How to Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer
Learn how to quickly and easily cook burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (or any air fryer!) with this simple step by step recipe.
There’s just something about juicy burgers! Our family loves hamburgers, cheeseburgers and sliders. While our summertime go to technique is the outdoor grill, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could make tender and delicious burgers in the air fryer, too.
Raise your hand if your air fryer is your favorite kitchen appliance too?? Our air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook our favorite foods, making it easier, healthier and faster to whip up delicious dishes.
I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different ways to cook some of our family’s favorite foods, like Air Fryer Breakfast Frittatas and Air Fryer Tyson Chicken Breast Tenderloins. Using the air fryer helps us create a wide variety of meals that are perfect for busy weeknights.
We personally own the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, and I was happy to discover that the classic burger is another dish that can easily be cooked in it. The hamburger patties turn out juicy and delicious with a lot less grease and oil from frying or cooking on the stovetop.
Whether you choose to make hamburgers from scratch, or pop a frozen patty into the air fryer basket, you can make the perfect burger easily at home using your air fryer.
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How Cooking with an Air Fryer Works
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer is a versatile and innovative kitchen appliance that can transform the way we cook traditional dishes. It harnesses the power of hot air circulation to produce tasty, perfectly cooked meals with little to no oil.
The Ninja Foodi XL 10 Quart 6-in-1 is the air fryer my family personally owns and loves. The fact that it has two GIANT baskets is a game changer for us for family dinners. I don’t have to cook our meals in batches, and better yet, the Ninja Foodi allows me to cook two different foods at the same time!
Air fryers typically preheat much faster than traditional ovens, which means we can start cooking our burgers almost instantly. In addition to this, air fryers tend to cook food faster and more evenly thanks to the rapid air circulation!
We are able to make juicy air fryer hamburgers in a fraction of the time using ours!
How to Make Burgers in the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (Fresh or Frozen)
Fair warning: this recipe does NOT include how to make a burger patty from scratch. One of the things we focus on here is fast, simple family meals, so this recipe was designed for minimal effort.
For this recipe, you can grab either the pre-made fresh ground beef burgers from your local grocery stores in the meat section, or a box of frozen, seasoned burgers.
If you would like to make burgers from scratch, just follow the steps below after you form your patties!
How to Cook Fresh Burgers in the Air Fryer
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or oil and preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the device reaches the ideal cooking temperature for the burgers.
While the air fryer is preheating, season your patties. I love to use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper when we are using these at home. Press your thumb into the center of each patty so that the burgers don’t swell in the center while cooking.
Place the prepared hamburgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re evenly spaced to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 9-12 minutes, depending on thickness and how done you want them. Flip them halfway through cooking.
For best results, check your burgers to be sure they don’t overcook using a meat thermometer (it should read at least 160°F /71°C), as each brand of air fryer can cook in a slightly different way.
Once fully cooked, add a slice of cheese if you desire and shut the basket for another minute to let it melt.
If you don’t want cheese, when the burgers reach the desired internal temperature, it’s time to remove them from the air fryer. Use a pair of tongs to carefully lift the patties out of the basket, top and serve!
How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or oil and preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Place the frozen burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being sure there’s enough space between them for the air to circulate. Cook for 14-17 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through cooking.
Depending on thickness, you might need more time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and type of meat used, as well as they type of air fryer, so don’t forget to use your meat thermometer to make sure they’re fully cooked (160°F /71°C).
Once the burgers are fully cooked, use a pair of tongs to remove them from the air fryer. Add your favorite burger toppings and serve.
Tips for Perfect Burgers
- Don’t forget to season patties if you purchase ground beef, ground turkey or plain pre-formed patties at the store to make your own! You want to seasoning to be part of the meat mixture before going into the air fryer.
- For well-done burgers, cook a few minutes longer. If you like your burgers a little pink inside, cook for a little bit less.
- If you want your cheese melted, top your burgers before removing them from the air fryer and cook for an extra minute.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your air fryer burgers reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Burgers
When it comes to enjoying burgers cooked in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, pairing them with the perfect side dishes is essential! Here are a few options your family might enjoy that are easy to prepare:
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Pasta salad
- Potato salad
- Green salad
- Crunchy vegetables, like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower with Ranch dressing for dipping
You can also use your air fryer to easily make sides, like air fryer kale chips.
Don’t forget the condiments and toppings!
Buns: A high quality hamburger bun is a must have. Toasting the inside of the buns is also an excellent idea to add extra flavor and prevent sogginess! Don’t do carbs? Try lettuce wraps instead.
Cheese: American cheese, provolone cheese, Cheddar Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, Pepperjack cheese and mild cheddar cheese are great options for a slice of cheese on top of your flavorful burgers.
Sauces: Barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonaise
Toppings: A good burger needs toppings! Lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, sliced jalapeños, fresh avocado slices or whatever your favorite toppings are will be perfect paired with the crispiness of the air fryer hamburger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer for cooking burgers?
We recommend setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for cooking burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer. This temperature allows for even cooking and a beautiful crust on the outside of the burger.
How long does it take to cook burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer?
The cooking time for burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer varies depending on the thickness of the burger and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-cooked burger, you can expect a cook time of approximately 8-10 minutes. However, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Can I cook frozen burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer and how?
Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer. To do so, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen burgers for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
How do I cook foil-wrapped burgers in an air fryer?
We recommend avoiding aluminum foil wrapped burgers in an air fryer, as the foil can prevent proper circulation of hot air around the burger, leading to uneven cooking results. Instead, you can use parchment paper or simply place the burgers directly in the air fryer basket.
You might also enjoy these recipes:
Crockpot Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole (Hamburger Hash)
How to Cook Burgers in the Air Fryer
Learn how to quickly and easily cook burgers in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (or any air fryer!) with this simple step by step recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh or frozen hamburger patties
- Hamburger Buns
- Sliced Cheese
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or oil and preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, season your patties if using fresh meat. After seasoning, press your thumb into the center of each patty so that the burgers don’t swell in the center while cooking.
- Place the prepared hamburgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re evenly spaced to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 9-12 minutes, depending on thickness and how done you want them. If using frozen burger patties, cook for 14-17 minutes. Flip the burgers halfway through cooking.
- For best results, check your burgers to be sure they don’t overcook using a meat thermometer, as each brand of air fryer can cook in a slightly different way.
- When the burgers reach the desired internal temperature, it’s time to remove them from the air fryer. Use a pair of tongs to carefully lift the patties out of the basket, add your favorite burger toppings and serve!
Notes
- Don’t forget to season patties if you purchase ground beef, ground turkey or plain pre-formed patties at the store to make your own! You want to seasoning to be part of the meat mixture before going into the air fryer.
- For well-done burgers, cook a few minutes longer. If you like your burgers a little pink inside, cook for a little bit less.
- If you want your cheese melted, top your burgers before removing them from the air fryer and cook for an extra minute.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your air fryer burgers reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
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