Can I Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in the air fryer—it’s a fast, convenient way to achieve juicy, evenly cooked patties without thawing. Simply preheat the air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, and enjoy a delicious meal in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Cook frozen burgers directly: No thawing needed—air fryers handle them perfectly.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and crispier texture every time.
• Flip halfway through: Promotes uniform browning and juicy interiors.
• Use 375°F–400°F: Ideal temperature range for quick, thorough cooking.
• Check internal temperature: Ensure 160°F for safe, fully cooked burgers.
• Minimize overcrowding: Cook in batches for crispy, evenly done patties.

Can I Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Picture this: It’s a busy weekday evening. The kids are hungry, your stomach is growling, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. You open the freezer and spot a pack of frozen beef burgers—your dinner savior. But wait… can you just toss them in the air fryer and call it a day?

The short answer? Absolutely. Cooking frozen burgers in the air fryer has become one of the most popular shortcuts in modern kitchens—and for good reason. No thawing, no greasy stovetop mess, and no waiting for the grill to heat up. In just minutes, you can have juicy, golden-brown patties that taste like they were grilled to perfection. But like any kitchen hack, there’s a right way and a slightly less-right way to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from timing and temperature to texture, safety, and even how to jazz up store-bought patties. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good burger without the fuss, this is your go-to resource.

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

Let’s be real: frozen burgers have a bad reputation. They’re often seen as the last-resort dinner—dry, bland, or worse, undercooked in the center. But the air fryer changes that narrative completely. Unlike microwaves (which steam and make burgers soggy) or ovens (which take forever to preheat and cook), the air fryer uses rapid, circulating hot air to crisp the outside while keeping the inside juicy. It’s like having a mini convection oven with superpowers.

How Air Frying Works for Frozen Foods

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a crisp exterior through the Maillard reaction—the same process that gives grilled or pan-seared burgers their rich, golden-brown crust. Because frozen burgers go straight into the basket, the outer layer starts to thaw and sear almost immediately. The intense heat penetrates the patty quickly, reducing cook time compared to conventional methods. Plus, the air fryer’s compact size means less energy use and faster results.

Think of it this way: instead of waiting 15 minutes for your oven to heat to 400°F, your air fryer is ready in 3. That’s a big win when you’re hangry.

Benefits Over Other Cooking Methods

• No pre-thawing required: Skip the fridge thaw or the risky “defrost in microwave” step. Just grab and go.
• Less mess: No splattering oil, no greasy stovetop cleanup. Most air fryers have non-stick baskets that wipe clean in seconds.
• Even cooking: With proper spacing, air circulation ensures all sides of the burger cook evenly.
• Healthier results: The air fryer renders out excess fat as the burger cooks, resulting in a less greasy patty—without sacrificing flavor.
• Faster than the oven: While an oven might take 20–25 minutes, air frying usually takes 10–14 minutes total.

I tried this myself last week when I forgot to thaw dinner. I grabbed a frozen 80/20 beef patty, tossed it in the air fryer, and had a restaurant-quality burger in 12 minutes. My husband didn’t believe it was frozen until I showed him the empty wrapper. That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer

Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Cooking frozen burgers in the air fryer is simple, but a few key steps make all the difference in texture and safety.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

While not all air fryers require preheating, doing so helps ensure consistent results. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This gives the burgers a jumpstart on browning and reduces the risk of cold spots in the center.

Pro tip: If your model doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty at 375°F for 3 minutes before adding the burgers.

Step 2: Arrange the Burgers Properly

Place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not stack or overcrowd. Air needs to circulate around each patty for even cooking. If your basket is small, cook in batches. For best results, leave about ½ inch of space between each burger.

If your patties are stuck together, gently separate them while still frozen. Trying to pry them apart after thawing can ruin their shape.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes. After that, flip the burgers and cook for another 3–5 minutes. Total time: 11–15 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 8 minutes total: Rare to medium-rare (internal temp ~125–130°F)
• 10–12 minutes total: Medium (internal temp ~135–140°F)
• 13–15 minutes total: Medium-well to well-done (internal temp ~150–160°F)

Note: The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, especially if you’re feeding kids or elderly family members.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

Want a melty cheeseburger? Add a slice of American, cheddar, or pepper jack during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. This gives the cheese time to melt without overcooking the patty. Some people like to place the cheese on the burger before the flip—works great, but watch for drips in the basket.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the burgers rest for 1–2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, so you don’t lose all that flavor when you bite into it. While they rest, toast your buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes (350°F works well). Then, assemble with your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, or even guacamole.

Bonus tip: For extra crispiness, lightly brush the patties with olive oil or melted butter before cooking. It enhances browning and adds flavor.

What to Expect: Texture, Juiciness, and Flavor

One of the biggest concerns about cooking frozen burgers is whether they’ll be dry or rubbery. Let’s address that head-on.

Juiciness: Does It Hold Up?

Yes—if you don’t overcook them. Frozen burgers often have a higher fat content (especially 80/20 blends), which helps keep them moist during air frying. The rapid cooking process seals in juices before they can escape. That said, overcooking will dry them out, just like any burger.

I tested this with three types of frozen patties:

• 80/20 beef (store brand)
• Lean 90/10 beef
• Plant-based (Beyond Meat)

The 80/20 came out juiciest, with a nice sear and pink center at 12 minutes. The 90/10 was slightly drier but still flavorful. The plant-based patty held together well and had a meaty texture, though it browned faster—so I reduced time by 1 minute.

Texture: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside

The air fryer excels at creating contrast. The outside gets beautifully browned and slightly crispy, while the inside stays tender and juicy. It’s not quite the same as a charcoal grill, but it’s remarkably close—especially when you add a quick sear or brush with oil.

One thing to note: some frozen patties have a thin layer of ice or packaging residue. This can cause slight steaming at first, but the air fryer’s high heat quickly evaporates it and transitions into browning.

Flavor: Can You Taste the Difference?

Honestly? Not much. The key to flavor lies in the patty itself. A high-quality frozen burger with simple ingredients (beef, salt, pepper) tastes just as good as fresh when cooked properly. But if you’re using a cheap, overly processed patty with fillers, you’ll taste that no matter how you cook it.

To boost flavor:

• Season the patties after cooking (a sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Montreal steak spice works wonders)
• Use a flavorful cheese (blue cheese, pepper jack, or Swiss)
• Add a sauce: aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a quick pan sauce made from drippings

One of my favorite tricks? After cooking, I place the burger back in the warm (but off) air fryer for 30 seconds with a slice of cheese on top—just enough to melt it without overcooking. It’s a tiny step with a big payoff.

Tips for Different Types of Frozen Burgers

Not all frozen burgers are created equal. Here’s how to adjust your air frying technique based on the type you’re using.

Beef Patties (80/20 vs. Lean)

80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat): Ideal for air frying. The fat renders out, keeping the burger juicy and helping it brown. Cook at 375°F for 10–14 minutes. Flip once. No oil needed.

Lean (90/10 or 95/5): Dries out faster. To compensate, cook at 360°F and reduce time by 1–2 minutes. Brush with a little oil before cooking to help with browning and moisture retention.

Plant-Based and Vegan Burgers

Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible, and MorningStar work surprisingly well in the air fryer. They tend to cook faster than beef and brown more easily.

• Cook at 360°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
• No need to preheat—these are usually pre-cooked anyway
• Add cheese in the last minute to avoid burning
• Watch for dry edges—some brands benefit from a light oil spray

Turkey and Chicken Burgers

These are leaner and cook faster than beef. Overcooking leads to dryness.

• Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once
• Brush with olive oil or marinade for extra moisture
• Use a meat thermometer: aim for 165°F internal temp

Pre-Made Gourmet or Restaurant-Style Patties

These often come with seasonings, fillings, or special coatings (like breadcrumbs). They may need slight adjustments:

• Check packaging for air fryer instructions—some brands provide them
• Reduce temperature by 10–15°F if the patty has a breaded or crumbed surface (to prevent burning)
• Flip carefully—some gourmet patties are more delicate

Real-life example: I once tried a frozen truffle cheeseburger from a gourmet brand. The instructions said “oven only,” but I air fried it at 360°F for 9 minutes (flip at 5). The result? Crispy edges, melty cheese, and rich truffle flavor—no soggy bottom. Score one for experimentation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a simple method, small mistakes can ruin your burger. Here are the top pitfalls—and how to dodge them.

Overcrowding the Basket

Stacking burgers or crowding them prevents air from circulating. Result? Uneven cooking, soggy spots, and longer cook times. Always leave space. If you’re feeding a crowd, cook in batches. It’s faster than waiting for soggy, half-cooked burgers.

Skipping the Flip

Flipping halfway ensures even browning and prevents one side from drying out. Some air fryers have a “flip reminder” alert—use it. If not, set a timer for the halfway point.

Not Checking Internal Temperature

Color isn’t always reliable, especially with frozen patties. A meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the center of the thickest part. For beef: 160°F. For poultry: 165°F. For medium: 140–145°F (let rest 3 minutes before serving).

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too hot (400°F+), and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low (325°F), and you end up with a steamed, rubbery patty. Stick to 360–375°F for most frozen burgers.

Ignoring Patty Thickness

A ¼-inch patty cooks in 8 minutes. A ¾-inch patty might need 14. Adjust time based on thickness, not just package instructions. When in doubt, go longer—but check often.

Forgetting to Clean the Basket

Burnt-on drippings or cheese can smoke and affect flavor in future batches. Clean the basket with warm, soapy water after each use. For stubborn residue, soak in vinegar and water (1:1) for 10 minutes.

Burger Type	Temperature	Cook Time (Total)	Flip?	Cheese Add Time
Frozen 80/20 Beef	375°F	10–14 minutes	Yes (at 6–7 min)	Last 1–2 minutes
Frozen Lean Beef	360°F	9–12 minutes	Yes (at 5 min)	Last 1–2 minutes
Plant-Based	360°F	8–10 minutes	Yes (at 4–5 min)	Last 1 minute
Turkey/Chicken	375°F	8–10 minutes	Yes (at 4 min)	Last 1–2 minutes
Gourmet (Breaded)	360°F	9–11 minutes	Yes (at 5 min)	Last 1 minute

Final Thoughts: Should You Air Fry Your Frozen Burgers?

Let’s cut to the chase: yes, you can—and should—cook frozen burgers in the air fryer. It’s fast, convenient, and produces delicious results when done right. No more waiting for thawing, no greasy pans, and no sacrificing flavor for speed.

This method works for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you just don’t feel like cooking. It’s also a great way to test different burger brands without committing to a full fresh batch. Whether you’re feeding one or five, the air fryer scales effortlessly.

But remember: the air fryer is a tool, not a magic wand. Success depends on a few simple habits—proper spacing, flipping, temperature control, and using a thermometer. Once you master those, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked burgers any other way.

And here’s the best part: this isn’t just about convenience. Air-fried frozen burgers can be healthier (less fat from rendering), more consistent (no grill flare-ups), and more customizable (easy to add cheese, toppings, or sauces).

So the next time you’re staring into the freezer at a pack of frozen patties, don’t hesitate. Grab your air fryer, set it to 375°F, and in 12 minutes, you’ll have a burger that tastes like it was made with care—even if it was made in a hurry.

Happy air frying—and even happier burger eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen burgers in the air fryer without thawing them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in the air fryer straight from the freezer. This method saves time and often yields juicier results since the rapid air circulation locks in moisture.

What’s the best way to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the frozen burgers in a single layer, and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for thicker frozen burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, thicker burgers may require an extra 3–5 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Can I cook store-bought frozen burger patties in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen burger patties cook perfectly in the air fryer. Follow the package instructions as a baseline, but reduce time slightly since air fryers are more efficient.

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

No, adding oil isn’t necessary. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the burgers without oil, making them a healthier option than pan-frying.

How do I prevent frozen burgers from sticking in the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper with holes for airflow. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and easy removal.