Air Fryer Hamburgers Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer hamburgers with this easy recipe. These juicy, flavor-packed patties cook to perfection in just minutes with less fat than traditional methods. The air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the center tender and moist - perfect for busy weeknights!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 burgers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 hamburger buns (brioche buns recommended)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss or American)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lettuce leaves, for serving</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Tomato slices, for serving</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Red onion slices, for serving</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 410 calories

🥑 Fat: 26 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 10 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 21 g

🍭 Sugar: 3 g

🍗 Protein: 25 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg

🧂 Sodium: 620 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Digital meat thermometer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (optional)</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix with your hands just until combined - overmixing will create dense, tough burgers. The fat content in the 80/20 beef is crucial for juicy results, as the fat renders during cooking while keeping the interior moist. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 125g each) and shape into patties approximately 1.5cm thick and slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb - this prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle during cooking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3-5 minutes. If you're concerned about sticking, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper specially designed for air fryers (with holes for air circulation). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than the desired caramelization. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Carefully flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, 4-5 minutes for medium, or 5-6 minutes for well-done. For food safety, burgers should reach an internal temperature of at least 71°C, which you can verify with your digital thermometer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the final minute of cooking to achieve perfect melting. Meanwhile, you can lightly toast your hamburger buns in the air fryer for about 1 minute after removing the patties. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Assemble your burgers by placing each patty on a toasted bun, then adding your preferred toppings and condiments. The warm burger patty will slightly wilt the lettuce and warm the toppings, creating that classic burger experience without needing a grill. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Let the burgers rest for about 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This short resting period ensures maximum juiciness with every bite. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy! </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Hamburgers Recipe?

The key ingredients include ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio), salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, hamburger buns (preferably brioche), cheese slices, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

How to cook Air Fryer Hamburgers Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Hamburgers Recipe by first combining ground beef with seasonings, shaping into patties with a thumb indent, then cooking in a preheated air fryer at 180°C for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 71°C. Add cheese during the final minute and serve on toasted buns with your favourite toppings.

Can you get grill marks on hamburgers cooked in an air fryer?

While traditional grill marks aren't possible, air fryers create excellent caramelisation on the burger's surface. For grill-like marks, you can briefly preheat a grill pan and sear the patties for 15-30 seconds after air frying, or use a specialised air fryer grill plate accessory.

Why should you make an indent in the centre of burger patties?

Creating a thumb indent (dimple) in the centre of each patty prevents the burger from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking. This technique ensures even cooking and a flat burger that sits properly on the bun, making for easier eating and better topping distribution.

What's the ideal fat content for juicy homemade burgers?

An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio (80% lean meat, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy, flavourful burgers. This balance provides enough fat to keep the patties moist during cooking while rendering down to create that desirable caramelised exterior. Leaner mixes often result in drier burgers.

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