These Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are juicy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make.
The air fryer gives the burgers a nice browned outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade burger without firing up the grill.
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these cheeseburgers in the air fryer on days when I wanted the taste of a grilled burger without standing outside. The first time I tried them, I was surprised by how juicy they stayed. Now they are one of my favorite quick dinner recipes.
What I love most is that the air fryer does all the work. There is very little mess, and the burgers cook evenly every time.
Reasons I keep making this recipe:
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Juicy burgers with a great texture
- Easy cleanup
- No grill required
- Simple ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize with toppings
What You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- 16 pickle chips
- Optional: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Pro Tips
- Do not overwork the beef when forming patties.
- Press a small dent in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded lettuce and freshly sliced vegetables for the best texture.
- Add the cheese during the last minute so it melts perfectly.
- Let the burgers rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Tools Required
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
- Plate
Substitutions and Variations
- Use pepper jack instead of cheddar cheese.
- Swap brioche buns for sesame seed buns.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Add bacon slices.
- Add sautéed mushrooms.
- Use Swiss cheese or American cheese.
Make Ahead Tips
- Form burger patties up to 24 hours ahead.
- Slice the toppings ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Mix seasonings in advance for quicker prep.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ground beef with 20% fat stays juicy because the fat melts during cooking and helps keep moisture inside the burger. The air fryer circulates hot air around the patties, creating browning on the outside while cooking the inside evenly. Adding cheese at the end prevents overcooking and gives you perfectly melted cheese.
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Season and Form the Patties
Place 1½ pounds ground beef in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Gently mix until combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Press a small dent into the center of each patty.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
Slice 1 medium tomato and ½ medium onion. Separate 4 lettuce leaves and set aside with 16 pickle chips.
Step 3: Air Fry the Burgers
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes. Place the 4 seasoned raw beef patties into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Open the air fryer and place 1 slice cheddar cheese on each cooked burger patty. Cook for 1 more minute until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Place the 4 brioche buns cut-side up in the air fryer and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 6: Build the Cheeseburgers
Place the bottom bun on a plate. Add 1 lettuce leaf, 1 cheeseburger patty, sliced tomato, sliced onion, and 4 pickle chips. Add your favorite condiments and top with the remaining bun.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the beef can make burgers tough.
- Using very lean beef can make burgers dry.
- Skipping the center indentation may cause puffed-up burgers.
- Overcooking the patties can reduce juiciness.
- Adding cheese too early can cause it to overcook.
What to Serve With
- Air fryer French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Fresh fruit salad
Macros Information
Per Cheeseburger (Approximate)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Leftovers and Storage
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep toppings separate for best freshness.
- Reheat patties in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen burger patties?
A: Yes. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Q: What temperature should burgers be cooked to?
A: Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Q: Can I make these without cheese?
A: Absolutely. The burgers are still delicious without cheese.
Q: Which air fryer works best?
A: Any basket-style or oven-style air fryer will work.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches so the air can circulate around the burgers.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are proof that a great burger does not need a grill. They are juicy, flavorful, and quick enough for even the busiest day. The simple ingredients and easy steps make this a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Give them a try, make them your own with your favorite toppings, and come back to share how they turned out. I’d love to hear about your experience and answer any questions you have.