Quick Air Fryer Frozen Burgers: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Quick Air Fryer Frozen Burgers are a game-changer for busy nights! Get crispy, juicy burgers in minutes. My easy recipe makes dinner a breeze.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Eater
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 frozen beef patties (1/3 or 1/4 lb each)
02 -
2 hamburger buns (brioche preferred)
03 -
2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or provolone)
→ Fresh Toppings
04 -
2-4 lettuce leaves
05 -
4-6 tomato slices
06 -
4-6 thin red onion slices
07 -
4-6 dill pickle slices
→ Condiments & Flavor Boosters
08 -
Ketchup, to taste
09 -
Mustard, to taste
10 -
Mayonnaise, to taste
11 -
Optional: Garlic powder or onion powder for patties
→ Optional Sides
12 -
Air fryer fries
13 -
Side salad
14 -
Coleslaw
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those frozen burger patties out of the freezer. No need to thaw them, which is honestly the biggest time-saver here! I usually just unwrap them, maybe give them a quick pat with a paper towel if there’s any frost, and set them aside. This is where I sometimes forget to preheat the air fryer, so don't be like me – get that machine ready! The smell of anticipation starts to build, you know?
02 -
This step is crucial for crispy, delicious burgers. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. I used to skip this, thinking "it's just an air fryer," but trust me, that preheat makes all the difference in getting a nice sear and even cooking. It's like preheating your oven; it just works better. Don't make my mistake of throwing them into a cold basket!
03 -
Carefully place the frozen patties in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it; give them some space to breathe and crisp up. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over. You'll start to see that beautiful browning, and oh, the smell! It’s that unmistakable sizzle and aroma of burgers cooking, making your kitchen smell like a backyard BBQ. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through to your desired doneness.
04 -
Once the burgers are almost done, usually with about 2-3 minutes left in the cooking time, open the basket and place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the air fryer and let it finish cooking. That cheese will melt into gooey perfection, draping over the burger. I always get a little excited watching it get perfectly melty – it's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless!
05 -
While the cheese is melting, you can quickly toast your hamburger buns. I usually pop them into the air fryer basket (after taking the burgers out, of course!) for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden. Or, a quick toast in a pan works too. A slightly crispy bun just takes these burgers to the next level, trust me. It’s a little extra step, but totally worth it!
06 -
Now for the best part! Remove the cheesy burgers from the air fryer. Assemble your burgers on the toasted buns with your favorite toppings: crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, sharp onion, tangy pickles, and a generous dollop of your chosen condiments. The final result should be a perfectly cooked, juicy burger with a beautifully melted cheese. It looks so good, smells incredible, and tastes like pure comfort. Enjoy your quick and easy meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Always preheat your air fryer for the best results, trust me on this!
02 -
Store cooked patties separately from toppings to avoid soggy buns and veggies.
03 -
Try sprinkling a little garlic powder on the frozen patties for an extra flavor boost.
04 -
Serve with crispy air fryer fries and a cold soda for the ultimate easy meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-600
Total Fat: 25-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-45g
Protein: 25-35g