Air Fryer Hamburgers
Hamburgers are a weeknight favorite, but grilling needs a grill and pan-frying splatters the stove. Air fryer hamburgers cook through in about 12 minutes at 375 °F, with a browned crust and plenty of juice, and the fat drips away from the patty. This guide covers fresh patties, thin or thick, and the right doneness for ground beef.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 25min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 160°F71 °C
- Per serving
- 510kcal
Why the air fryer works for hamburgers
A hamburger is ground beef and fat, and the fat is both the flavor and the problem. In a skillet, the patty sits in its own grease and can turn gray and greasy. In the air fryer, the patty rests on a perforated surface while hot air browns the top and sides, and the extra fat drips down and away. You get a crust without a hot pan and without flipping more than once.
Ground beef must reach 160 °F, so these burgers are cooked through. The air fryer fits that well, because the hot air cooks the center before the outside dries out, as long as the beef has enough fat. For burgers made from poultry see chicken burgers, and for ground beef shaped into rounds try meatballs.
How to make hamburgers in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Form the patties Gently mix the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Divide into 4 portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick and 4½ inches wide. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each with your thumb, because patties puff as they cook.
- Chill briefly Refrigerate the patties for so they hold together in the hot air.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F for .
- Cook Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, without touching. Cook for , flipping after . If your basket fits only two patties, cook in two batches.
- Check and melt the cheese Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the center. Ground beef is safe at 160 °F. Lay a cheese slice on each patty for the last minute of cooking, and toast the buns in the basket for if you like.
- Rest Let the patties rest for before you build the burgers.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Hamburgers | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, ¾ inch (6 oz)Flip after 6 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12 min |
| Thin quarter-pound patties | 375 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| At 400 °FCheck early | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Thick, 1 inch | 375 °F (190 °C) | 14–16 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 160 °F (71 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Use 80% lean beef. The fat keeps the burger juicy. Extra-lean beef dries out at 160 °F.
- Handle the meat gently. Overmixing makes dense, rubbery patties. Mix just until combined.
- Season the outside, too. A pinch of salt on each surface before cooking improves the crust.
What to serve with hamburgers
Hamburgers go with classic toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles, along with ketchup, mustard or mayo. For sides, serve French fries or onion rings, coleslaw, or baked beans for a cookout. Burgers are also a good game day food, as the fries and patties can cook one after the other.
Storing and reheating
Cooked patties keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes until they reach 165 °F in the center. Uncooked formed patties can be frozen between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months. Store-bought frozen patties follow different timings and have their own guide on the site.
Variations
- Bacon cheeseburger: Top with cooked bacon and cheddar for the last minute.
- Smoky: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
- Turkey burgers: Use ground turkey, season well and cook to 165 °F, which takes 1–2 minutes longer.
If it does not turn out right
- The burgers are dry
- The beef was too lean or overcooked. Use 80% lean ground beef and take the patties out as soon as the thermometer reads 160 °F.
- The patties shrink and puff into balls
- Press a dimple in the center and make them slightly wider than the bun, since they shrink about 15%. Do not overwork the meat.
- The basket smokes
- Fat drips onto the hot drawer. Put 1–2 tablespoons of water in the bottom and wipe out the drawer between batches.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook hamburgers in the air fryer?
About 12 minutes at 375 °F for 6-ounce patties that are ¾ inch thick, flipped halfway. Thin quarter-pound patties need 8–10 minutes, and thick patties 14 minutes.
What temperature should hamburgers be?
The USDA recommends 160 °F for ground beef. A short rest is optional for safety but helps the juices settle. Medium or medium-rare hamburgers are not recommended, because bacteria spread through ground meat during grinding.
Can I cook hamburgers at 400 °F?
Yes. At 400 °F, fresh patties cook in 8–10 minutes, but the outside browns faster, so check the temperature early.
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