A cheeseburger cooked in the air fryer? Yes, you read that right! This Air Fryer Cheeseburger recipe is a game-changer for anyone who craves a juicy, perfectly cooked burger but doesn’t want to deal with the mess and hassle of grilling or stovetop frying. The air fryer cooks the burger to perfection, with a slightly crispy outside and a juicy, tender inside, all in a fraction of the time it takes on the grill.
Making a cheeseburger in the air fryer is super easy and fast, and you can customize it with your favorite seasonings, cheese, and toppings. Whether you prefer a classic hamburger or like to get creative with toppings, this recipe will deliver a satisfying, restaurant-quality burger with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean is ideal for juicy burgers, but you can use leaner cuts if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cheese slices (American, cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot and ready to cook your burgers evenly.
- Prepare the Burger Patties:
- While the air fryer preheats, shape the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties (about 4 ounces each). Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much in the middle.
- Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper (or any other seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika).
- Cook the Burgers:
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure there’s space between each patty to allow for even airflow and cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium-rare burger, aim for 8 minutes; for a medium burger, cook closer to 10 minutes. If you prefer a well-done burger, you can add an extra minute or two.
- Optional: About 1-2 minutes before the burgers are done, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt.
- Toast the Buns (Optional):
- For a slightly crispy bun, place the burger buns (cut side up) in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Toast them lightly until golden brown.
- Assemble the Cheeseburger:
- Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Place each burger patty on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheeseburgers immediately, with a side of fries, chips, or your favorite side dish.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cheeseburgers:
Quick and Easy: Cooking a cheeseburger in the air fryer is incredibly fast—within 10 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, juicy burger. No need to wait for a grill to heat up or deal with stove splatters.
Juicy and Flavorful: The air fryer locks in the juices, ensuring the burgers stay moist and tender while developing a crispy exterior. You won’t miss grilling at all!
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer does all the work with just one appliance, so there’s no greasy pan to clean or grill to scrub. Just wipe down the air fryer basket or tray when you’re done.
Customizable: Make your cheeseburger exactly the way you like it. Whether you like it with melted cheddar, classic American, or something more adventurous like Swiss or pepper jack, the sky’s the limit. You can also swap out the beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties to suit your dietary preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily cook a batch of burgers in the air fryer and store them in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore that fresh, crispy texture.
Tips for Success:
- Check the Internal Temperature: If you’re unsure if the burger is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer. The recommended internal temperatures are:
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium-well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C) or higher.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers rely on good air circulation, so make sure the burgers are not overcrowded. If you’re cooking multiple patties, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Pressing on the Patties: Resist the urge to press down on the burgers while cooking. This can squeeze out the juices and result in a drier burger. Let the air fryer do its magic without pressing the patties.
- Use Fresh Ground Beef: Fresh ground beef tends to produce the juiciest and most flavorful burgers. If you’re using pre-formed patties, just make sure they’re well-seasoned.
- Add Extra Toppings After Cooking: For a cleaner look and to prevent soggy buns, add fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato after the burger has finished cooking. This keeps the veggies crisp.
Nutrition Information (per cheeseburger, approximate, depending on size and toppings):
- Calories: 350-450 kcal (depending on the patty size, bun, and toppings)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g (depending on the bun and toppings)
- Fiber: 1-3g (based on toppings)
- Fat: 20-30g
- Saturated Fat: 8-12g
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depends on cheese and condiments)
- Calcium: 100-150mg
- Iron: 2-3mg
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are a fast, delicious, and healthier way to make a perfect burger without the fuss. With juicy, flavorful patties, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings, these burgers are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, the air fryer makes cooking a breeze with minimal cleanup—perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat.
