Who doesn’t love a perfectly cooked, juicy burger? And guess what—making burgers in the air fryer isn’t just quick and easy; it also gives you that delicious, crispy outdoor-grill texture without needing a grill! In this recipe, I’ll take you through the simple steps to create mouthwatering air fryer burgers, complete with gooey, melted cheese tucked right inside the patty. So, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these cheesy burgers will be a hit!
Let’s dive right into the ingredients you’ll need and the process to make these heavenly air fryer burgers at home.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Burgers
Before we get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. These measurements will yield 4 delicious burger patties, but feel free to adjust according to your needs.
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (85% lean works great for juicy burgers)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional but adds a rich, umami flavor)
- 1 Teaspoon Salt (or Garlic Salt for extra flavor)
- 1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder (a little extra flavor without overpowering the beef)
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, or your favorite cheese)
Optional Toppings:
Once your patties are done, you’ll want some toppings to assemble the perfect burger. Here are some ideas:
- Hamburger Buns
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Lettuce
- Pickles
- Extra Cheese
- Ketchup or BBQ Sauce
Do you like your burgers simple or fully loaded? Either way, these toppings are entirely up to your preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Burgers
Now that we’ve gathered the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create these amazing air fryer burgers. This is where the magic happens, so follow along!
Mixing the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, you’ll want to combine the ground beef with all the seasonings. Here’s how:
- Step One : If you’re using Worcestershire sauce for that extra burst of umami flavor, gently drizzle it over the ground beef.
- Step Two : Sprinkle in the salt (or garlic salt), freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder.
- Step Three : Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix everything. Aim for even distribution of the seasonings. Be gentle, though—you don’t want to overwork the meat, as that can make the burgers tough.
This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite of your burger packs the perfect flavor!
Forming the Cheese-Stuffed Patties
Time to take these patties to the next level!
- Step One : Divide the seasoned ground beef into four equal-sized portions . This will ensure you have uniform burgers, which then cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Step Two : Take one piece of ground beef and form it into a thin, disc-shaped patty. Now, grab a spoonful of shredded cheese and place it right in the middle of the patty.
- Step Three : Here’s the fun part—gently wrap the beef patty around the cheese, ensuring that it’s fully sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Once sealed, pat it down slightly and shape it into a burger about one inch thick .
Repeat the process for the other three patties.
Cooking the Burger Patties in the Air Fryer
Now for the exciting part—cooking those juicy burgers! The air fryer does an amazing job giving burgers a crispy exterior while keeping them tender and juicy on the inside.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Step One : Preheat your air fryer to 360°F . This ensures the burgers cook evenly right from the start.
Cooking Time:
- Step One : Place the 4 formed burger patties in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap for best results.
- Step Two : Set the timer for 7 minutes . This will cook one side of the patties to golden brown perfection.
- Step Three : After 7 minutes, carefully flip the patties using tongs or a spatula. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes , or until your burgers reach your preferred doneness. For safety and that perfect medium-well to well-done burger, you want the internal temperature to be at least 160°F —use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
By the time those patties come out, they’ll be packed with flavor and oozing melted cheese from the inside!
Assembling Your Air Fryer Burgers with Toppings
Now that your burger patties are perfectly cooked and ready to go, it’s time to build your burger just the way you like it. Whether you prefer classic toppings or something more creative, this step is all about personalization!
Prepare the Buns:
For the ultimate burger experience, toast your hamburger buns! You can put them in the air fryer for about 1-2 minutes at 360°F or simply toast them on a pan or grill. A little golden crunch elevates the whole burger!
Add Your Favorite Toppings:
Here’s where the fun begins. After placing your patty on the bun, start layering with your choice of toppings. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Classic Combo : Add a slice of cheese , fresh lettuce , a juicy tomato slice , thinly sliced red onion , and a nice drizzle of ketchup or BBQ sauce .
- Crunchy & Tangy : Add pickles , lettuce , and a dollop of mayo or mustard for a tangy and refreshing flavor blend.
- Ultimate Cheese Lover : Top with even more cheese (you know you want to!), or go wild with jalapeño slices for some heat.
Feel free to get creative with toppings—onion rings, fried eggs, or even avocado slices can be a great way to make your burger unforgettable!
Serve and Devour:
Once your toppings are stacked and your buns are paired, it’s time to take that first glorious bite. Serve alongside crispy fries, a fresh salad, or whatever sides you love.
Storing Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
If by any chance you’ve made extra burgers, you can store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a quick 2-3 minute refresh at 360°F , and they’ll taste as good as new!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate air fryer burger recipe ! With minimal prep and a fast cook time, these burgers are perfect for any weeknight meal or weekend gathering. The addition of a hidden cheese center makes them extra special, and the air fryer ensures they come out juicy and perfectly browned every time.
Whether you top them with the basics or go crazy with unique flavors and sauces, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these burgers. And don’t forget that the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time savoring each bite.
Experiment with different toppings and cheeses to customize your burger experience, and once you start making burgers in the air fryer, you may never go back to the grill! So give this recipe a try, and let the crunchy, cheesy, and juicy combination speak for itself.
Enjoy your homemade burgers, and until next time—happy cooking ! 🍔✨