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Juicy air fryer hamburgers on brioche buns with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauce, on a white plate with ketchup.

Air Fryer Hamburgers

These air fryer hamburgers are a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful patties without the fuss of grilling or stovetop mess. Perfectly cooked in minutes, these homemade air fryer burgers are tender, delicious, and adaptable to all your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon beef base (like Better than Bouillon®)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (195°C) while you prep the patties. Preheating ensures quick, even cooking.
  2. Form the patties: Divide your ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 3/4 inch thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Pro tip: Make the patties slightly larger than your buns—they'll shrink a bit while cooking!
  3. Season the patties: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and beef base until smooth. Brush this mixture lightly onto both sides of your patties, then sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Cook in the air fryer: Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap (you may need to cook in batches). Air-fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium doneness. For well-done burgers, add an extra 2 minutes.

Notes

For best results, handle the meat gently when forming patties to keep them juicy and tender. If your air fryer smokes during cooking, add a few tablespoons of water to the base to prevent grease from burning. Customize your burgers by adding cheese in the last 1-2 minutes or experimenting with your favorite spices and seasoning blends. Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness: 160°F for medium and 170°F for well-done.