Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

A recipe for making juicy cheeseburgers in an air fryer using an 80/20 ground beef blend, cooked to a perfect crust with melted cheddar cheese and served on toasted buns.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Sliced onions
• Ketchup and mustard
• Optional Toppings: Crispy bacon, Jalapeños, Avocado slices, Barbecue sauce, Mayo

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing because it can make the burgers tough instead of tender.
2. Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create a delicious crust on the burgers.
4. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
5. Cook the patties at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. The burgers are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar cheese on each burger patty. Close the air fryer and allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the burgers.
7. For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes at 350°F.
8. Place the cooked burger patties on the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Do not overcrowd the basket to allow air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked burgers. For food safety, ground beef is generally recommended to be cooked to well done (160°F). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. To reheat, place patties back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.