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How to Cook Burgers in an Air Fryer
Quick Answer
Air fry fresh burger patties (¾ inch thick, 4–6 oz) at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for medium (160°F), flipping once at 6 minutes. Frozen patties cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes without thawing, flipping once. Ground beef burgers must reach 160°F (71°C) per USDA guidelines. The air fryer produces excellent flavor — rendered fat bastes the patty from the inside.
From the AirFryHub timing table
This guide links back to the canonical timing row for Burgers, so the advice stays aligned with the chart data.
- Temperature
- 375°F / 190°C
- Time range
- 10–14 min
- Table row
- Quarter-pound patty (4 oz / 115 g, ¾ in thick)
Use the full Air Fryer Burgers timing page for row notes, related foods, and safety reminders.
Forming and preparing patties
For air fryer burgers, ¾-inch thick patties produce the best balance of cook time and juiciness. When forming patties, create a slight depression in the center with your thumb — this prevents the burger from puffing up into a dome during cooking as the center heats and contracts. Season the outside surfaces with salt and pepper just before cooking — salting too early draws out moisture.
Cooking step by step
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place patties in a single layer without touching. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip. Continue for 4–6 more minutes. At 10 minutes, check temperature in the center: 160°F is the USDA requirement for ground beef. Add a slice of cheese in the last 2 minutes.
Frozen burgers
Frozen patties cook directly from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipped at 10 minutes. At 10 minutes, the patty will be thawed and browning; check the surface for moisture and pat dry if needed before continuing. Frozen patties may take 17–20 minutes to reach 160°F depending on thickness.
Assembly and serving
While burgers cook, toast buns in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F (cut-side up). Onions and peppers can be placed around the patties and will caramelize by the time the burgers are done. For a smash-style burger, a flat-top or cast iron is better suited — the air fryer does not replicate the smash-burger sear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do you cook burgers in an air fryer?
- At 375°F (190°C): ¼-lb patties (½ inch thick) take 10–12 minutes for medium; ⅓-lb patties (¾ inch) take 12–15 minutes; ½-lb thick patties take 15–18 minutes. Flip once at the midpoint. No preheat is strictly needed, but a preheated basket gives a better sear. Ground beef burgers must reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature — always use a thermometer. Rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Can you cook frozen burgers in an air fryer?
- Yes. Cook frozen burger patties at 375°F (190°C) for 16–20 minutes, flipping once at 8–10 minutes. Drain any liquid from the drawer at the flip. Frozen patties add 5–8 minutes compared to fresh. Always verify 160°F (71°C) internal temperature — frozen beef can look cooked on the outside while remaining undercooked in the center. For frozen turkey burgers, the same process applies; ground turkey also requires 165°F (74°C).
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Last updated June 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Maks