Air Fryer Hamburgers

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These air fryer hamburgers are perfect for weeknight meals, and the air fryer cooks them perfectly. There’s less mess from splatters, they cook quickly, and cleanup is a breeze. Our hamburger mixture is a simple combination of ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings. I add shredded sharp cheddar for the extra flavor and moisture, but that is optional. You can add a slice of cheese just before they’re done if you like.

The recipe keeps the ingredients simple—ground beef, a few seasonings, and optional cheese mixed directly into the meat. The patties cook in a short amount of time and fit easily into standard hamburger buns, leaving you free to customize toppings based on what you have on hand.

Serve the burgers in toasted sesame seed or brioche buns with sliced toppings and your favorite condiments.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Quick cooking with minimal cleanup. The air fryer cooks the patties in just minutes and contains most of the mess. With no skillet oil or grill setup, cleanup is straightforward.
• Juicy interior with a firm exterior. The circulating heat helps the burgers brown on the outside while retaining moisture inside. The shape and texture hold up well after cooking.
• Simple ingredient list. You only need ground beef and basic seasonings. The optional shredded cheese mixed into the meat adds richness and helps the patties stay tender.
• Customizable and consistent. The cooking method produces steady results, so you can adjust thickness, seasoning, or toppings without changing the technique.
• Good for small kitchens or busy days. No outdoor grill is required, and you can cook the patties while preparing sides or assembling buns.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef – An 85/15 blend provides the right balance of moisture and structure. Leaner beef may cook a little drier, while higher fat percentages may shrink more.
• Cheddar cheese – Optional but helpful if you want a richer burger. Shredded cheese melts into the patties rather than sitting on top.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and enhances the beef flavor without making the mixture overly salty.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper give the patties balanced flavor without overpowering them.
• Hamburger buns – Toasting is optional but adds texture and helps prevent the bun from softening under the warm patties.

Steps to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers

1. Lightly oil or spray the air fryer basket and preheat it so the patties begin cooking immediately once added.
2. Mix the ground beef with the seasonings and optional cheese until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense.
3. Shape the mixture into patties of even thickness and press a small indentation in the center of each one to help them cook evenly.
4. Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket. Air fry until they are browned on the outside and cooked through, turning once to ensure even color.
5. Place the cooked burgers on toasted buns and add any condiments or toppings you prefer.

Pro Tips

• Make the indentation in the center to prevent doming during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket so the air circulates properly and browns the patties.
• Flip the burgers halfway through for the most even texture.
• Check the internal temperature for doneness, especially with thicker patties.
• Rest the patties briefly after cooking to keep the juices from running out.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• Smoky: Add a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke and a dash of smoked paprika to the hamburger mixture.
• Seasonings: Replace the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with 2 teaspoons of purchased burger seasoning.
• Cheese: Top the air-fried hamburgers with a slice of pepper jack, American, mozzarella, Muenster, or cheddar cheese.
• Meat: Make turkey burgers by replacing the ground beef with ground turkey, and cook to 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on toasted sesame seed or brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments.
• Pair with crispy French fries, air-fried potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
• Add baked beans, corn on the cob, or coleslaw for a backyard cookout vibe.
• Top with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled onions for an elevated burger.