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Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers | Juicy & Cheesy 20-Minute Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers | Juicy & Cheesy 20-Minute Recipe

Air frying hamburgers seals in the juices and melts the cheese perfectly without making a messy, grease-splattered stovetop. Ready in just about 20 minutes, these perfectly seasoned, classic diner-style burgers will become your new weeknight favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 fat blend is best for juiciness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, for extra umami
  • 4 slices cheddar American, or Swiss cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Cooking spray for the air fryer basket

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Wide spatula
  • Instant-read meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. 1. Mix the Meat

    In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Do not over-mix, or the burgers will become dense and tough! Use your hands to just fold the spices in.

    2. Form the Patties

    Divide the meat into 4 equal portions. Shape them into patties roughly ½-inch thick. Make them slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking.

    3. Make a Thumbprint

    Press your thumb gently into the center of each patty to create a small indentation. This prevents the burgers from puffing up into thick, football shapes while they air fry.

    4. Prep the Air Fryer

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. (Pro tip: If your air fryer tends to smoke with fatty meats, pour 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom drawer underneath the basket to catch the hot drippings.)

    5. Air Fry

    Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through with a spatula.
    Medium-rare: ~8 minutes (Internal temp: 135°F / 57°C)
    Medium: ~10 minutes (Internal temp: 145°F / 63°C)
    Well-done: ~12 minutes (Internal temp: 160°F / 71°C)

    6. Melt the Cheese

    Once cooked to your preference, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the air fryer basket (with the machine turned off) for 1 minute. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without the fan blowing it off the meat!

    7. Assemble and Serve

    Remove carefully with a spatula, place on your hamburger buns, and add your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, etc.). Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Toast the Buns: While the finished burgers rest, place your split buns face-up in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 2 minutes for a quick, buttery crunch.
  • Cooking Frozen Burgers: You can cook frozen patties straight from the freezer! Just add 3 to 5 minutes to your total cook time.
  • Storage: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
    Never press down on the burgers with your spatula while they cook, and always use the thumbprint trick to keep them flat and incredibly juicy!