Craving a juicy, homemade burger without the hassle of firing up the grill or making a mess on the stovetop? This Air Fryer Hamburgers recipe is your new go-to! It is incredibly simple, quick to make, and delivers all the satisfying flavour of a classic burger. With a perfectly juicy centre and a slightly crispy, caramelised exterior. Whether you’re cooking for a midweek dinner, a weekend fake-away, or just want something delicious and fuss-free, these air fryer burgers tick every box.
The beauty of using an air fryer is that it does all the work for you. No smoke, no splatter, and no flipping required! You get perfectly cooked burgers with minimal effort, and cleanup is a breeze. What I love most about this method is how consistent the results are. Each time, you’ll get beautifully cooked burgers, and it’s so easy to tweak the seasoning or toppings based on what you’re in the mood for.
Keep it classic with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, or go all out with pickles, crispy bacon, and your favourite sauces. The versatility is endless! This recipe is also a great base if you want to get a bit more creative. Swap the beef for turkey, lamb, or even plant-based mince, and you’ve got a whole new flavour profile.
And because it is all done in the air fryer, you can even toast your burger buns during the final few minutes for that extra crispy edge. Trust me, it’s a game changer.
Looking for a fast, fail-safe way to make epic burgers at home? This is it! Scroll down for the full recipe, cooking tips, and serving suggestions!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Hamburgers
500g of minced beef
½ tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of salt
½ tsp of garlic powder
½ tsp of onion powder (optional)
4 burger buns – I like to toast mine but it is not essential
Toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.
Method
So first, preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3-5 minutes to get it nice and hot.
While it’s heating, grab a bowl and combine the beef mince with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix everything together using your hands until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
Next, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about 4 inches wide and ¾ inch thick. To ensure even cooking and to prevent puffing up in the middle, use your thumb to create a small indent in the centre of each patty. This trick helps maintain the perfect burger shape.
Now, place the patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for airflow. If you have crisper trays, leave them in for maximum crispiness.
Air fry the patties at 190°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer your burgers more well-done, simply add 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time.
In the last 1-2 minutes, if you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty. Turn off the air fryer and close the basket to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese perfectly.
For an added crunch, you can also pop the burger buns into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to toast them lightly.
Once the burgers are cooked and the cheese has melted, it’s time to assemble! Add your patties to the toasted buns, and top them with your favourite sauces, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or anything else that satisfies your tastebuds.
Serve your delicious air fryer hamburgers and enjoy! These are perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next fake-away night.
Tips for Air Fryer Hamburgers
1. Don’t overwork the meat
When forming your burger patties, try not to over-handle the mince. Gently shape them just until they hold together. Over-mixing compacts the meat and can result in dry, tough burgers instead of juicy, tender ones.
2. Make a thumbprint
Before cooking, press a small indent in the centre of each patty. This simple trick stops the burgers from puffing up in the middle, ensuring a more even, flatter shape that’s ideal for buns..
3. Choose the right fat ratio
For the best flavour and texture, use beef mince with 15–20% fat. Fat adds juiciness and richness. Leaner mince tends to dry out more quickly in the air fryer’s hot, circulating air.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Give your air fryer 2–3 minutes to preheat to 180°C–200°C (350°F–400°F) so the burgers start cooking and browning right away.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place patties in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of searing.
6. Flip halfway through
Turn the burgers once during cooking (around the 6–7 minute mark) to ensure even browning and texture on both sides.
7. Check doneness
Use a meat thermometer for perfect results – burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) for beef.
8. Add cheese right at the end
Pop a slice of cheese on top in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. It’ll melt perfectly without overcooking the patty.
9. Let them rest
Rest the cooked burgers for a few minutes before serving as this locks in the juices and makes each bite more flavourful.
Similar recipes
If you enjoyed these juicy and perfectly cooked Air Fryer Hamburgers, here are a few more crowd-pleasing recipes to try next. Whether you’re building the ultimate fake-away, planning a quick midweek dinner, or serving up something for the whole family, these air fryer favourites are sure to hit the spot.
Crispy, golden, and everything you want from a classic chip, without deep frying! These air fryer fries are the perfect partner to your burger and can be seasoned any way you like, from classic sea salt to spicy paprika.
Need a quick meal idea the whole family will love? These sausages come out perfectly cooked with juicy centres and crisp skins. Serve with buns, mash, or as part of a quick breakfast-for-dinner plate.
These tender, flavour-packed steak bites are ideal when you want something a little different from burgers. Great for low-carb meals, wraps, or served over salad for a satisfying, protein-rich dish.
A proper burger night needs crispy onion rings! These are crunchy on the outside and tender in the middle, and they cook up beautifully in the air fryer with minimal oil. Ideal for dipping or stacking right into your burger.
A lighter twist on the classic burger, these turkey burgers are lean, juicy, and full of flavour. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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