Can Burgers Be Cooked in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, burgers can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer, delivering juicy, evenly seared patties with crispy edges in under 15 minutes. This method reduces fat by up to 70% compared to grilling or pan-frying, making it a healthier, mess-free way to enjoy restaurant-quality burgers at home.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers cook burgers perfectly with crispy exteriors and juicy interiors.
• Preheat for best results to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use minimal oil—air frying requires less fat than traditional methods.
• Flip halfway through for uniform browning and thorough doneness.
• Check internal temperature to guarantee food safety (160°F for beef).
• Experiment with patty thickness—adjust time for thicker or thinner burgers.

The Truth About Air Fryer Burgers

Let’s face it: we all love a good burger. That juicy patty, the toasted bun, the perfect bite of cheese, and all the fixings—it’s a classic for a reason. But cooking burgers can be a hassle. The grill? Great for flavor, but it’s not always practical, especially if you’re stuck in an apartment or it’s pouring rain. The stovetop? Sure, but it leaves your kitchen smoky and your range splattered with grease. And don’t even get me started on the oven—it’s slow and often overcooks the edges before the center is done.

Enter the air fryer. That little kitchen gadget that promises crispy fries, chicken wings, and even reheated pizza with less oil and less mess. But can burgers be cooked in an air fryer? That’s the question I asked myself a few months ago, skeptical but curious. After testing over 20 patties (yes, I kept count), experimenting with different types of meat, thicknesses, and seasonings, I’ve got the full scoop. Spoiler: yes, you can absolutely cook burgers in an air fryer. And when done right, they’re juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly close to grilled perfection—without the smoke or the mess.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Burgers

At first glance, the air fryer might seem like just another kitchen gadget. But once you understand how it works, you’ll see why it’s ideal for burgers. The air fryer uses rapid, hot air circulation to cook food from all sides, mimicking deep frying with a fraction of the oil. This method is perfect for ground meat because it crisps the outside while sealing in moisture—exactly what you want in a burger.

How Air Frying Works for Meat

The air fryer’s heating element and powerful fan create a convection effect. Air circulates around the food at high speed, transferring heat efficiently. For burgers, this means:

• Even browning: The patty gets a consistent sear on all sides, not just the top and bottom like in a skillet.
• Less oil needed: You can cook lean or fatty ground beef without drowning it in oil. In fact, you might not need any added oil at all.
• Faster cooking: No preheating a grill or waiting for a skillet to get hot. Most air fryers heat up in 2–3 minutes.

Benefits Over Other Cooking Methods

Compared to grilling, stovetop, or oven baking, the air fryer offers unique advantages:

• No flare-ups: Grills can char the outside and leave the inside raw. The air fryer avoids this with controlled heat.
• Less smoke and odor: Ideal for small kitchens or apartments where smoke alarms are sensitive.
• Easy cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. No scrubbing burnt pans!
• Perfect for small batches: Want just one or two burgers? The air fryer heats up fast and doesn’t waste energy like an oven.

I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical—could a $80 appliance really replace my trusty cast-iron skillet? I made two identical patties: one on the stove, one in the air fryer. The skillet burger was good, but the air fryer one had a crispier crust, better color, and the same juicy interior—with less mess. I was sold.

Choosing the Right Burger for Your Air Fryer

Not all burgers are created equal—and that’s especially true when air frying. The type of meat, fat content, thickness, and even seasoning can make or break your burger. Let’s break it down.

Ground Meat: Fat Content Matters

The fat in ground beef isn’t just for flavor—it keeps the patty moist. For air frying, 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is the sweet spot. Here’s why:

• Too lean (90/10 or higher): Dries out quickly in the dry heat of the air fryer. You’ll end up with a tough, crumbly patty.
• Just right (80/20): The fat renders slowly, basting the patty from within. You get a juicy center and a flavorful crust.
• Too fatty (70/30): Excess grease can smoke and drip into the basket, causing a mess. Stick to 20–25% fat max.

Pro tip: If you’re using leaner meat (like ground turkey or 90/10 beef), add 1–2 teaspoons of oil or butter to the mix before shaping the patty. This helps retain moisture.

Size and Thickness: The Key to Even Cooking

Air fryers cook from all sides, so thickness is crucial. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• 1/3 lb (5.3 oz) patties: Ideal for standard burger buns. Aim for 3/4 inch thick.
• 1/2 inch patties: Cook evenly without drying out. Thicker than 1 inch? You risk undercooking the center.
• Uniform shape: Use a burger press or your hands to make patties the same size. This ensures even cooking.

I once made 1-inch thick patties and left them in too long—the outside was charred, the inside still pink. Lesson learned: stick to 3/4 inch max for best results.

Seasoning and Add-Ins

Keep it simple. Overloading the patty with breadcrumbs, onions, or herbs can make it fall apart in the air fryer. Instead:

• Season just before cooking: Salt draws out moisture, so wait until you’re ready to cook.
• Use a light hand with fillers: A little Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or smoked paprika is fine. Avoid wet ingredients like raw onion or tomato.
• Make a thumbprint: Press a small indentation in the center of the patty. This prevents it from puffing up in the middle.

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

Ready to try it? Here’s my tested, no-fail method for perfect air fryer burgers every time. I’ve used this for beef, turkey, and even veggie burgers with great results.

Prep Your Patties

1. Form the patties: Divide 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef into 3 equal portions (for 1/3 lb burgers). Gently shape into 3/4-inch thick rounds. Avoid overworking—this makes the meat tough.

2. Season lightly: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and any dry seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder). No salt? Wait until just before cooking.

3. Make a thumbprint: Press your thumb into the center of each patty. This prevents bulging and ensures even cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

4. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). This takes 2–3 minutes. Preheating ensures the patty starts sizzling right away, locking in juices.

5. Lightly oil the basket: Use a paper towel with 1/2 tsp of oil (avocado, canola, or olive) to wipe the basket. This prevents sticking without adding excess fat.

Cook the Burgers

6. Arrange patties in a single layer. Leave space between them for air to circulate. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

7. Cook for 7–8 minutes for medium (160°F internal temp). Flip halfway through (at 3–4 minutes). Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat.

8. Add cheese (optional): If you want cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese (cheddar, American, etc.) during the last 1–2 minutes. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.

Check for Doneness

9. Use a meat thermometer: Insert into the side of the patty. Target temps:

• Rare: 120–125°F (5–6 min)
• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (6–7 min)
• Medium: 140–145°F (7–8 min)
• Well-done: 160°F+ (9–10 min)

10. Let rest 2–3 minutes: This allows juices to redistribute. Don’t skip this—cutting in too soon means a dry burger!

Pro Tips for Success

• No oil? No problem: 80/20 beef has enough fat. But leaner meats (turkey, 90/10 beef) benefit from a light oil spray.
• Don’t press the patties: This squeezes out juices. Use tongs only to flip.
• Toast the buns: Place buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes while burgers rest. Crispy buns = better burgers!

I once forgot to flip my burgers and ended up with one side burnt, the other pale. Now I set a timer for 3.5 minutes—flipping is non-negotiable!

Beyond Beef: Air Fryer Burgers for Every Diet

Not all burgers are beef burgers. The air fryer is incredibly versatile—it works for turkey, chicken, veggie, and even salmon patties. Here’s how to adapt the method for different types.

Turkey and Chicken Burgers

Lean poultry dries out easily, so adjustments are key:

• Add fat: Mix in 1–2 tsp olive oil, butter, or mayo per patty. Or use ground dark meat (higher fat).
• Lower temperature: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway.
• Use a binder: 1 egg or 2 tbsp breadcrumbs per pound helps hold the patty together.

I tried a turkey burger without added fat—dry and crumbly. With 1 tsp olive oil, it was moist and flavorful. Lesson: lean meats need help!

Veggie and Plant-Based Burgers

Store-bought veggie burgers (like Beyond Meat or Impossible) cook beautifully in the air fryer:

• Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook 4–5 minutes per side (8–10 minutes total). No need to flip if the patty is thin.
• No oil needed: Most veggie burgers have added fats.

Pro tip: Homemade bean or lentil burgers? Use a light oil spray and cook 5–6 minutes per side. They’re more delicate, so handle gently.

Salmon and Fish Burgers

Salmon patties are a great alternative. They’re tender, so avoid high heat:

• Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 6–7 minutes. Flip once.
• Use parchment paper: Line the basket to prevent sticking.
• Serve with lemon: The bright flavor pairs perfectly with air-fried salmon.

I once made a black bean burger without oil—it stuck to the basket and fell apart. Now I always use a light spray. Small change, big difference!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best method, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer burger pitfalls—and how to fix them.

Burger Sticks to the Basket

Why it happens: Not enough oil, overcooked, or low-quality non-stick basket.

How to fix:

• Lightly oil the basket before adding patties.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner (safe up to 400°F/200°C).
• Don’t cook beyond 375°F (190°C) for too long—this burns the fat.

Burger Is Dry or Crumbly

Why it happens: Lean meat, overcooking, or overmixing the patty.

How to fix:

• Use 80/20 beef or add fat to lean meats.
• Check internal temp—don’t guess!
• Handle the patty gently. Overworking = tough meat.

Burger Doesn’t Brown Properly

Why it happens: Low heat, overcrowding, or too much moisture.

How to fix:

• Preheat the air fryer fully.
• Cook in a single layer—no stacking!
• Pat patties dry with paper towels before cooking.

Burger Falls Apart

Why it happens: Weak binder (for veggie/poultry), or flipping too early.

How to fix:

• For turkey/chicken: add egg or breadcrumbs.
• For veggie burgers: use a light oil spray to help hold shape.
• Wait until the patty forms a crust before flipping (3–4 minutes).

I learned this the hard way—my first turkey burger turned into a crumbly mess. Now I always add a binder. Problem solved!

Data Table: Cooking Times and Temperatures

Burger Type	Thickness	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Internal Temp (Medium)	Special Tips
Beef (80/20)	3/4 inch	375°F (190°C)	7–8 min (flip at 3.5 min)	140–145°F	Thumbprint in center
Turkey (lean)	3/4 inch	350°F (175°C)	8–10 min (flip at 4 min)	165°F	Add 1 tsp oil per patty
Chicken (dark meat)	3/4 inch	350°F (175°C)	8–10 min (flip at 4 min)	165°F	Use egg as binder
Veggie (store-bought)	1/2 inch	375°F (190°C)	8–10 min (flip at 4 min)	N/A	No oil needed
Salmon	3/4 inch	325°F (160°C)	6–7 min (flip at 3 min)	145°F	Use parchment paper

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer Worth It for Burgers?

So, can burgers be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely. And after months of testing, I’d say it’s one of the best ways to cook burgers—especially if you value convenience, cleanliness, and consistent results. The air fryer delivers a juicy, well-browned patty with less mess than a skillet or grill. It’s perfect for small batches, quick weeknight dinners, or when you don’t want to fire up the grill.

But it’s not magic. The key is using the right meat (80/20 beef for best results), the right thickness (3/4 inch max), and following a few simple steps (preheat, flip, check temp). Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding or skipping the thumbprint, and you’ll be rewarded with restaurant-quality burgers at home.

Is it better than grilling? For flavor, no—grilled burgers have that smoky char you can’t replicate. But for practicality? The air fryer wins every time. No smoke, no grease splatter, no waiting for the grill to heat. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.

So go ahead—give it a try. Make a batch of air fryer burgers tonight. Toast the buns, add your favorite toppings, and take that first bite. I bet you’ll be as surprised as I was at how good it is. And who knows? You might just retire your skillet for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can burgers be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, burgers can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer! The hot circulating air ensures even browning and juicy results, making it a quick and oil-free alternative to grilling or pan-frying.

How long do you cook burgers in an air fryer?

For medium doneness, cook 4-5 minutes per side at 375°F (190°C). Adjust time slightly for thicker patties or preferred doneness—use a meat thermometer for accuracy (160°F/71°C for well-done).

Do air fryer burgers taste as good as grilled burgers?

Air fryer burgers deliver a delicious char and juicy interior, though they lack the smoky flavor of an open flame. Adding a dash of liquid smoke or using a grill pan insert can mimic that grilled taste.

Can you cook frozen burgers in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry frozen burgers at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes per side. No thawing needed—just add a minute or two to the cook time for a fully safe, flavorful result.

What’s the best way to prevent air fryer burgers from drying out?

Use 80/20 ground beef for fat retention, avoid overcooking, and let burgers rest 2-3 minutes after cooking. Brushing with a little oil or butter before air frying also helps lock in moisture.

Can you cook multiple burgers in an air fryer at once?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding—leave space between patties for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed, and flip halfway for even browning. Most air fryer baskets fit 2-4 standard-sized burgers comfortably.