Can I Make Burgers in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide to Perfect Results

Yes, you can make juicy, flavorful burgers in the air fryer—quickly and with minimal mess. With the right technique, including proper patty thickness, seasoning, and cook time, your air fryer delivers a perfectly seared crust and even doneness every time. No grill or stovetop needed—just preheat, cook, and enjoy restaurant-quality burgers in under 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers cook juicy burgers quickly with minimal oil.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to ensure even cooking and better texture.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between patties for optimal air circulation and browning.
• Flip halfway: Flip burgers once for even doneness and perfect sear.
• Check internal temp: Use a thermometer to reach 160°F for safe, juicy results.
• Customize toppings: Add cheese or condiments during the last 1-2 minutes.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your New Burger Best Friend

Let’s be real—making burgers at home can feel like a chore. You’ve got to fire up the grill (or the stove), deal with smoke, and hope you don’t overcook them. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably had a few burger disasters: dry patties, undercooked centers, or that dreaded moment when your burger falls apart on the grill. But what if I told you there’s a simpler, faster, and cleaner way to make juicy, flavorful burgers at home? Enter the air fryer.

The air fryer has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s not just for fries or chicken wings—this little appliance can handle burgers too. And the best part? No more smoke alarms going off, no messy stovetop, and no flipping burgers on a hot grill. Just pop them in, set the timer, and let the air fryer do the work. But can you really make burgers in the air fryer and get restaurant-quality results? Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can. And I’m here to walk you through exactly how.

How Air Frying Works (And Why It’s Great for Burgers)

The Science Behind Air Frying

Before we dive into burger recipes, let’s break down how an air fryer works. Think of it as a mini convection oven. It uses rapid air circulation (hot air, around 300–400°F) to cook food evenly and quickly. This high-heat, fast-moving air crisps up the outside while keeping the inside juicy—perfect for burgers.

Unlike traditional frying, which submerges food in oil, air frying uses little to no oil. That means you get that crispy, golden-brown crust without the greasiness. And because the air circulates all around the burger, you don’t have to worry about uneven cooking or flipping every few minutes.

Why Burgers Thrive in the Air Fryer

Burgers are a natural fit for air frying. Here’s why:

• Even cooking: No more hot spots or cold zones. The air fryer cooks the burger uniformly from all sides.
• Less mess: No splattering grease or smoky kitchens. Just a quick wipe-down after cooking.
• Faster than the grill: No preheating or waiting for coals. Your burgers are ready in 10–15 minutes.
• Juiciness: The high heat seals in the juices, giving you a moist, flavorful patty every time.

Pro tip: If you’re using a leaner meat (like 90/10 ground beef), a light spray of oil on the patties helps prevent dryness. But for fattier blends (80/20), you don’t need any oil at all—the fat renders out beautifully.

Choosing the Right Meat and Tools for Air Fryer Burgers

Pick Your Meat Wisely

Not all burgers are created equal. For air frying, your meat choice matters. Here’s what works best:

• 80/20 ground beef: This is the gold standard. The 20% fat keeps the patty juicy and adds flavor. It also renders out during cooking, creating that crispy crust.
• Leaner meats (90/10 or turkey): These cook faster but can dry out. To compensate, add a binder (like egg or breadcrumbs) or a light oil spray.
• Plant-based patties: Yes, you can air fry Beyond Meat or Impossible Burgers! Just follow the package instructions and adjust timing as needed.

Personal note: I once tried air frying a 95/5 lean burger—it was edible, but definitely not as juicy as my usual 80/20. Stick with fattier blends for the best results.

Tools and Accessories You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment, but a few tools make the process smoother:

• Air fryer basket or tray: Most models work fine, but if your air fryer has a tray, use it for better airflow.
• Non-stick spray or oil mister: For lean meats or plant-based patties.
• Meat thermometer: A must for food safety. No guesswork!
• Burger press (optional): Helps make uniform patties so they cook evenly.

Fun fact: I use a simple $10 burger press from Amazon. It’s not essential, but it saves time and gives me perfectly round patties every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Juicy Air Fryer Burgers

Step 1: Shape Your Patties

Start with 6–8 oz of ground beef (about ½ pound for 2 burgers). Gently shape into patties, about ¾ inch thick. Avoid over-packing—this makes the burgers tough. Pro tip: Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents them from puffing up in the middle during cooking.

Step 2: Season and Prep

Keep seasoning simple: salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of garlic powder. You can also add Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Lightly spray or brush lean patties with oil if needed.

Let the patties sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but I always do it for 3–5 minutes at 375°F. This ensures a consistent start temperature and better sear.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

• 80/20 beef: Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes per side (12–16 minutes total) for medium. Flip halfway through.
• Leaner meats: Reduce time to 4–6 minutes per side (8–12 minutes total). Check with a thermometer.
• Plant-based patties: Follow package instructions, usually 5–7 minutes per side.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness:

Doneness	Internal Temp (°F)
Rare	120–125°F
Medium-rare	130–135°F
Medium	140–145°F
Well-done	160°F+

Note: Burgers will continue cooking a bit after removing from the air fryer (carryover cooking), so pull them out a few degrees below your target.

Step 5: Add Cheese (If Desired)

For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss) during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If you pile in too many patties, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. I once tried to fit 4 burgers in my 5.8-quart air fryer—they came out soggy and uneven. Lesson learned!

Not Checking Internal Temp

Guessing doneness is risky. Always use a meat thermometer. I’ve ruined countless burgers by pulling them out too early or leaving them in too long. A $15 thermometer is the best investment you’ll make.

Overmixing or Over-Pressing

Handle the meat gently. Overworking it squeezes out the fat and makes the burgers dense. Shape patties with light hands, and don’t press down on them while cooking—this pushes out the juices.

Skipping the Room-Temp Rest

Straight-from-the-fridge patties cook unevenly. Let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to warm up slightly. This is especially important for lean meats.

Ignoring Carryover Cooking

When you remove burgers from the air fryer, they keep cooking for a minute or two. For medium, aim for 138°F and let it rise to 140°F off the heat. For well-done, pull at 155°F.

Beyond Beef: Creative Air Fryer Burger Variations

Turkey or Chicken Burgers

Lean poultry cooks faster but dries out easily. To keep them moist:

• Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of mayo, Greek yogurt, or olive oil per patty.
• Bind with egg or breadcrumbs if needed.
• Cook at 360°F for 4–5 minutes per side.

Try a turkey burger with avocado and chipotle mayo—it’s a lighter, flavorful twist!

Plant-Based Burgers

Beyond Meat and Impossible Burgers work great in the air fryer. They’re pre-seasoned, so just cook as directed (usually 6–7 minutes per side at 375°F). Pro tip: Spray the patties with oil to enhance browning.

One caveat: Plant-based patties can dry out faster. Keep an eye on them and don’t overcook.

Stuffed Burgers (Cheese, Jalapeños, etc.)

Love a stuffed burger? Air frying works! Shape two thin patties, place cheese or fillings in the center, then seal the edges. Cook at 375°F for 7–8 minutes per side. The air fryer’s even heat melts the cheese without burning the outside.

Veggie or Mushroom Burgers

Homemade veggie burgers (lentil, black bean, or mushroom) hold up well in the air fryer. Use a binder like flax eggs or oats, shape into patties, and spray lightly with oil. Cook at 375°F for 5–6 minutes per side. They’ll be crispy outside and tender inside.

Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Burgers Worth It?

After testing countless burgers in my air fryer, I can confidently say: yes, they’re worth it. You get juicy, evenly cooked patties with minimal effort. No smoke, no mess, and no guesswork. Whether you’re a burger purist or love experimenting with plant-based or stuffed patties, the air fryer delivers.

Is it perfect? Not quite. You’ll never get the exact char of a grill, and larger patties might need batch cooking. But for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when the weather’s bad, it’s a total win. And let’s be honest—most of us aren’t grilling every night anyway.

So next time you’re craving a burger, skip the stove or grill. Grab your air fryer, shape a few patties, and let the magic happen. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a hot, juicy burger that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.

Happy air frying—and even happier burger eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make juicy, flavorful burgers in the air fryer with minimal oil. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation cooks the patties evenly, giving them a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

How long does it take to cook burgers in an air fryer?

Most burgers take 9–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on thickness and desired doneness. Flip the patties halfway through for even browning and consistent results.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for burgers?

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and better sear. While not mandatory, it helps achieve a restaurant-quality crust on your burgers in the air fryer.

Can I cook frozen burger patties in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook frozen patties at 375°F (190°C) for 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway. No thawing is needed, making the air fryer a quick solution for last-minute meals.

How do I keep burgers from drying out in the air fryer?

Use ground beef with at least 15% fat (like 80/20) and avoid overcooking. Check internal temperature (160°F for beef) and lightly spritz patties with oil before cooking for extra moisture.

Can I make turkey or veggie burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer works well for leaner meats and plant-based patties. Adjust cooking time to 8–10 minutes for turkey (to 165°F) and 10–12 minutes for veggie burgers, ensuring they hold their shape.