Can I Make a Burger in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can make a juicy, flavorful burger in the air fryer—quickly and with minimal cleanup. This method delivers a perfectly seared exterior and tender interior in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or healthy weeknight grilling alternatives. With no need for oil and easy temperature control, air fryer burgers are a game-changer for fast, delicious meals.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers cook juicy burgers quickly with minimal oil.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and perfect sear.
• Use leaner meat: Prevents excess smoke and splatter in the basket.
• Flip halfway through: Achieves even browning and consistent doneness.
• Check internal temperature: 160°F ensures safe, fully cooked burgers.
• Add cheese at the end: Prevents melting onto the air fryer basket.

Why Air Frying Burgers Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: cooking burgers can feel like a juggling act. You’ve got to manage the grill or stovetop, avoid undercooking or overcooking, and somehow keep the buns from getting soggy. Then there’s the cleanup—grease splatters everywhere, sticky pans, and the lingering smell of charred meat. Sound familiar? I’ve been there. But what if I told you there’s a way to make juicy, flavorful burgers with way less hassle? Enter the air fryer.

The air fryer has become my kitchen MVP. It’s fast, easy to clean, and—most importantly—it cooks food with a crispy exterior without needing a vat of oil. But can I make a burger in the air fryer? Short answer: absolutely. And not just any burger—a burger that’s juicy inside, slightly crispy outside, and ready in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who hates scrubbing pans, air fryer burgers might just change how you think about cooking ground beef.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Burgers)

Hot Air, Not Oil

Air fryers work by circulating super-heated air around food using a powerful fan. Think of it like a mini convection oven. Instead of submerging food in oil (like deep-frying), the air fryer uses rapid hot air to create a crispy, golden crust. This is why it’s perfect for burgers—the high heat sears the outside while locking in moisture inside. No more dry, hockey-puck patties.

Why Burgers Love the Air Fryer

Here’s the magic: burgers need high heat for browning (aka the Maillard reaction), which gives them that savory, umami flavor. The air fryer delivers this without the smoke or mess of a grill. Plus, you don’t have to flip the patties constantly. The air circulates evenly, so one flip at the halfway mark is usually enough. I’ve tested this with everything from 80/20 ground beef to lean turkey, and the results? Consistently delicious.

Real Talk: The Trade-Offs

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: air fryers aren’t perfect. They can’t match the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill, and if you overcrowd the basket, your burgers might steam instead of crisp. But for convenience, speed, and cleanup? It’s a no-brainer. I’ve made burgers in my air fryer on weeknights after work, and the whole process—from prep to plate—took less time than ordering delivery.

The Perfect Air Fryer Burger: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the Right Meat

Not all ground beef is created equal. For air fryer burgers, I recommend 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat keeps the patties juicy, and the high heat of the air fryer renders it perfectly. If you prefer leaner meat (like 90/10), add a splash of oil or a teaspoon of butter to the mix to prevent dryness. Turkey or chicken burgers? Use 93/7 or add moisture with grated zucchini or egg whites.

Shaping the Patties

Here’s a pro tip: make the patties slightly larger than your buns. They’ll shrink during cooking. Use a 1/3- to 1/2-cup measuring cup to portion them, then gently press them into ¾-inch-thick discs. Don’t overwork the meat—this makes burgers tough. I like to press a thumbprint into the center of each patty. It prevents the burgers from puffing up and ensures even cooking.

Seasoning Like a Pro

Keep it simple: kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy. I once tried a dry rub with cumin and chili powder—it was great, but my kids weren’t fans. Lesson learned: know your audience. Pro tip: season just before cooking. Salt draws out moisture, which can make patties dense if left to sit.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For ½-inch patties, cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 160°F (71°C) for well-done, 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. I usually pull mine at 155°F—they’ll carry over to 160°F while resting. Overcooking is the #1 mistake, so trust the thermometer.

Adding Cheese (The Right Way)

Want a cheeseburger? Add slices of cheddar, American, or pepper jack during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Close the basket and let the residual heat melt the cheese. I’ve found that pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so I always go for block cheese and slice it thin.

Beyond Beef: Air Fryer Burgers for Every Diet

Turkey and Chicken Burgers

Leaner meats can dry out in the air fryer, so moisture is key. For turkey burgers, I mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard per pound. For chicken, add ¼ cup of grated onion and 1 egg white. Season with poultry seasoning or lemon zest. Cook at 375°F for 6–7 minutes per side. Pro tip: brush the patties with a little oil before cooking for extra crispiness.

Plant-Based and Vegan Options

Yes, you can make a burger in the air fryer without meat! I’ve tried store-bought Beyond Burgers and homemade black bean patties. For Beyond Burgers, cook at 375°F for 5 minutes, flip, then 4 minutes. They crisp up beautifully. For homemade, mix 1 can of black beans (drained and mashed), ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and spices. Shape into patties and spray with oil. Cook 6 minutes per side. They’ll be tender inside and slightly crunchy outside.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly

Skip the bun and serve burgers over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice. For extra flavor, top with avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg. I once made a “keto smash burger” by pressing the patties thin (½ inch) and cooking them at 390°F for 4 minutes per side. The high heat created a crispy crust, and the inside stayed juicy.

Gluten-Free Burgers

Most burger patties are naturally gluten-free, but check your seasoning blends. For homemade, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder. I’ve even used crushed gluten-free crackers—worked great! Just avoid flour-based binders like regular breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Air Fryer Burgers

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding the basket: Leave space between patties for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
• Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer. No guesswork.
• Skipping the flip: Flip halfway through for even browning.
• Using frozen patties: Thaw first, or add 2–3 minutes to cooking time. Frozen burgers steam instead of crisp.

Flavor Boosters You Can’t Miss

• Worcestershire sauce: Add 1 teaspoon per pound of meat for umami depth.
• Smoked salt: Gives a “grilled” flavor without the grill.
• Toppings: Air fry onions, mushrooms, or jalapeños alongside your burgers. I toss sliced onions with oil and salt, then air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F. Perfect for caramelized toppings.

Resting and Assembly

Let burgers rest 2–3 minutes after cooking. This redistributes the juices. For assembly, toast buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes (set to 350°F). I like to brush buns with butter first for a golden, crispy crust. Layer with your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, ketchup—and enjoy!

Data Table: Air Fryer Burger Cooking Times

Meat Type	Patty Thickness	Temperature	Cook Time (First Side)	Cook Time (Second Side)	Internal Temp (Well-Done)
80/20 Ground Beef	¾ inch	375°F	6 minutes	4–5 minutes	160°F
90/10 Ground Beef	¾ inch	375°F	6 minutes	4–5 minutes	160°F
Turkey Burger	¾ inch	375°F	7 minutes	6–7 minutes	165°F
Chicken Burger	¾ inch	375°F	7 minutes	6–7 minutes	165°F
Beyond Burger (Plant-Based)	½ inch	375°F	5 minutes	4 minutes	N/A (Follow package)
Black Bean Burger	¾ inch	375°F	6 minutes	6 minutes	N/A (Firm and heated)

Conclusion: Should You Make a Burger in the Air Fryer?

So, can I make a burger in the air fryer? After testing countless patties, experimenting with different meats, and even trying plant-based options, I can say with confidence: yes, and you should. The air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful burgers with minimal effort. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep (batch-cook patties and freeze them), or even feeding a crowd without the grill chaos.

Is it a replacement for grilling? Not entirely—nothing beats the smoky aroma of a charcoal-fired burger. But for convenience, consistency, and ease of cleanup? The air fryer wins. I’ve converted my skeptical husband, my picky kids, and even my mom (who swears by her cast-iron skillet). Give it a try. Start with a simple 80/20 patty, season it well, and cook it at 375°F. In 10–12 minutes, you’ll have a burger that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready to satisfy any craving.

And hey, if you’re not sold yet, remember: the best burger is the one you actually eat. The air fryer makes that easier than ever. So go ahead—press that “start” button and enjoy your burger, no grill required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a burger in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make a juicy, flavorful burger in the air fryer. It’s a quick and convenient method that delivers crispy edges and a tender interior without the need for a grill or stovetop.

What’s the best way to cook a burger in the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), form your burger patties, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.

Do I need to use oil when making burgers in the air fryer?

No, you don’t need to add oil—the fat in the ground beef will render and keep the burger moist. For leaner meats, lightly spray the patties with oil to prevent dryness.

Can I cook frozen burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw, making it a great option for quick meals.

How do I keep my air fryer burger from drying out?

Choose ground beef with 15–20% fat, avoid overcooking, and let the patties rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture and flavor.

Can I make a burger in the air fryer with toppings?

Add cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to melt it perfectly. For toppings like lettuce or pickles, assemble after cooking—they don’t need air frying.