I spent years making burgers the traditional way—standing over a hot grill in the summer heat or watching them sizzle and splatter on the stovetop. That’s how my mom always did it, and I never questioned it. My husband tried his hand at burgers too, but somehow, they always ended up dry and overcooked.
Turns out, we were making it harder than it needed to be. The air fryer has completely changed the way I make burgers. It delivers the same juicy, flavorful results with none of the mess or guesswork. These Seasoned Air Fryer Hamburger Patties are now my go-to for quick weeknight dinners that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Burgers
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, these burgers are ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Minimal cleanup: No splattering grease or messy grill to scrub.
- Simple ingredients: Just ground beef and pantry seasonings create the juiciest, most flavorful patties.
- Year-round grilling flavor: Enjoy that smoky, grilled taste any time—rain, snow, or shine.
The Best Ground Beef for Air Fryer Burgers
For the juiciest results, go with 80/20 ground beef—that’s 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat keeps the burgers moist and gives them that classic, rich flavor. Leaner blends like 90/10 work too, but they can dry out faster.
If you’re shopping at the store, look for ground chuck, which naturally hits that ideal ratio. Keep your beef cold until you’re ready to shape the patties, and avoid overmixing—it can make your burgers tough.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Use 85/15 or 90/10 beef, ground turkey, or chicken. For poultry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil per pound to help lock in moisture.
- Seasonings: No onion or garlic powder? Swap in 2 tablespoons of grated onion and 1 minced garlic clove. Or try 1 packet of onion soup mix for a flavor boost.
- Sauce Options: Replace BBQ sauce with Worcestershire, steak sauce, or your favorite burger sauce—start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- Buns: Try lettuce wraps, portobello mushrooms, or gluten-free buns for a lighter option.
Common Air Fryer Burger Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Don’t overwork the meat. Mix gently to keep the texture tender.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave space between patties for proper air circulation—cook in batches if needed.
- Make a thumbprint. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.
- Don’t press the patties while cooking. This squeezes out the flavorful juices.
- One flip is enough. Flip once halfway through cooking—no need to constantly check.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Burgers
These juicy burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like air-fried French fries, coleslaw, or potato salad. For something lighter, serve them with a crisp green salad or veggie sticks with ranch dip. Don’t forget the pickles, ketchup, and mustard for topping your burger masterpiece!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Shape raw patties and separate with wax paper before freezing for up to 3 months. You can also freeze cooked patties—just cool them completely first.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or a few extra minutes if frozen. This keeps them juicy and crisp on the outside.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Nutrition (Whole Recipe)
- Calories: 1200–1400
- Protein: 90–100 g
- Fat: 70–80 g
- Carbohydrates: 100–120 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 ratio)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (optional)
- 4 burger buns
- Desired toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc.)
How to Make Air Fryer Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into ½-inch thick patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each one to prevent shrinking. Brush lightly with BBQ sauce if desired.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 370°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place the patties in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook for 1 additional minute to melt.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place each patty on a bun, add your favorite toppings, and serve warm. Enjoy your juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer burgers!