Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Sauce

A beginner-friendly recipe for smash burgers cooked in an air fryer, featuring crisp edges and a creamy secret sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground chuck
• 4 brioche burger buns, split
• 4 slices of American cheese or sharp cheddar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Thinly sliced red onions (optional)
• Shredded iceberg lettuce (optional)
• Dill pickle chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Stir in the white vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and uniform. Cover and place in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the burgers.
2. Gently divide the 1 lb of cold ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Lightly roll them into loose balls. Do not pack or knead the meat tightly. Season the outside of the beef balls generously with your salt, pepper, and garlic powder mix.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Line your air fryer basket or tray with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers (or lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking).
4. Place the beef balls into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Using a heavy-bottomed spatula, a burger press, or the flat bottom of a heavy glass wrapped in parchment paper, firmly and quickly press straight down on each ball until it is about 1/4-inch thick. The edges should look jagged and thin. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes.
5. Open the air fryer basket during the last minute of cooking and drape a slice of cheese over each hot patty. Close the basket to let the residual heat melt the cheese completely. Optional: Toast your brioche buns in the air fryer at 400°F for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Spread a generous tablespoon of the easy secret sauce onto both the top and bottom halves of each toasted brioche bun. Add shredded lettuce, pickles, and thinly sliced red onions to the bottom bun. Carefully lift the cheesy smash patties out of the air fryer (use two patties per bun if you are making double cheeseburgers) and place them on top. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Notes

Do not use lean ground beef; the fat is essential for crisp edges and juiciness. Do not pack or knead the meat tightly; keeping it loose ensures a tender bite and better texture. A hot air fryer is mandatory to get that quick, crusty sear before the meat overcooks inside. Nutritional information per single burger serving: 540 kcal, 36g Total Fat, 10g Saturated Fat, 85mg Cholesterol, 780mg Sodium, 32g Total Carbohydrates, 1g Dietary Fiber, 6g Sugars, 24g Protein.