Air Fryer Cheeseburgers: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack!
Craving a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger but don’t want the hassle of firing up the grill? Look no further! These Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are ridiculously easy to make, incredibly delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Forget greasy takeout – with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative for those who live in apartments without grills or when the weather isn’t cooperating. Get ready for burger bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
- Super Quick: Ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy Clean-Up: Minimal mess compared to grilling or pan-frying.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The air fryer seals in all the delicious juices.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
- Healthier Option: Uses less oil than traditional cooking methods. This can be an Easy Healthy Dinner option.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients making it a Cheap Dinners For A Family option.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Your favorite burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based burger alternatives work great.
- Cheese: Use any cheese you like: American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, etc.
- Buns: Gluten-free buns can be used for a gluten-free option.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Slightly flatten the patties in the center to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Air Fry the Patties: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the Burgers: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Add the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt. Avoid opening the air fryer multiple times during the cheese melting and cooking process, or this can delay the process.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the cheeseburgers on the buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Meals!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the patties in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: An accurate meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked burgers.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and prevents sticking.
Variations:
- Spicy Cheeseburgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Mushroom & Swiss Cheeseburgers: Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
- BBQ Cheeseburgers: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with the right sides!
- Air Fryer French Fries: Keep the air fryer theme going with crispy homemade fries.
- Coleslaw: A classic burger side that adds a refreshing crunch.
- Potato Salad: Another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with cheeseburgers.
- Onion Rings: Homemade onion rings add a touch of indulgence. Try making these in the air fryer too, for a great Air Fryer Food dish.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad provides a healthy and refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Leftover cheeseburgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store patties and buns separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Reheat the patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Toast the buns separately.
- Microwave: Reheat the patties in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
FAQ about Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Q: Can I use frozen burger patties?
A: Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Make sure to check the thickness and adjust the time, Frozen burger patties are are great because they are an Easy Weeknight Dinners option.
Q: What temperature should I cook the burgers at?
A: We recommend 375°F (190°C) for juicy and evenly cooked Air Fryer Cheeseburgers.
Q: How do I prevent the burgers from drying out?
A: Avoid overcooking the patties. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C). Adding a little fat to the meat, like ground beef with a higher fat content, also helps keep them juicy.
Q: Can I use my air fryer for other recipes?
A: Absolutely! Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of dishes. You can find many Air Fryer Recipes to try!
Q: What other Healthy Dinner Ideas can I make with an Air Fryer?
A: Aside from Cheeseburgers, An air fryer can be used to make foods such as chicken wings, vegetables, or steaks.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
So, there you have it – the easiest and most delicious Air Fryer Cheeseburgers you’ll ever make! We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, especially on those hectic weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Don’t forget to save this pin to your favorite boards for easy access and share it with your friends and family. Before you go, please leave a comment below to let us know how your burgers turned out. And, if you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Meat thermometer
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- to taste salt
- Your favorite burger toppings lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Instructions
- Prep the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Slightly flatten the patties in the center to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Air Fry the Patties: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the Burgers: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Add the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt. Avoid opening the air fryer multiple times during the cheese melting and cooking process to prevent delay.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the cheeseburgers on the buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Meals!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the patties in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: An accurate meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked burgers.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Variations: Spicy Cheeseburgers, Mushroom & Swiss Cheeseburgers, BBQ Cheeseburgers.
