Burger in Air Fryer: 22 Minutes to Juicy Perfection

Name: Burger in Air Fryer: 22 Minutes to Juicy Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 burger buns; 4 slices of cheese (optional)

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 15, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Let me tell you, making a burger in an air fryer is a total game changer! It’s so easy and fast, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Seriously, in just about 22 minutes, you can have juicy, mouthwatering burgers that rival any grill, all without the hassle of firing up the BBQ. I remember the first time I made them; I was amazed at how perfectly they cooked through, with that beautiful, slightly crispy exterior. You just mix, form, and pop those patties in the air fryer, and voilà! They come out tender and flavorful, thanks to the even heat distribution. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Trust me, once you try this method, you won’t want to go back to frying on the stovetop or grilling outside, especially on a rainy day!

Ingredients for Burger in Air Fryer

Before we jump into cooking, let’s gather everything we need for those delicious burgers! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: Choose a beef with around 80% lean for that juicy flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: This adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
1 tsp onion powder: A must-have for that classic burger taste.
1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
1/2 tsp black pepper: For just the right amount of kick.
4 burger buns: Pick your favorite type, whether it’s classic sesame or whole grain!
4 slices of cheese (optional): If you love a melty topping, go for cheddar or American!

These ingredients come together in such a simple way, and they make the perfect burger patties. You can even get creative with spices or toppings later on if you want to shake things up!

How to Prepare Burger in Air Fryer

Now that we’ve got our ingredients all set, let’s dive into the fun part—making those delicious burgers! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked patties in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This step is crucial because it helps to create that beautiful sear on your burger patties, locking in all those juicy flavors. Just a few minutes of preheating, and you’ll be on your way to burger bliss!

Prepare the Burger Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything gently—don’t overdo it! You want to form the mixture into 4 equal patties, about ¾ inch thick. Remember, the thickness matters; thicker patties will take longer to cook through while thinner ones may dry out. So, find that sweet spot for juicy perfection!

Cooking the Burgers

Once your patties are ready, it’s time to cook! Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re spaced out for even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. If you’re adding cheese, pop those slices on top in the last 2 minutes of cooking. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) is your target for perfectly cooked burgers. If you don’t have one, just cut into the center to make sure there’s no pink remaining!

Serving Suggestions

When the burgers are done, let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps keep them juicy! Serve them on your favorite buns with all the toppings you love—think crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, or even some zesty barbecue sauce. The options are endless, and you’ll find just the right combo to make your burger night special!

Tips for Success

To make sure your burger in the air fryer turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, keep an eye on the cooking time. Since air fryers can vary, you might want to check your burgers a minute or two early, especially if you’ve made thicker patties. If you prefer a little extra flavor, try mixing in some Worcestershire sauce or your favorite spices to the beef before forming the patties. It’s a simple way to elevate your burgers!

If you’re looking to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter option—just adjust the cooking time slightly since they can cook faster. And don’t forget, you can experiment with different cheeses or even add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions right before serving! These small tweaks can create a whole new flavor experience without much extra effort.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to nutritional information, it’s important to note that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general idea of what you can expect for one delicious burger made using this recipe:

Calories: Approximately 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sodium: 400mg

These numbers give you a solid starting point, but remember, toppings and buns can add to these values, so feel free to customize according to your dietary needs!

FAQ Section

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common ones I’ve encountered while making a burger in the air fryer:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they can cook a bit faster than beef.

How do I know when the burgers are done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer—look for 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked burgers. If you don’t have one, just slice into the middle to check for any pink.

What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Classic lettuce, tomato, and pickles are always a hit, but I love adding grilled onions or avocado for a twist. Get creative!

Can I cook frozen burger patties in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, and make sure they’re spaced out in the basket for even cooking.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Yes! Preheating is key to getting that delicious sear and locking in those juicy flavors. It only takes a few minutes, so don’t skip this step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy burgers ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying uses less oil compared to traditional frying, giving you deliciously crispy burgers without the extra calories.
Great Flavor: The air fryer locks in all the savory juices, resulting in burgers that are tender and bursting with flavor.
Easy Cleanup: No messy grill or greasy pans to deal with—just pop the basket in the dishwasher!
Versatile: Customize your burgers with your favorite spices and toppings for a unique twist every time!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear how your burgers turn out! Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any twists you added to the recipe. If you enjoyed this air fryer burger experience, give it a rating! Your feedback means so much, and it inspires others to try it too!