why make this recipe
Making hamburgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Air fryers cook the patties evenly while keeping them juicy and flavorful. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. With minimal clean-up and a short cooking time, air fryer hamburgers are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
how to make Air Fryer Hamburgers
Ingredients :
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon beef base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions :
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (195 degrees C).
- Form the ground beef into 4 patties, about 3/4 inches thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Make the patties slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the warm melted butter and beef soup base. Brush this mixture lightly on both sides of each patty and season with pepper.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air-fry the patties for 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through for medium doneness. If you prefer them well done, add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.
how to serve Air Fryer Hamburgers
Serve the hamburgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. You can also add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking for a melty finish.
how to store Air Fryer Hamburgers
Once the hamburgers have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooked patties. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.
tips to make Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Try using different ground meats for a unique flavor, such as turkey or chicken.
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming the patties. This can lead to tough burgers.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium, aim for 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Experiment with spices and herbs by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs to the meat mixture.
variation
For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture. You can also make sliders by forming smaller patties and adjusting the cooking time.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook frozen hamburger patties in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen patties directly in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes.
Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: Yes, preheating helps ensure that the patties cook evenly and get a nice crust.
Q: Can I use leaner ground beef?
A: While you can use leaner ground beef, it may result in a drier burger since less fat means less moisture. 80% lean is recommended for the best flavor and juiciness.

Air Fryer Hamburgers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (195 degrees C).
- Form the ground beef into 4 patties, about 3/4 inches thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Make the patties slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the warm melted butter and beef soup base.
- Brush this mixture lightly on both sides of each patty and season with pepper.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air-fry the patties for 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through for medium doneness.
- If you prefer them well done, add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve the hamburgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.
- You can also add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking for a melty finish.