Best Quick & Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers: Tender and Juicy (2024)

Ready to wow your family and friends with a scrumptious Air Fryer Hamburgers recipe? Look no further! We’ve perfected the technique to create juicy, flavorful burgers every time – all while keeping things healthier and easier on your waistline.

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Are you tired of biting into dry, flavorless hamburgers?

Do you long for that perfect, juicy patty that leaves your taste buds in a state of pure bliss?

Well, get ready to uncover the secret to achieving those perfectlyjuicy burgersthat will have you craving more with every bite.

In this article, we will take you step by step through the tried and true technique that guaranteesdelicious burgersevery single time.

From choosing the right ground beef to mastering the idealcooking time, we will cover it all.

Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

🔑 Key to Success #1 – Use Lean Ground Beef

When it comes to creatingjuicy air fryer burgers, one of the key secrets lies in the type of ground beef you choose.

While you might be tempted to opt for a fattier option for added flavor, usinglean ground beefis actually the way to go.

Lean ground beefhas a lowerfat content, typically around 90% lean and 10% fat, with even leaner options available at many markets.

This means that there is less grease and shrinkage when cooking, resulting in a healthier and moretender burger.

The lowerfat contentalso allows the other flavors and seasonings to shine through without being overwhelmed by excessive grease.

When cooking at home, I usually go for aburger pattywith 93% leanfresh ground beef, as it provides a balance of flavor and moisture without excessive grease.

As demonstrated in the accompanying photograph of hamburger patties prepared in anAir Fryer basket, this lean ratio yields juicy and delectable results.

With this ingredient selection, the savory and tender texture of the meat is not compromised, and your recipes will yield agreat burgerevery time.

Not only doeslean ground beefcreate a healthier burger, but it also ensures even cooking throughout.

The leaner meat cooks more evenly, preventing any dry or overcooked spots.

This is essential for achieving that perfectly juicy and flavorful burger that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

🦃 How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgersor Chicken Burgers

If you want to make thisair fryer burger recipeusingground turkeyorground chicken, I have two tips for you forbest results.

First, combine one pound ofground turkey orground chickenwith your favorite seasonings and add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to help give the burgers a lighter and more tender texture.

And second, place yourpre-formedpattiesinto anairtight containerin the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

This step will help the turkey burgers firm up and keep their shape while in theair fryer basket.

🔑 Key to Success #2 – Form Even Patties for Even Cooking

The shape and thickness of your burger patties play a crucial role in how they cook in the air fryer.

If you were to simply shape them by hand, you might end up with uneven thickness, resulting in some parts cooking faster than others.

This could lead to dry spots or even overcooking, which no one wants.

That’s where a burger press comes in handy.

With this simple tool, you can create perfectly formed patties every time.

The press helps you achieve uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking throughout the patty.

This means no more worrying about dry or undercooked centers.

Instead, each bite will be consistently juicy and flavorful.

To use a burger press, simply place a portion of your seasoned ground beef into the press.

Gently press down to flatten and shape the patty.

Next comes the exciting part – flip the mold upside-down onto a piece of waxed paper positioned on the kitchen counter, resulting in a perfectly-formed patty every time.

As some may question the use of a mere quarter pound of meat, it should be noted that utilizinglean ground beefgreatly reduces any shrinkage due to the loss of fat during the cooking process.

Tip! Don’t forget to season your meat on both sides!

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🔑 Key to Success #3 – How to Cook Air Fryer Hamburgers Well Done

The beauty of cookingjuicy air fryer hamburgersin an air fryer is that you have complete control over how well-done you want your patty to be.

But before you begin cooking yourair fryer hamburger patties, make sure you preheat the air fryer for acouple of minutes.

If you’re a fan of a juicy, red center, the rare doneness is for you. Just cook your patty for around 6-7 minutes on each side at a lower temperature.

This will give you a tender and succulent burger with a slightly pink interior.

Medium-Rare

For those who prefer a slightly pink and juicy center with a hint of pink, medium-rare is the way to go.

Cook your patty for 8-9 minutes on each side at a slightly higher temperature.

This will result in a burger that’s cooked through but still maintains its juiciness.

Medium

Moving on to medium, this doneness level is perfect for those who like a little pink in the middle but want a more cooked exterior.

Acook timeof 10-11 minutes will be perfect for a medium hamburger.

The result will be a burger with a juicy center and a slightly charred exterior.

Medium-Well

If you prefer a fully cooked burger with little to no pink, medium-well is a great choice.

Cook your patty for about 12-13 minutes on each side at a higher temperature.

This will give you a burger that’s well-cooked throughout but still retains some juiciness.

Well Done

Finally, if you’re a fan of a well-done burger with no trace of pink, simply cook your patty for around 14-15 minutes on each side at a higher temperature.

This will ensure that your burger is fully cooked and has a deliciously charred exterior.

By checking theinternal temperatureof your burger using ameat thermometer, you can ensure that you hit the exact temperature for perfect results every time.

Like bacon on your burger? Check outthis post.

🧀 A Cheesy Tip for Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Once the hamburger patties have been cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer, it’s time to add aslice of cheeseto each patty.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the powerful fan that circulates thehot airin the Air Fryer.

To avoid thecheese slicesfrom blowing off the hamburger patties and into the bottom of the basket, it’s recommended to turn the Air Fryer OFF before sliding the basket back in for a minute or two.

Theresidual heatin the air fryer will melt the cheese to perfection without any unexpected mishaps.

Add yourfavorite toppingsthen enjoy your perfectly melted cheeseburgers!

Tip! Melt the cheese on your burger by sliding the basket back into the Air Fryer with the appliance turned OFF.

🧄 Seasoning for Flavor

While salt and pepper are the classic go-to options for seasoning agood burger, don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices to create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

Consider adding a sprinkle ofgarlic powderoronion powderto give the burgers a savory kick.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some smoked paprika or chili powder for a hint of smokiness or heat.

Fromsimple seasoningsto the most extravagant blend of flavors, you can’t go wrong with thisair fryer hamburger recipe.

Remember, seasonings not only add flavor but also enhance the overall juiciness of your air fryer hamburgers.

For example, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can help retain moisture and infuse the meat with a burst of aromatic goodness.

Likewise, a touch ofWorcestershire sauceor soy sauce can bring out the natural umami flavors in the beef, resulting in a more satisfying eating experience.

When it comes to seasoning thebest burgers, it’s wise to start with a light hand and gradually adjust to taste.

To get an idea of the flavor profile you prefer, you might want to divide your ground beef mixture into smaller portions and season each one differently.

This way, you can taste test and find the perfect combination before making the entire batch.

🍔 Perfectly Juicy Toppings for Air Fryer Hamburgers

Just like the patty itself, the toppings you choose can make or break the overall taste and experience of your burger.

First up, let’s talk about cheese.

Whether you prefer a classic American cheese or want to explore more adventurous options like blue cheese or pepper jack, adding a slice of ooey-gooey goodness can take your burger from tasty to extraordinary.

The heat from the air fryer will help melt the cheese to perfection, creating a creamy, flavorful layer between the juicy patty and thebrioche buns.

Next, let’s explore the world of sauces and condiments. From tangyBBQ sauceto creamy mayo and spicy Sriracha, the options are endless.

Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve and choose a sauce that complements it.

Now let’s move on to the crunchy and refreshing toppings.

Sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and pickles can add a satisfying texture contrast to the juicy patty.

And if you’re a fan of some heat, thinly sliced jalapenos or banana peppers can provide that extra kick to your burger.

Finally, let’s not forget about the power of onions.

Whether you prefer them raw, caramelized, or grilled, onions can add a depth of flavor that complements the juicy burger.

Raw onions provide a sharp and crisp bite, while grilled orcaramelized onionsoffer a sweeter and more savory taste.

Feel free to experiment with different onion varieties, likered onionor shallots, to find your perfect match.

With the perfect combination of cheese, sauces, crunchy toppings, and onions, you’ll have a burger that bursts with juicy deliciousness in every bite.

🍟 DeliciousSide DishesTheWhole FamilyWill Enjoy

When it comes to indulging in a delicious burger, having the perfect side dish to go along with it can be the cherry on top of a fantastic meal.

Air Fryer French Fries

First up, it’s hard to go wrong with some classic Air FryerFrench fries. These crispy bites pair perfectly with a savory burger, and using an air fryer ensures they come out perfectly golden and crispy every time.

With just a sprinkle of salt and paprika, these fries will have you feeling like you’re dining at your favorite burger joint. And don’t forget thefry sauce!

Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for a healthier option,sweet potato friesare the perfect alternative.

Sweet potatoesare full of vitamins and minerals and offer a unique flavor profile that pairs well with a juicy burger.

Simply cut yoursweet potatoesinto thin strips, toss them in a bit of oil and seasoning, and pop them in the air fryer for a side dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

For those looking to mix things up a bit, bakedsweet potatoesoffer a unique twist on the classic baked potato.

With their sweet and creamy flesh, they add a touch of sweetness to any meal, which is why it’s one of ourfamilyfavoritesides.

To cook them in an air fryer, simply pierce them with a fork and place them directly in the fryer.

In no time, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, tender sweet potato that’s ready to be paired with youryummy burger.

Honorable Mention Side Dish Options

Other options for air fryerside dishesinclude baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, and onion rings.

With so many options to choose from, you’ll never run out of ways to elevate your burger meal.

So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds run wild with these delicious air fryerside dishes.

📌 Get the Printable Recipe for Air Fryer Hamburgers

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