp: Use a meat thermometer; aim for 160°F for doneness.
• Space matters: Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and cooking.

Can You Cook Bubba Burgers in an Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be real—weeknight dinners can be a real struggle. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, who has time to stand over a grill or wait for the oven to preheat? That’s why so many of us turn to the air fryer as our kitchen superhero. It’s fast, easy, and promises crispy results without all the oil. But when it comes to frozen burgers—especially the beloved Bubba Burger—you might be wondering: Can you cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

The short answer? Absolutely! But like any cooking method, there’s a sweet spot to get it just right. I’ve been there—excited to throw a frozen Bubba Burger into the air fryer, only to pull out a dry, overcooked hockey puck. Or worse, a burger that’s charred on the outside but still icy in the center. After a few trial runs (and a few sad-looking dinners), I cracked the code. And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can skip the mistakes and go straight to juicy, flavorful burgers in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this guide will show you how to cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer—perfectly, every time.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Frozen Burgers

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why air fryers are such a great fit for frozen burgers like Bubba Burgers. These appliances use rapid hot air circulation to mimic deep frying, giving you that golden, crispy crust without drowning your food in oil. And when it comes to frozen patties, that’s a big win.

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest perks? No thawing required. Unlike grilling or stovetop cooking, where frozen burgers can lead to uneven results, air fryers heat food quickly and evenly. You can go from freezer to plate in 12–15 minutes—perfect for those “I forgot to defrost dinner” moments. I’ve even cooked Bubba Burgers during a Zoom break (don’t tell my boss).

Healthier Than Frying

Bubba Burgers are 100% beef and already contain natural fats. When you cook them in an air fryer, excess fat drips away during cooking, reducing the overall grease. You’re not adding oil, so it’s a leaner option compared to pan-frying. Plus, the air fryer basket lets that fat collect below, not soak back into the burger.

Less Mess, More Control

No splatter, no smoke, no flipping halfway through (though we’ll talk about that later). Just pop the burgers in, set the timer, and walk away. I love that I can cook two or three burgers at once without crowding the pan or worrying about them sticking together. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest.

Pro tip: If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider batch-cooking in multiple rounds. Air fryers work best when there’s space for air to circulate—don’t stack the burgers or overcrowd the basket.

What You Need to Know About Bubba Burgers

Before we get into the air fryer process, it helps to understand what makes Bubba Burgers special—and why they respond so well to air frying.

Ingredients and Texture

Bubba Burgers are made from 100% USDA-inspected beef, with no fillers, binders, or artificial flavors. Each patty is 1/3 lb (about 5.3 oz), which is thicker than your average frozen burger. That thickness is a double-edged sword: it means more juicy flavor, but it also requires careful cooking to avoid underdone centers.

The patties are pre-formed and flash-frozen, which helps preserve texture and flavor. But because they’re so thick, they can be prone to drying out if overcooked—especially in high-heat appliances like air fryers.

Why Air Frying Works So Well

The air fryer’s intense, circulating heat is perfect for sealing in that beefy flavor while creating a satisfying crust. The key is controlling the temperature and timing to cook the center without burning the outside. Bubba Burgers have a higher fat content than leaner frozen patties, which helps keep them moist—but only if you don’t overdo the heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the preheat: Air fryers work best when they’re already hot. A cold basket means uneven cooking.
• Overcrowding: Cooking too many at once traps steam and prevents crispiness.
• Not flipping (or flipping too often): One flip halfway through is usually enough. Too much flipping can dry out the burger.
• Ignoring internal temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend for food safety and perfect doneness.

I learned the hard way that rushing the process leads to disappointment. Once, I tried to cook a Bubba Burger at 400°F for 8 minutes straight—no flip, no preheat. The outside was black, the inside was still cold. Lesson learned!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Bubba Burgers in an Air Fryer

Now for the good stuff: the exact steps to cook perfect Bubba Burgers in your air fryer. I’ve tested this method across multiple air fryer models (Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex), and it works consistently. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This is crucial! A hot basket ensures even cooking from the start. I usually set a timer on my phone so I don’t forget.

Why 375°F? Higher temps (like 400°F) can char the outside before the center is done. Lower temps (350°F) take too long and can dry out the burger. 375°F is the Goldilocks zone—hot enough to sear, gentle enough to cook through.

Step 2: Prepare the Burgers

Remove the Bubba Burgers from the freezer. No need to thaw! If they’re stuck together, gently separate them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving about 1/2 inch between each patty. Don’t stack them—air circulation is key.

Pro tip: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil (optional). This helps prevent sticking, especially if your basket isn’t non-stick.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Cook the burgers for 6 minutes, then flip them using tongs or a spatula. Flip carefully—they’re delicate when frozen. Return the basket and cook for another 5–7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Medium-rare: 11–12 minutes total (internal temp: 125°F)
• Medium: 12–13 minutes total (internal temp: 135°F)
• Medium-well: 13–14 minutes total (internal temp: 145°F)
• Well-done: 14–15 minutes total (internal temp: 160°F)

Note: These times are for 1/3 lb patties. If you’re using a different size, adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

For food safety and perfect texture, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the side of the burger to reach the center. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160°F for safety, but many prefer medium (135°F) for juiciness.

If the burger isn’t at your desired temp, add 1–2 more minutes and check again. Overcooking is the #1 cause of dry Bubba Burgers!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the burgers rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them more tender. Then, toast your buns, add toppings, and enjoy!

Bonus tip: For extra flavor, brush the burgers with a little Worcestershire sauce or steak seasoning before the first flip. It adds a savory kick without needing extra oil.

Tips for Customization and Toppings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative! Bubba Burgers are a blank canvas for flavor. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize:

Cheese, Please!

Add a slice of cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss) during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. The heat will melt it perfectly. I love using American cheese for that classic diner vibe—it gets gooey and golden.

Flavor Boosts

• Smoky: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or chipotle powder before the first flip.
• Garlicky: Add a clove of minced garlic to the basket (not on the burger) during the last 3 minutes.
• Umami: Brush with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a savory-sweet glaze.
• Spicy: Drizzle with hot sauce or add a jalapeño slice on top.

Topping Ideas

Air fryer burgers are perfect for loading up with toppings. Try:

• Caramelized onions (air-fried separately for 5–7 minutes)
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Bacon (air-fried first, then crumbled)
• Pickles, lettuce, tomato, or avocado
• Special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and a dash of mustard)

Side Dishes to Air Fry Too

While your burgers cook, toss in some:

• Frozen tater tots (8–10 minutes at 400°F)
• Sweet potato fries (10–12 minutes at 380°F)
• Onion rings (8–10 minutes at 375°F)

Pro tip: Use the air fryer’s dual-basket feature (if you have one) to cook burgers and sides at the same time. Just adjust temps—lower for burgers, higher for sides.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Even with the best methods, things can go sideways. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Burger Is Dry or Tough

Cause: Overcooking or high temperature.
Fix: Use a meat thermometer. Pull the burger at 135°F for medium. Lower the temp to 360°F and extend cooking time slightly if needed.

Burger Is Undercooked in the Center

Cause: Not enough time or no preheat.
Fix: Always preheat. Add 1–2 minutes after checking the temp. If the outside is browning too fast, lower the temp to 360°F and extend time.

Burgers Stick to the Basket

Cause: Basket isn’t non-stick or no oil spray.
Fix: Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or use parchment paper (cut to fit the basket). Avoid using metal utensils to flip—opt for silicone or wooden tongs.

Too Much Smoke

Cause: Excess fat dripping and burning.
Fix: Empty the drip tray after each use. For less smoke, cook at 360°F instead of 375°F. Bubba Burgers are fatty—this is normal, but keep an eye on it.

Uneven Cooking

Cause: Overcrowding or not flipping.
Fix: Cook in batches. Flip once, halfway through. Rotate the basket if your air fryer has hot spots.

Data Table: Recommended Cooking Times by Air Fryer Model

Air Fryer Model	Preheat Time	Temp (°F)	Cook Time (Total)	Notes
Ninja Foodi (6.5 qt)	5 min	375	12–13 min	Flip at 6 min
Cosori (5.8 qt)	3 min	375	13–14 min	Check temp at 12 min
Instant Vortex (6 qt)	4 min	375	12–13 min	Use crisper plate
Dash Compact (2.6 qt)	5 min	375	14–15 min	Cook in batches

Note: Times may vary based on altitude, humidity, and freezer temperature. Always use a thermometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can (and Should!) Cook Bubba Burgers in an Air Fryer

So, can you cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should! It’s one of the fastest, easiest, and most delicious ways to enjoy a frozen burger. No grilling, no mess, no waiting for the oven. Just pop them in, flip once, and in under 15 minutes, you’ve got a juicy, flavorful burger with a perfect crust.

The key is attention to detail: preheat, don’t overcrowd, flip once, and use a thermometer. Once you nail those basics, you can experiment with flavors, toppings, and sides to make it your own. I’ve turned my air fryer into my go-to for weeknight dinners, and Bubba Burgers are now a staple in my freezer.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef to get it right. Even if you’ve never cooked a burger before, this method is foolproof. So next time you’re craving a burger but don’t want the hassle, skip the drive-thru and fire up your air fryer. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Happy air frying, and enjoy that first juicy bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer! This method delivers a juicy, evenly cooked patty with a slightly crispy exterior in under 15 minutes.

How long do you cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

Cook frozen Bubba Burgers at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly for thicker or thinner patties.

Do you need to thaw Bubba Burgers before air frying?

No, Bubba Burgers cook perfectly from frozen in the air fryer—no thawing required. This makes them a quick and convenient option for a fast meal.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for Bubba Burgers?

The ideal temperature is 360°F (182°C). This ensures even cooking without drying out the patty while achieving a light sear.

Can you stack Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

It’s best to avoid stacking to ensure even airflow and cooking. If necessary, cook in batches or use a rack with space between patties.

How do you prevent Bubba Burgers from drying out in the air fryer?

Don’t overcook them—stick to the recommended 10–12 minutes. For extra juiciness, lightly brush the patties with oil or butter before air frying.