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I always turn to these easy air fryer hamburgers whenever I am craving a fresh homemade burger without the hassle of firing up the grill. They come out juicy and flavorful every time and cook quickly, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. I also love that everyone can build their own with their favorite fixings, making dinner feel fun and totally family-friendly.

Air fryer beef patty burger with gooey cheese, crisp lettuce, and tomato on a sesame seed bun.
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These air fryer hamburger patties have turned into one of those easy dinners everyone actually gets excited about. While they cook, I set out a few bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own burger exactly how they like it. Some nights it is classic cheeseburgers with lettuce and tomato, other nights we go big with bacon, pickles, and every sauce we can find. It is simple, hands on, and somehow makes a regular weeknight dinner feel a lot more fun.

Why These Air Fryer Burgers Are A Go To Dinner At My House

Fast and reliable. These burgers are ready in about 20 minutes and they turn out great every single time, which is exactly what I want on a busy night.

Flexible for any burger style. Keep them simple with cheese and ketchup or dress them up with bacon, sautéed onions, or your favorite sauces. The base recipe works with anything.

Perfect when you don’t want to grill. You get juicy burgers without stepping outside or waiting for the grill to heat up, so it’s a great option all year long.

Minimal mess. The air fryer basket does all the work, which means cleanup stays quick and easy.

Juicy patties with classic flavor. These taste like the kind of burger you’d order at a diner, but you’re making them at home in a fraction of the time.

Easy for families. Set out toppings and let everyone build their own. It keeps dinner simple and makes everyone happy.

Looking for more easy air fryer meals? Try my Air Fryer French Fries for a crispy side or my Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks for another quick family favorite.

Key Ingredients

Air fryer hamburger ingredients.

Let’s go over the few ingredients that make this dinner recipe so easy! The full measurments are listed in the recipe card below.

Burgers:

  • Ground beef: An 80/20 blend keeps the patties juicy. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant based option like Beyond Meat.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory flavor that blends easily into the meat.
  • Onion powder: Gives the burgers a subtle sweetness and classic burger shop taste.
  • Steak sauce: Adds richness and depth. Worcestershire sauce or bbq sauce are great substitutes.
  • Soy sauce: Enhances the savory flavor and helps keep the patties tender.
  • Burger buns: Potato buns are soft and flavorful, but any hamburger buns you like will work.

Toppings (optional):

  • Cheddar cheese: Use your favorite cheese such as Swiss, pepper jack, or American cheese.
  • Red onion: Adds a crisp, sharp bite.
  • Tomato: Choose a firm, ripe tomato for the best slices.
  • Romaine lettuce: Swap for iceberg or butter lettuce, or skip it if you prefer.
  • Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup: Add one or mix and match for extra flavor.
  • Bacon: A smoky, salty addition that makes the burgers extra indulgent.
  • Pickles: Dill slices are classic, but bread and butter or spicy pickles work just as well.

Recipe Variations

Different toppings: Try bacon, mushrooms, sautéed onions, pickles, jalapenos, onion rings, or your favorite sauces and condiments.
Change the seasoning: Mix in minced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, or your favorite burger seasoning blend.
Swap the sauce: Use barbecue sauce, ranch, pesto, salsa, or a restaurant style sauce for a different flavor.
Try slider versions: For a fun mini option, try my White Castle Sliders or Big Mac Sliders.

Juicy air fryer burger with a bite taken out, sesame bun, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

How to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers

  1. Preheat: Set the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Mix the meat: Combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and steak sauce until just mixed.
    mix the patty mixture in a bowl.
  3. Shape patties: Form even sized patties, making each one slightly bigger than the bun since they will shrink as they cook.
  4. Cook: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes per side or until they reach your preferred doneness.
    cook the hamburger patti in air fryer.
  5. Add cheese: Top each patty with cheese as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
    put cheese on top of each patties.
  6. Assemble burgers: Add each patty to a bun and layer with red onion, tomato, lettuce, bacon, pickles, and your favorite condiments.
    assemble the burger.
  7. Serve: Plate and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

  • If you prefer a more heavily seasoned burger, increase the garlic powder and onion powder, and add salt and black pepper to taste.
  • This cook time gives you a well done burger; reduce the air-fry time slightly for a less done patty.
  • Shape the patties gently and avoid overmixing the meat to keep them tender.
  • Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
  • Keep patties in a single layer for proper air circulation in the air fryer.
  • Place a small piece of foil under the patties for easier cleanup without blocking airflow.
Juicy air fryer hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and a sesame bun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen hamburger in air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen hamburger in the air fryer by adding two to three extra minutes and making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do I need to flip the burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping them halfway through helps the patties cook evenly on both sides.

How do I keep air fryer hamburgers juicy?

Use 80/20 ground beef, avoid overworking the meat, do not overcook, and let the patties rest briefly before assembling.

Can I line the air fryer basket with foil?

Yes. Lining the basket with foil makes cleanup easier. Just make sure the foil does not block airflow around the patties and is weighed down by the burgers so it does not move while cooking

How do I know when the burgers are done?

This cook time makes a well done burger. If you like your burgers less done, reduce the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes per side. For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

  • Store: Keep cooked patties in an airtight container for three to four days, stored separately from the buns and toppings.
  • Freeze: Freeze the patties for two to three months with parchment between each one to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat: Warm the patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until heated through.
  • Make ahead: Shape the patties up to one day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Two air fryer burgers on a wooden board with sesame buns, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.

More Easy Air Fryer Meals

5 from 6 votes
Juicy cheeseburger with sesame bun, melted cheese, beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a wood board.

Best Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

Author — Jennifer Fishkind
Serves — 4
These air fryer hamburgers cook fast and turn out tender and juicy every time. A simple way to make homemade, customizable burgers with all your favorite toppings.
PrintRatePin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients
 

Burger

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp steak sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 4 burger buns

Toppings

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and/or ketchup optional
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and cut in half, optional
  • 8 slices pickles optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and steak sauce. Mix everything until fully combined.
    1 pound ground beef, 1½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp steak sauce
  • Form patties and then place into an air fryer basket. (For an easier cleanup, set the patties on aluminum foil and then place it in the air fryer basket). The patties will shrink while cooked. Make them slightly bigger than the burger bun.
  • Air fry patties at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
  • As soon as they are out of the fryer, top with slices of cheddar cheese.
    4 slices cheddar cheese
  • Assemble each burger by placing patty on potato burger bun and then layering with red onion, tomato, lettuce, bacon, pickles, and 1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise, mustard, and/or ketchup on the inside of both buns.
    4 burger buns, ½ red onion, 1 tomato, 4 leaves romaine lettuce, 4 slices bacon, 8 slices pickles, 4 tbsp mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and/or ketchup
  • Plate and serve.

Jenn’s Notes

  • If you like your burger to be very well seasoned, double the amounts of seasoning from the recipe. 
  • This cook time will result in a well-done burger. If you like your burger less done, decrease the cook time slightly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a patty (160°F).

Nutrition Info

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 436mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 4mg
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  2. 5 stars
    GREAT Recipe Jennifer 👏🏼👍🏼♥️Thanks FOR Sharing 😊LOOKS AWESOME ✝️❗️G-d♥️Bless

    Reply