Quick Air Fryer Frozen Burgers: Juicy Weeknight Fix (Print Version)

Quick Air Fryer Frozen Burgers are a game-changer! Get juicy, perfectly cooked patties in minutes for an easy, fuss-free weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 2 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Essentials

01 - 2 frozen burger patties (1/3 or 1/4 lb each)
02 - Olive oil spray

→ Bun & Topping Basics

03 - 2 burger buns
04 - 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, etc.)
05 - Lettuce leaves
06 - Tomato slices
07 - Red onion slices

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste
10 - Your favorite condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)

→ Optional Sides

11 - Pickle slices
12 - Bacon strips
13 - Avocado slices

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that air fryer basket ready. I usually give it a quick spray with olive oil. This is super important to prevent sticking, especially with frozen food. I've had patties fuse to the bottom before, and it was a real struggle to get them out, so don't skip this! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. It makes a difference, trust me, for that initial crispness.
02 - Now, carefully place your frozen burger patties in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it! This is crucial for even cooking and getting those crispy edges. I tried cramming too many in once, and they just steamed instead of getting that lovely sear. Leave a little space between each patty, like they're having a tiny social distancing party.
03 - Cook the <span data-keyphrase="Air Fryer Frozen Burgers">Air Fryer Frozen Burgers</span> for 8 minutes. After that time, open the basket and flip them over. You'll see them starting to brown, which is a good sign! This is also when I like to give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It just adheres better to the slightly thawed surface, I've found. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
04 - Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. The total cooking time for <span data-keyphrase="Air Fryer Frozen Burgers">Air Fryer Frozen Burgers</span> really depends on the thickness of your patties and your desired doneness. I always use a meat thermometer; it's honestly the best way to ensure they're safe and perfectly cooked. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for medium-well beef. My thermometer has saved me from undercooked burgers more times than I can count!
05 - If you're adding cheese (and why wouldn't you?), place a slice on each patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Close the air fryer basket and let it melt. That gooey, bubbly cheese just transforms the burger, doesn't it? Sometimes I even put a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the basket for extra steam to help the cheese melt faster, but shhh, that's my secret!
06 - Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the <span data-keyphrase="Air Fryer Frozen Burgers">Air Fryer Frozen Burgers</span> from the air fryer. Let them rest on a plate for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a much juicier burger. While they're resting, I quickly toast the buns in the air fryer for about 30 seconds at 350°F (175°C)—a little trick that makes a huge difference. Assemble with your favorite toppings and condiments, and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer, honestly. I learned that the hard way with soggy patties!
02 - Leftover burgers? Keep the patties separate from the buns to avoid mushiness.
03 - No fancy cheese? A slice of good old American works just fine, I've done it a million times.
04 - A little secret: toast your buns in the air fryer for 30 seconds at the end. Game changer!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-500
Total Fat: 20-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-40g
Protein: 25-35g

Back