Air Fryer Burger Patties
Air fryer burger patties brown nicely on the outside and stay juicy in the middle in about 12 minutes, with far less mess than frying on the hob. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder seasons the beef mince, and a thumbprint in the middle of each patty stops it bulging as it cooks. Serve them in soft buns with your favourite toppings.
- Total
- 50 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 27 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 500kcal
Ingredients and swaps for air fryer burger patties
Mince with about 20% fat gives the juiciest patties. Leaner 5% mince works but dries out faster, so check it early. Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a finely grated shallot if you want more depth. Turkey or pork mince can replace the beef, but they need the same thorough cooking, to 75°C.
If you do not have garlic or onion powder, use ½ tsp of garlic or onion granules instead, or leave them out and add a little more pepper.
How to make air fryer burger patties
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season Put the beef mince in a bowl with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands, just until the seasoning is spread through. Overworking makes the patties dense.
- Shape and chill Divide the mince into 4 portions of about 125g. Press each into a patty roughly 10cm wide and 2cm thick, then press a shallow dimple into the middle with your thumb. Chill on a plate for , which helps them hold their shape.
- Heat the air fryer Preheat to 200°C for .
- Cook the first side Put 2 patties in the basket, spaced apart, and cook for . A standard basket fits 2 at a time, while a large dual-drawer model (7 litres or more) can take all 4.
- Flip and finish Turn the patties over and cook for more. They must be cooked through with no pink inside and clear juices, which is 75°C on a meat thermometer. Lay a cheese slice on top for the last minute, if using.
- Rest and repeat Rest the patties on a plate for while you cook the next batch, then serve in the buns.
Serving air fryer burger patties
Toast the buns in the basket for a minute, then add the patties, a slice of tomato, lettuce, gherkins and a spoonful of ketchup or burger sauce. Brioche burger buns make a soft, slightly sweet base.
For a lighter swap, try the air fryer chicken burger, which uses the same basket method.
No air fryer? Bake on a lined tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 15–18 minutes, turning once, until 75°C in the centre.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Burger Patties
- The patties shrink and puff up into domes.
- Meat tightens as it cooks. Shape them slightly wider than the bun, and press a dimple into the middle so they stay flat.
- The patties turn out dry.
- Lean mince or overmixing is usually the cause. Choose mince with about 20% fat, handle it as little as possible, and check the temperature a minute early rather than cooking by time alone.
- The cheese slides off or burns.
- Add it only for the last minute of cooking, once the patty is already cooked through, and let it melt without extra time in the basket.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Burger Patties
How long do you cook burger patties in the air fryer?
Cook 125g patties for 10–12 minutes at 200°C, turning once halfway. Thinner patties take a minute or two less, and thicker ones a little longer.
What temperature should burgers be cooked to?
Burgers must be cooked all the way through, to 75°C in the centre (or 70°C held for 2 minutes), with no pink meat and clear juices. Unlike a steak, mince is not safe to serve rare.
Can you cook them from frozen?
Thaw them in the fridge for the best result, since frozen patties cook unevenly. If you do cook from frozen, add about 4–5 minutes and check the centre reaches 75°C.
How do you store leftover cooked patties?
Cool them within an hour or two, then keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 64 ratings
